Jump to content

Soul Men: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Content deleted Content added
No edit summary
 
(41 intermediate revisions by 20 users not shown)
Line 8: Line 8:
| producer = [[David T. Friendly]]<br>Charles Castaldi<br>Steve Greener
| producer = [[David T. Friendly]]<br>Charles Castaldi<br>Steve Greener
| writer = Robert Ramsey <br/> Matthew Stone
| writer = Robert Ramsey <br/> Matthew Stone
| starring = [[Samuel L. Jackson]]<br/>[[Bernie Mac]]<br/>[[Sharon Leal]]<br/> [[Isaac Hayes]]<br>[[Affion Crockett]]<br/>Adam Herschman<br>[[John Legend]]
| starring = [[Samuel L. Jackson]]<br/>[[Bernie Mac]]<br/>[[Sharon Leal]]<br/> [[Sean Hayes]]<br>[[Affion Crockett]]<br/>Adam Herschman<br>[[John Legend]]
| narrator = [[Randy Jackson]]
| narrator = [[Randy Jackson]]
| music = [[Stanley Clarke]]
| music = [[Stanley Clarke]]
Line 20: Line 20:
| language = English
| language = English
| budget = $40 million
| budget = $40 million
| gross = $12.3 million<ref>{{cite web|title=Soul Men|work=[[Box Office Mojo]]|url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=soulmen.htm}}</ref>
| gross = $12.3 million<ref>{{cite web|title=Soul Men|work=[[Box Office Mojo]]|url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=soulmen.htm|access-date=2009-07-31|archive-date=2011-08-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110828033503/http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=soulmen.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}
}}


'''''Soul Men''''' is a 2008 American [[musical film|musical]] [[comedy film]] directed by [[Malcolm D. Lee]], and starring [[Samuel L. Jackson]], [[Bernie Mac]], [[Sharon Leal]] and [[Sean Hayes (actor)|Sean Hayes]], released on November 7, 2008. It was one of three Bernie Mac films that were released after his death (and was actually released on the same date as another posthumous film, ''[[Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa]]'').
'''''Soul Men''''' is a 2008 American [[musical film|musical]] [[comedy film]] directed by [[Malcolm D. Lee]], and starring [[Samuel L. Jackson]], [[Bernie Mac]], [[Sharon Leal]] and [[Sean Hayes (actor)|Sean Hayes]], released on November 7, 2008. It was one of three Mac's films that were released after his death (and was actually released on the same date as another posthumous film, ''[[Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa]]'').


Bernie Mac and [[Isaac Hayes]] died in unrelated circumstances on August 9 and 10, 2008, respectively.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nme.com/news/isaac-hayes/38798|title=Isaac Hayes and Bernie Mac star in new film|date=2008-08-11|publisher=NME.com}}</ref> Director Lee said the film was heavily re-edited to soften the tone of the film, as a tribute to the two actors.
Mac and [[Isaac Hayes]] died on August 9 and 10, 2008, respectively.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nme.com/news/isaac-hayes/38798|title=Isaac Hayes and Bernie Mac star in new film|date=2008-08-11|publisher=NME.com|access-date=2008-08-11|archive-date=2016-08-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808041604/http://www.nme.com/news/isaac-hayes/38798|url-status=live}}</ref> Director Lee said the film was heavily re-edited to soften the tone of the film, as a tribute to the two actors.


It is the last [[The Weinstein Company|Weinstein Company]] film to be distributed by [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer]].
It is the last [[The Weinstein Company|Weinstein Company]] film to be distributed by [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer]].

Critical reviews were mixed, and ''Soul Men'' was not a financial success.


==Plot==
==Plot==
{{expandsect|date=December 2022}}
{{More plot|date=December 2022}}
Soul band The Real Deal, which consisted of lead singer Marcus Hooks and backup singers Floyd Henderson and Louis Hinds, were popular back in their time. However, Marcus would eventually leave to strike out on his own as a solo artist while Louis and Floyd had a fallout that leads to them not speaking to each other for the next 30 years. Floyd, who recently retired and transferred his car dealership business to his nephew, was having difficulty adjusting to his new life. He received the news of the passing of Marcus. Louis, an ex-con who became an auto mechanic, was contacted by successful executive Danny Epstein. Danny asked Louis to perform at the [[Apollo Theater]] with Floyd as a tribute to Marcus, but Louis declines. As Louis arrived home, he finds Floyd in his apartment. They have a disagreement about going to the concert until Floyd mentions that they will be paid $40,000, which was later revealed to be a lie. Louis would reluctantly agree to travel with Floyd across the country together for the reunion concert. They first stopped and stayed at a hotel in [[Flagstaff, Arizona]].
Two former backup [[Soul music|soul]] singers, Louis Hinds and Floyd Henderson, who have not spoken to each other in 30 years since their band ended, reluctantly agree to travel across the country together for a reunion concert to honor their recently deceased band member and [[lead singer]], Marcus Hooks.

