Release calendarTop 250 moviesMost popular moviesBrowse movies by genreTop box officeShowtimes & ticketsMovie newsIndia movie spotlight
    What's on TV & streamingTop 250 TV showsMost popular TV showsBrowse TV shows by genreTV news
    What to watchLatest trailersIMDb OriginalsIMDb PicksIMDb SpotlightFamily entertainment guideIMDb Podcasts
    OscarsEmmysSan Diego Comic-ConSummer Watch GuideToronto Int'l Film FestivalSTARmeter AwardsAwards CentralFestival CentralAll events
    Born todayMost popular celebsCelebrity news
    Help centerContributor zonePolls
For industry professionals
  • Language
  • Fully supported
  • English (United States)
    Partially supported
  • Français (Canada)
  • Français (France)
  • Deutsch (Deutschland)
  • हिंदी (भारत)
  • Italiano (Italia)
  • Português (Brasil)
  • Español (España)
  • Español (México)
Watchlist
Sign in
  • Fully supported
  • English (United States)
    Partially supported
  • Français (Canada)
  • Français (France)
  • Deutsch (Deutschland)
  • हिंदी (भारत)
  • Italiano (Italia)
  • Português (Brasil)
  • Español (España)
  • Español (México)
Use app
  • Cast & crew
  • User reviews
  • Trivia
  • FAQ
IMDbPro

Soul Men

  • 2008
  • R
  • 1h 40m
IMDb RATING
6.4/10
12K
YOUR RATING
Samuel L. Jackson and Bernie Mac in Soul Men (2008)
This is the theatrical trailer for Soul Men, directed by Malcolm Lee
Play trailer2:33
2 Videos
25 Photos
SatireComedyDramaMusic

Though it's been about twenty years since they have spoken with one another, two estranged soul-singing legends agree to participate in a reunion performance at the Apollo Theater to honor t... Read allThough it's been about twenty years since they have spoken with one another, two estranged soul-singing legends agree to participate in a reunion performance at the Apollo Theater to honor their recently deceased band leader.Though it's been about twenty years since they have spoken with one another, two estranged soul-singing legends agree to participate in a reunion performance at the Apollo Theater to honor their recently deceased band leader.

  • Director
    • Malcolm D. Lee
  • Writers
    • Robert Ramsey
    • Matthew Stone
  • Stars
    • Samuel L. Jackson
    • Bernie Mac
    • Sharon Leal
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.4/10
    12K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Malcolm D. Lee
    • Writers
      • Robert Ramsey
      • Matthew Stone
    • Stars
      • Samuel L. Jackson
      • Bernie Mac
      • Sharon Leal
    • 33User reviews
    • 51Critic reviews
    • 49Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 3 nominations total

    Videos2

    Soul Men: Trailer
    Trailer 2:33
    Soul Men: Trailer
    Soul Men: Tribute To Bernie Mac (Exclusive)
    Clip 1:57
    Soul Men: Tribute To Bernie Mac (Exclusive)
    Soul Men: Tribute To Bernie Mac (Exclusive)
    Clip 1:57
    Soul Men: Tribute To Bernie Mac (Exclusive)

    Photos25

    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    + 19
    View Poster

    Top cast70

    Edit
    Samuel L. Jackson
    Samuel L. Jackson
    • Louis Hinds
    Bernie Mac
    Bernie Mac
    • Floyd Henderson
    Sharon Leal
    Sharon Leal
    • Cleo
    Adam Herschman
    Adam Herschman
    • Phillip
    Sean Hayes
    Sean Hayes
    • Danny Epstein
    Affion Crockett
    Affion Crockett
    • Lester
    Terrell J. Ramsey
    Terrell J. Ramsey
    • Pay-Pay
    • (as Fatso Fasano)
    Jackie Long
    Jackie Long
    • Zig-Zag
    Mike Epps
    Mike Epps
    • Duane Henderson
    John Legend
    John Legend
    • Marcus Hooks
    Isaac Hayes
    Isaac Hayes
    • Isaac Hayes
    Vanessa del Rio
    Vanessa del Rio
    • Full-Figured Neighbor
    P.J. Byrne
    P.J. Byrne
    • Floyd's Doctor
    Ken Davitian
    Ken Davitian
    • Ardesh Kezian
    Jennifer Coolidge
    Jennifer Coolidge
    • Rosalee
    Sara Erikson
    Sara Erikson
    • Chastity
    Soledad O'Brien
    Soledad O'Brien
    • Self
    Randy Jackson
    Randy Jackson
    • Narrator
    • (voice)
    • Director
      • Malcolm D. Lee
    • Writers
      • Robert Ramsey
      • Matthew Stone
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews33

