"Soul Men" a Fun Look at 60s Motown

Samuel L. Jackson, Bernie Mac Star

Director Malcolm D. Lee takes charge in Soul Men, a 100-minute comedy from Alliance Films and MGM boasts one of the final appearances of Chicago comedian Bernie Mac (Ocean's 11).

Plot of Soul Men

The story of Soul Men goes back to the 60s Motown sound. During that era, a trio of performers rose to the top of the pop chart, but the lead singer decided to go his own way--shades of Diana Ross and The Supremes. Flash forward around 30 years and you have a reunion of sorts in the offing. News of the death of the headliner sees the remaining members of the troop spring into action.

Quick highlights show what's befallen the remaining members of the trio, Louis Hinds and Floyd Henderson. Floyd wants to attend the memorial service at New York's famed Apollo Theatre, while Louis just wants to be left alone. The uproarious Floyd manages to "coerce" Louis to do the show and the pair embark on a cross-country road trip full of song and laughs.

Samuel L. Jason Stars

Both Samuel L. Jackson (Shaft) and Bernie Mac are terrific as the bookends of this group who after years apart somehow must put the hostility aside to do one last show.

Minor moments from Sean Hayes (Pieces of April) and Adam Herschman (Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story) add more to the levity of the situation as pot shots are taken at the music industry.

Tender moments from Sharon Leal (Dreamgirls) mask some of the other ridiculous people, including an obnoxious, unnecessarily over the top boorish boyfriend, to make Soul Men a soulful time at the movies.