They perform at the hotel, which turns out to be a disaster. As Floyd and Louis have an argument on stage after the failed performance, they recall the cause of the fallout in the first place involving Floyd sleeping with Louis's girlfriend. The next morning, they stop in the middle of the road after having car trouble. They hear their old song being played on the radio, and they start dancing reminiscing on their time as a group. Then Floyd and Louis performed at another hotel in [[Amarillo, Texas]], and this time it was a success. While having dinner with Louis, Floyd sees a groupie named Rosalee. He leaves with her to his room to have sex as Rosalee removes her [[dentures]].

The following morning, Floyd, still erected from the previous night, appears on the balcony and sees Louis. As Rosalee appears on the balcony with Floyd, Louis also has a much younger woman named Chastity, who appeared to be Rosalee's daughter. Floyd and Louis escapes the hotel when Chastity's father arrive. As they stopped for gas, Floyd and Louis realize they have no money after being robbed by the same two women they each were with. So they contact Phillip, an intern who works for Danny, to provide funding for their trip. Unable to receive anything from Phillip, they arrive in [[Tulsa, OK]] at the home of Odetta, the woman they knew when they were younger. They see a man named Lester, a rapper and drug dealer, answers the door. Then they meet Cleo, Odetta's daughter. And she informs them Odetta died of [[cancer]]. Floyd and Louis hears a baseline playing in the house, and they see Lester illegally samples one of their old records with his friends Bay-Bay and Zig-Zag. Cleo then ends the argument among the men. One night, Louis sees Cleo singing and playing on her piano, seeing she has musical talent.

The next morning as they ask Cleo if she wants to go to [[Memphis, Tennessee]] with them, they see she was physically abused by Lester. Louis then confronts Lester. Lester pulls out a gun but is then manhandled by Louis. Louis forces Lester to apologize to both Floyd and Cleo, then breaks Lester's arm. Floyd, Louis and Cleo meet with Phillip at the hotel in Memphis. After each of Louis and Floyd's reservations were declined due to previous damages they've caused to the hotel years prior, Phillip covers their reservations. Floyd and Louis perform at the hotel, this time with Cleo as their lead singer. Her performance attracts the attention of fellow soul singing legend Isaac Hayes. Lester follows the group to Memphis, and then abducts Phillip. Floyd was about to tell Cleo that he is her father, only to find out that he isn't. Floyd then discovers, according to Cleo, that Louis is actually her father. And a physical altercation ensues between Floyd and Louis over the matter. Louis stated after the fight that it was a bad idea to be in Cleo's life because he ruined his own. Cleo, hearing his statement, runs away in tears. Lester tried to confront Louis and Floyd in retaliation but is subdued by both. Floyd and Louis are then arrested.

Floyd is released, but Louis stays in custody due to his parole violation. Floyd later breaks Louis out under the belief that he was dying. They track down Bay-Bay and Zig-Zag, who were with Lester when he tried to confront them earlier. They steal their car as they are fugitives of the law. As they're driving to New York for their concert, they discovered Phillip was stuffed in the trunk the whole time. Phillip contacts Danny about The Real Deal still on their way to perform. However, Phillip is fired, and Floyd and Louis were removed from the show. They still attend the Apollo Theater for their performance. After arriving, Floyd convinces Danny to let them back in the show, confiding that Louis is dying. Isaac Hayes greets them at their dressing room and surprises them with Cleo appearing. As Louis and Cleo reconcile, Louis experiences pain in the abdomen.

What was believed to be life threatening, Louis reveals he just has a [[kidney stone]]. When the police arrived at the theater, Louis and Floyd runs into hiding, unaware they were hiding in a piano shaped casket where Marcus's body lays. The casket opens, and Floyd and Louis steps out on to the stage to perform their hit "Walk In the Park", once again with Cleo before being taken back into police custody. An epilogue reads that after Floyd and Louis were released on good behavior, they went back touring with Cleo as their new lead singer, and Phillip as their new manager.


