There is no doubt that critics and audiences alike were nervous about "Soul Men" in light of the passing of two of its stars. Would it do justice to the legacy of Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes, or would it ultimately tarnish their reputations? Judging by the trailers, it looked conventional, lowbrow and just plain bad. It may indeed be conventional and a tad lowbrow, but thanks to a breezy tone and sincere, hilarious performances by Mac and Samuel L. Jackson, "Soul Men" is one of the better comedies this fall.
"Soul Men" tells the tale of two former bandmates, Louis Hinds (played by Jackson) and Floyd Henderson (Mac), who used to be part of the soul trio Marcus Hook and the Real Deal. They had gone their separate ways and faded into obscurity after Hook (John Legned) went solo, but following his death, they decide to participate in one last reunion performance at the Apollo to honor their deceased band leader.
The back story of these men and the evolution of their group is told through a light-hearted and amusing narration at the beginning of the film; it creates a sort of revisionist history of music, dressing up rising superstar Hook in the stage costumes of real-world, iconic musicians. This refreshing style does not encompass the entirety of the film, which instead reverts to a more traditional presentation.
This conventional approach is unfortunate, as the film lacks innovation. Henderson is itching to get back on stage, as he feels useless in his old age, and Hinds is reluctant to work pro bono with his former partner, whom he hasn't spoken with in 20 years. Once he is finally convinced, Hinds reveals that he doesn't travel by plane, thus paving the way for ... a road trip! Along the way, the men repair their friendship, overcome obstacles and hone their performance skills, as they race to the Apollo in time for the big show.
Screenwriting team Robert Ramsey and Matthew Stone ("Intolerable Cruelty," 2003) fails to deliver fresh comedy. Viagra? Check. Weight gain? Check. Wannabe gangsters? Check. But although their material is often recycled, they aren't afraid to get a little raunchy, and their tendency toward outrageous situations saves many scenes. Director Malcolm Lee (the underrated "Undercover Brother," 2002) guides the action with a light touch and has a finely tuned sense of timing, never letting a scene overstay its welcome.
Mac and Jackson's fantastic chemistry leaves one to wonder why they have never been paired in a film before. Jackson's sarcastic and reluctant Hinds makes a great foil for Mac's enthusiastic, sensationalistic Henderson, and their repartee is a continual source of mirth throughout the film, whether they're bickering over their performance, sleeping arrangements or even gun control.
Mac and Jackson also display great range; though the movie is primarily a comedy, the humor is levied against some serious underpinnings, such as failure, fatherhood and spousal abuse. Both lead actors deliver respectable emotional weight. Interestingly, the director decided to substantially re-edit the film to soften its tone in the wake of its actors' deaths, leaving the film's ultimate dramatic potential unknown. Lee seamlessly executed the new direction, making it feel as if a lighter tone was the original intention.
The best moments of "Soul Men" don't take place in a hotel room or on the highway but on stage. Throughout the film, Henderson and Hinds take to the stage and perform classic soul tunes to warm up for their final gig. Here, Mac and Jackson sing all the tunes themselves, doing a fantastic job. Their characters' relationship is healed through their passion for music, and they themselves have a wonderful time performing. It's simply a joy to watch.
"Soul Men" is much better than the sum of its parts. On paper, it's just a run-of-the-mill buddy road movie. But on screen, it's a fitting farewell to a beloved comedian: big on laughs with a touch of heart and a lot of soul.
