Soul Men
By Marhall Fine
Rating:
Who's in it: Samuel L. Jackson, Bernie Mac
What's it about: A pair of retired soul singers who haven't spoken in years reunite for a tribute to their dead partner.
Sad refrain: This shaggy, funny (and foul-mouthed) comedy has a tragic edge to it, because it was the late Bernie Mac's final film (and features a cameo by the late Isaac Hayes as well). Still, Mac will cause giggle attacks with his broad, sputtering performance as an aging singer looking for one last shot at glory. But he has to contend with his ornery ex-partner (Jackson), an ex-con with a long memory for ancient spats. There's an overload of plot to this road movie, with side trips down various versions of Memory Lane. But the music is smokin' and Mac and Jackson, who have great comic chemistry, are surprisingly solid when they start to sing.
Long story short: A familiar tune with enough laughs to keep you watching.
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