==Cast==
==Cast==
Line 38: Line 50:
*[[Bernie Mac]] as Floyd Henderson
*[[Bernie Mac]] as Floyd Henderson
*[[Sharon Leal]] as Cleo Whitfield
*[[Sharon Leal]] as Cleo Whitfield
*[[Affion Crockett]] as Lester Whitfield
*[[Sean Hayes (actor)|Sean Hayes]] as Danny Epstein
*[[Affion Crockett]] as Lester "The Court Jester"
*[[Fatso-Fasano]] as Bay-Bay
*Adam Herschman as Phillip
*Jackie Long as Zig-Zag
*Adam Herschman as Philip
*[[Fatso-Fasano]] as Pay-Pay
*[[Jackie Long]] as Zig-Zag
*[[Sean Hayes]] as Danny Epstein
*[[John Legend]] as Marcus Hooks
*[[John Legend]] as Marcus Hooks
*[[Jennifer Coolidge]] as Rosalee
*[[Jennifer Coolidge]] as Rosalee
Line 55: Line 67:
==Production==
==Production==
===Music===
===Music===
The score for the film was composed by [[Stanley Clarke]]. The song, "I'm Your Puppet" , which serves as the fictional trio's 1969 hit single, was actually a hit for [[James & Bobby Purify]] in 1966. The official soundtrack was released November 4, 2008 by [[Stax Records]], and features music by [[John Legend]], [[Isaac Hayes]], [[Sharon Jones (singer)|Sharon Jones]] and the Dap Kings, and others.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Men-Original-Soundtrack/dp/B001DZLAXM|title=Soul Men|date=4 November 2008|accessdate=10 September 2017|website=Amazon.com}}</ref>
The score for the film was composed by [[Stanley Clarke]]. The song, "[[I'm Your Puppet]]", which serves as the fictional trio's 1969 hit single, was actually a hit for [[James & Bobby Purify]] in 1966. The official soundtrack was released November 4, 2008 by [[Stax Records]], and features music by [[John Legend]], [[Isaac Hayes]], [[Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings]], and others.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Men-Original-Soundtrack/dp/B001DZLAXM|title=Soul Men|date=4 November 2008|accessdate=10 September 2017|website=Amazon.com|archive-date=5 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305125234/http://www.amazon.com/Soul-Men-Original-Soundtrack/dp/B001DZLAXM|url-status=live}}</ref>


==Reception==
==Reception==
[[File:BernieMacSoulMenMarch08.jpg|thumb|right|Bernie Mac on the set of the film in March 2008]]
[[File:BernieMacSoulMenMarch08.jpg|thumb|right|Bernie Mac on the set of the film in March 2008]]
[[File:Samuel L. Jackson, Gabe Witcher, and Bernie Mac in December 2007.jpg|thumb|right|Jackson and Mac with [[Gabe Witcher]] prerecording songs for the film in December 2007]]
[[File:Samuel L. Jackson, Gabe Witcher, and Bernie Mac in December 2007.jpg|thumb|right|Jackson and Mac with [[Gabe Witcher]] prerecording songs for the film in December 2007]]
''Soul Men'' received generally mixed reviews from film critics. Based on 98 reviews, [[Rotten Tomatoes]] reported that 46% of critics gave the film a positive review stating that "''Soul Men'' features lively performances from [[Bernie Mac]] and [[Samuel L. Jackson]], and some hilarious moments, but ultimately suffers from an unoriginal script."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/10009635-soul_men/ | title=Soul Men Movie Reviews, Pictures | publisher=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] | accessdate=2008-11-08}}</ref> [[Metacritic]], another review aggregator, reported that critics gave the film an average score of 49/100, based on 23 reviews.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/film/titles/soulmen | title=Soul Men(2008):Reviews | publisher=[[Metacritic]] | accessdate=2008-11-08}}</ref>
''Soul Men'' received mixed reviews from film critics. Based on 100 reviews, [[Rotten Tomatoes]] reported that 45% of critics gave the film a positive review stating that "''Soul Men'' features lively performances from [[Bernie Mac]] and [[Samuel L. Jackson]], and some hilarious moments, but ultimately suffers from an unoriginal script."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/10009635-soul_men/ | title=Soul Men Movie Reviews, Pictures | publisher=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] | accessdate=2008-11-08}}</ref> [[Metacritic]], another review aggregator, reported that critics gave the film an average score of 49/100, based on 23 reviews.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/film/titles/soulmen | title=Soul Men(2008):Reviews | publisher=[[Metacritic]] | accessdate=2008-11-08}}</ref> [[Roger Ebert]] of ''The Chicago Sun-Times'' gave the ''Soul Men'' three stars out of a possible four, saying it "will make you miss Bernie Mac" and also allowed Mac to hint at talent with dramatic roles that the comedian rarely had a chance to explore.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/soul-men-2008 |title=Back again! Unfortunately, not exactly together again! Movie review (2008) &#124; Roger Ebert |access-date=2024-09-28 |archive-date=2021-05-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504160820/https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/soul-men-2008 |url-status=live }}</ref>


The film opened at #6 with $5,000,000 behind ''[[Zack and Miri Make a Porno]]'', ''[[Changeling (film)|Changeling]]'', ''[[High School Musical 3: Senior Year]]'', ''[[Role Models]]'', and ''[[Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa]]'' (which, coincidentally,
The film opened at #6 with a gross of about $5 million, behind ''[[Zack and Miri Make a Porno]]'', ''[[Changeling (film)|Changeling]]'', ''[[High School Musical 3: Senior Year]]'', ''[[Role Models]]'', and ''[[Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa]]'' (the latter also featured Mac; both films are dedicated in his memory).<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/chart/?view=&yr=2008&wknd=45&p=.htm | title=Weekend Box Office Results from 11/7 - 11/9 | publisher=[[Box Office Mojo]] | date=2008-11-09 | accessdate=2008-11-15 | archive-date=2011-06-07 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607182618/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/chart/?view=&yr=2008&wknd=45&p=.htm | url-status=live }}</ref> At the conclusion of its domestic theatrical run on February 5, 2009, the film's gross was $12,082,391.
Mac was also in; both films are dedicated in his memory).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/chart/?view=&yr=2008&wknd=45&p=.htm | title=Weekend Box Office Results from 11/7 - 11/9 | publisher=[[Box Office Mojo]] | date=2008-11-09 | accessdate=2008-11-15}}</ref> At the conclusion of its domestic theatrical run on February 5, 2009, the film's gross was $12,082,391.


Director Malcolm D. Lee said the movie was a failure because "nobody gave a shit about two old R&B singers."<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-08-02|title=Malcolm D. Lee, director of the record-breaking Girls Trip, feels like he's still paying his dues.|url=https://story.californiasunday.com/malcolm-lee-almost-famous|access-date=2021-05-05|website=The California Sunday Magazine|language=en}}</ref>
Director Malcolm D. Lee said the movie was a box office failure because "nobody gave a shit about two old R&B singers."<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-08-02|title=Malcolm D. Lee, director of the record-breaking Girls Trip, feels like he's still paying his dues.|url=https://story.californiasunday.com/malcolm-lee-almost-famous|access-date=2021-05-05|website=The California Sunday Magazine|language=en|archive-date=2021-05-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505031329/https://story.californiasunday.com/malcolm-lee-almost-famous/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Lawsuit===
In February 2009, singer [[Sam Moore]] of the musical duo [[Sam & Dave]] filed suit against The Weinstein Company and other producers. Moore alleged [[copyright infringement]] on the marks "Soul Man" and "Soul Men", claiming the movie is based on the careers of Sam & Dave who did not speak for years after a feud, and had a major hit with the 1967 song "[[Soul Man (song)|Soul Man]]". The suit also claimed the film damaged Moore's reputation and career. The judge agreed there were "broad similarities" between Moore's life and the film's story, but also noted Moore was not named in the film and there no evidence the film was ever confused with reality. Thus, the case was dismissed on [[summary judgment]] in May 2012.<ref>{{cite web|title=How the Weinsteins Beat 'Soul Man' Singer Sam Moore in an Important Lawsuit|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/weinstein-sam-moore-lawsuit-330072|first=Eriq|last=Gardner|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=2012-05-29|access-date=2013-03-22|archive-date=2013-08-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130830173532/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/weinstein-sam-moore-lawsuit-330072|url-status=live}}</ref>


==Home media==
==Home media==
The film was released on DVD on February 10, 2009 and by the 5th week, about 483,360 units have been sold, bringing in $9,443,721 in revenue. This does not include [[Blu-ray Disc]] sales.<ref name="boxofficegross">{{cite web|accessdate=2008-11-09|url=http://www.the-numbers.com/movies/2008/SOULM.php|title=Soul Men
The film was released on DVD on February 10, 2009 and by the 5th week, about 483,360 units have been sold, bringing in $9,443,721 in revenue. This does not include [[Blu-ray Disc]] sales.<ref name="boxofficegross">{{cite web|accessdate=2008-11-09|url=http://www.the-numbers.com/movies/2008/SOULM.php|title=Soul Men|publisher=[[The Numbers (website)|The Numbers]]|archive-date=2024-10-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008034357/https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Soul-Men#tab=summary|url-status=live}}</ref>
|publisher=[[The Numbers (website)|The Numbers]]}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
Line 76: Line 89:


==External links==
==External links==
*{{IMDb title|1111948|Soul Men}}
* {{IMDb title|1111948}}
* {{Amg movie|418663|Soul Men}}
* {{rotten-tomatoes|10009635-soul_men|Soul Men}}
*{{rotten-tomatoes|10009635-soul_men|Soul Men}}


{{Malcolm D. Lee}}
{{Malcolm D. Lee}}


[[Category:2008 films]]
[[Category:2008 films]]
[[Category:2008 comedy films]]
[[Category:2008 musical films]]
[[Category:2000s American films]]
[[Category:2000s English-language films]]
[[Category:2000s musical comedy films]]
[[Category:2000s musical comedy films]]
[[Category:2000s road movies]]
[[Category:African-American comedy films]]
[[Category:American musical comedy films]]
[[Category:American musical comedy films]]
[[Category:American road movies]]
[[Category:Dimension Films films]]
[[Category:Dimension Films films]]
[[Category:Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer films]]
[[Category:English-language musical comedy films]]
[[Category:The Weinstein Company films]]
[[Category:2000s English-language films]]
[[Category:Films scored by Stanley Clarke]]
[[Category:Films about singers]]
[[Category:Films about singers]]
[[Category:Films directed by Malcolm D. Lee]]
[[Category:Films directed by Malcolm D. Lee]]
[[Category:Films scored by Stanley Clarke]]
[[Category:Films set in 2008]]
[[Category:Films set in Manhattan]]
[[Category:Films set in Manhattan]]
[[Category:Films set in Memphis, Tennessee]]
[[Category:Films set in Memphis, Tennessee]]
[[Category:Films set in 2008]]
[[Category:Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer films]]
[[Category:2000s road movies]]
[[Category:The Weinstein Company films]]
[[Category:American road movies]]
[[Category:African-American comedy films]]
[[Category:2008 comedy films]]
[[Category:2000s American films]]

Latest revision as of 21:35, 21 December 2024

Soul Men
Theatrical release poster
Directed byMalcolm D. Lee
Written byRobert Ramsey
Matthew Stone
Produced byDavid T. Friendly
Charles Castaldi
Steve Greener
StarringSamuel L. Jackson
Bernie Mac
Sharon Leal
Sean Hayes
Affion Crockett
Adam Herschman
John Legend
Narrated byRandy Jackson
CinematographyMatthew F. Leonetti
Edited byWilliam Henry
Paul Millspaugh
Music byStanley Clarke
Production
companies
Dimension Films[1]
Friendly Films[1]
Distributed byThe Weinstein Company[1]
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer[1]
Release date
  • November 7, 2008 (2008-11-07)
Running time
100 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$40 million
Box office$12.3 million[2]

Soul Men is a 2008 American musical comedy film directed by Malcolm D. Lee, and starring Samuel L. Jackson, Bernie Mac, Sharon Leal and Sean Hayes, released on November 7, 2008. It was one of three Mac's films that were released after his death (and was actually released on the same date as another posthumous film, Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa).

Mac and Isaac Hayes died on August 9 and 10, 2008, respectively.[3] Director Lee said the film was heavily re-edited to soften the tone of the film, as a tribute to the two actors.

It is the last Weinstein Company film to be distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

Critical reviews were mixed, and Soul Men was not a financial success.

Plot

[edit]

Soul band The Real Deal, which consisted of lead singer Marcus Hooks and backup singers Floyd Henderson and Louis Hinds, were popular back in their time. However, Marcus would eventually leave to strike out on his own as a solo artist while Louis and Floyd had a fallout that leads to them not speaking to each other for the next 30 years. Floyd, who recently retired and transferred his car dealership business to his nephew, was having difficulty adjusting to his new life. He received the news of the passing of Marcus. Louis, an ex-con who became an auto mechanic, was contacted by successful executive Danny Epstein. Danny asked Louis to perform at the Apollo Theater with Floyd as a tribute to Marcus, but Louis declines. As Louis arrived home, he finds Floyd in his apartment. They have a disagreement about going to the concert until Floyd mentions that they will be paid $40,000, which was later revealed to be a lie. Louis would reluctantly agree to travel with Floyd across the country together for the reunion concert. They first stopped and stayed at a hotel in Flagstaff, Arizona.

They perform at the hotel, which turns out to be a disaster. As Floyd and Louis have an argument on stage after the failed performance, they recall the cause of the fallout in the first place involving Floyd sleeping with Louis's girlfriend. The next morning, they stop in the middle of the road after having car trouble. They hear their old song being played on the radio, and they start dancing reminiscing on their time as a group. Then Floyd and Louis performed at another hotel in Amarillo, Texas, and this time it was a success. While having dinner with Louis, Floyd sees a groupie named Rosalee. He leaves with her to his room to have sex as Rosalee removes her dentures.

The following morning, Floyd, still erected from the previous night, appears on the balcony and sees Louis. As Rosalee appears on the balcony with Floyd, Louis also has a much younger woman named Chastity, who appeared to be Rosalee's daughter. Floyd and Louis escapes the hotel when Chastity's father arrive. As they stopped for gas, Floyd and Louis realize they have no money after being robbed by the same two women they each were with. So they contact Phillip, an intern who works for Danny, to provide funding for their trip. Unable to receive anything from Phillip, they arrive in Tulsa, OK at the home of Odetta, the woman they knew when they were younger. They see a man named Lester, a rapper and drug dealer, answers the door. Then they meet Cleo, Odetta's daughter. And she informs them Odetta died of cancer. Floyd and Louis hears a baseline playing in the house, and they see Lester illegally samples one of their old records with his friends Bay-Bay and Zig-Zag. Cleo then ends the argument among the men. One night, Louis sees Cleo singing and playing on her piano, seeing she has musical talent.

The next morning as they ask Cleo if she wants to go to Memphis, Tennessee with them, they see she was physically abused by Lester. Louis then confronts Lester. Lester pulls out a gun but is then manhandled by Louis. Louis forces Lester to apologize to both Floyd and Cleo, then breaks Lester's arm. Floyd, Louis and Cleo meet with Phillip at the hotel in Memphis. After each of Louis and Floyd's reservations were declined due to previous damages they've caused to the hotel years prior, Phillip covers their reservations. Floyd and Louis perform at the hotel, this time with Cleo as their lead singer. Her performance attracts the attention of fellow soul singing legend Isaac Hayes. Lester follows the group to Memphis, and then abducts Phillip. Floyd was about to tell Cleo that he is her father, only to find out that he isn't. Floyd then discovers, according to Cleo, that Louis is actually her father. And a physical altercation ensues between Floyd and Louis over the matter. Louis stated after the fight that it was a bad idea to be in Cleo's life because he ruined his own. Cleo, hearing his statement, runs away in tears. Lester tried to confront Louis and Floyd in retaliation but is subdued by both. Floyd and Louis are then arrested.

Floyd is released, but Louis stays in custody due to his parole violation. Floyd later breaks Louis out under the belief that he was dying. They track down Bay-Bay and Zig-Zag, who were with Lester when he tried to confront them earlier. They steal their car as they are fugitives of the law. As they're driving to New York for their concert, they discovered Phillip was stuffed in the trunk the whole time. Phillip contacts Danny about The Real Deal still on their way to perform. However, Phillip is fired, and Floyd and Louis were removed from the show. They still attend the Apollo Theater for their performance. After arriving, Floyd convinces Danny to let them back in the show, confiding that Louis is dying. Isaac Hayes greets them at their dressing room and surprises them with Cleo appearing. As Louis and Cleo reconcile, Louis experiences pain in the abdomen.

What was believed to be life threatening, Louis reveals he just has a kidney stone. When the police arrived at the theater, Louis and Floyd runs into hiding, unaware they were hiding in a piano shaped casket where Marcus's body lays. The casket opens, and Floyd and Louis steps out on to the stage to perform their hit "Walk In the Park", once again with Cleo before being taken back into police custody. An epilogue reads that after Floyd and Louis were released on good behavior, they went back touring with Cleo as their new lead singer, and Phillip as their new manager.

Cast

[edit]

Production

[edit]

Music

[edit]

The score for the film was composed by Stanley Clarke. The song, "I'm Your Puppet", which serves as the fictional trio's 1969 hit single, was actually a hit for James & Bobby Purify in 1966. The official soundtrack was released November 4, 2008 by Stax Records, and features music by John Legend, Isaac Hayes, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, and others.[4]

Reception

[edit]
Bernie Mac on the set of the film in March 2008
Jackson and Mac with Gabe Witcher prerecording songs for the film in December 2007

Soul Men received mixed reviews from film critics. Based on 100 reviews, Rotten Tomatoes reported that 45% of critics gave the film a positive review stating that "Soul Men features lively performances from Bernie Mac and Samuel L. Jackson, and some hilarious moments, but ultimately suffers from an unoriginal script."[5] Metacritic, another review aggregator, reported that critics gave the film an average score of 49/100, based on 23 reviews.[6] Roger Ebert of The Chicago Sun-Times gave the Soul Men three stars out of a possible four, saying it "will make you miss Bernie Mac" and also allowed Mac to hint at talent with dramatic roles that the comedian rarely had a chance to explore.[7]

The film opened at #6 with a gross of about $5 million, behind Zack and Miri Make a Porno, Changeling, High School Musical 3: Senior Year, Role Models, and Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (the latter also featured Mac; both films are dedicated in his memory).[8] At the conclusion of its domestic theatrical run on February 5, 2009, the film's gross was $12,082,391.

Director Malcolm D. Lee said the movie was a box office failure because "nobody gave a shit about two old R&B singers."[9]

Lawsuit

[edit]

In February 2009, singer Sam Moore of the musical duo Sam & Dave filed suit against The Weinstein Company and other producers. Moore alleged copyright infringement on the marks "Soul Man" and "Soul Men", claiming the movie is based on the careers of Sam & Dave who did not speak for years after a feud, and had a major hit with the 1967 song "Soul Man". The suit also claimed the film damaged Moore's reputation and career. The judge agreed there were "broad similarities" between Moore's life and the film's story, but also noted Moore was not named in the film and there no evidence the film was ever confused with reality. Thus, the case was dismissed on summary judgment in May 2012.[10]

Home media

[edit]

The film was released on DVD on February 10, 2009 and by the 5th week, about 483,360 units have been sold, bringing in $9,443,721 in revenue. This does not include Blu-ray Disc sales.[11]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d "AFI|Catalog".
  2. ^ "Soul Men". Box Office Mojo. Archived from the original on 2011-08-28. Retrieved 2009-07-31.
  3. ^ "Isaac Hayes and Bernie Mac star in new film". NME.com. 2008-08-11. Archived from the original on 2016-08-08. Retrieved 2008-08-11.
  4. ^ "Soul Men". Amazon.com. 4 November 2008. Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 10 September 2017.
  5. ^ "Soul Men Movie Reviews, Pictures". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 2008-11-08.
  6. ^ "Soul Men(2008):Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved 2008-11-08.
  7. ^ "Back again! Unfortunately, not exactly together again! Movie review (2008) | Roger Ebert". Archived from the original on 2021-05-04. Retrieved 2024-09-28.
  8. ^ "Weekend Box Office Results from 11/7 - 11/9". Box Office Mojo. 2008-11-09. Archived from the original on 2011-06-07. Retrieved 2008-11-15.
  9. ^ "Malcolm D. Lee, director of the record-breaking Girls Trip, feels like he's still paying his dues". The California Sunday Magazine. 2018-08-02. Archived from the original on 2021-05-05. Retrieved 2021-05-05.
  10. ^ Gardner, Eriq (2012-05-29). "How the Weinsteins Beat 'Soul Man' Singer Sam Moore in an Important Lawsuit". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on 2013-08-30. Retrieved 2013-03-22.
  11. ^ "Soul Men". The Numbers. Archived from the original on 2024-10-08. Retrieved 2008-11-09.
[edit]