    6.412K
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5
    6
    7
    8
    9
    10

    Featured reviews

    10redmms5

    Excellent Movie

    I just returned from seeing "Soul Men". I laughed so hard. Samuel L Jackson is such a versatile actor. I love him in so many movies. Sam and Bernie played well off each other. And please stay for the credits because there is some scenes of Bernie being interviewed and doing his comedy act. He uses the f word in his act.

    It was very funny seeing Sam in corn rows and with the gray in them. That alone is worth seeing.

    It was very nice that they dedicated the movie to Bernie Mac and Issac Hayes who died one day apart from each other. They will both be missed.

    Samuel keep on making these wonderful movies.
    7cosmyin2004

    A nice film : R.I.P Bernie Mac

    This film is somewhat a good film, it surprises me with nice jokes and good old school songs. By the way the voices in the songs are their own and may I add are good musical voices, original ones :D. I gave it 7 * mostly because of Bernie. S.L. Jackson played very well,tough as usual.Nevertheless a film to see with your family on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, a film about friendship,at least the last part :P, friends sometimes find them hating each other,for different reasons, but love finally conquers all, doesn't it ?????. Cool ending! I recommend this movie for the people who don't expect the terrible laugh of another tipical comedy.P.S. Rest in peace Bernie!Loved your films, your are one of the Kings of Comedy
    7intelearts

    Double Mac and Jackson please!

    Soul Man is was it is... crude, rude, and genuinely funny. It has two of the hardest working actors in showbiz - the late great Bernie Mac and Samuel L Jackson as two has been soul stars on a road trip to a funeral / tribute concert of the late great Marcus Hook (John Legend).

    This is comedy at full speed, it makes no apologies and takes no prisoners - but is also genuinely full of laughs.

    All in all I think Mac wouldn't mind this being his last movie - never a man for great subtlety here the pair look like they had a lot of fun making this and the best bits are the improv off-script rants.

    It's no comedic masterpiece, and the plot is cheesy, and the whole thing is just a beer and pizza adventure - but you have to admire the energy and fun.

    A fitting tribute to Bernie Mac who loved life and people and was a very very, very hard-working stand-up comic.
    10DunnDeeDaGreat

    A soulful comedy for all tastes

    I had a chance to see an advance screening of Soul Men and I must say it's a highly enjoyable comedy that's a true testament to the comedic skills of both Samuel L. Jackson and the late great Bernie Mac. The trailer pretty much explains the plot, so there's no need to go into detail here but I will say that more than music the film for me was about the friendship between the characters portrayed by Mac & Jackson. Jackson who in my opinion has never handled lead comedic roles very well has a chance to shine here. As for Mac in his last role he's in top form and the comedic chemistry of the two is reminiscent of the Bill Cosby & Sidney Poitter vehicles of the seventies. As for the supporting roles Affion Crockett has a few scene stealing moments and the lovely Sharon Leal continues to make a name for herself. The direction by Malcolm D. Lee is sharp and on par with his previous films Roll Bounce & Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins, while the script by Robert Ramsey and Matthew Stone is the duo's best script since 1999's Life. Watching the end credits of the film which is a heart warming tribute to Mac we given in a chance to look into a man who was more than a comic but an entertainer who loved his craft. Soul Men is a film filled with plenty of soul and is easily one of Mac's best films.
    8hu675

    Familiar although enjoyable comedy of redemption and friendship.

    A former back-up singer turns car salesman Floyd Henderson (The late Bernie Mac) recently retired somewhere in California. He finds out that the lead singer of their previous soul band Marcus Hooks (John Legend) recently died of a heart attack. Their former manger Mr. Epstein is taking over by his son Danny (Sean Hayes), who wants Floyd to sing for Hooks' tribute concert at the Apollo Theater in New York City. But Danny wants the former second back-up singer turned former criminal Louis Hinds (Samuel L. Jackson) to sing at the concert as well. At first, Louis refuses until Floyd convinces him to do the tribute for money. But Louis and Floyd haven't sing for nearly thirty years! There's some personal problems between these two former friends to solved before reaching the tribute concert of the late former colleague.

    Directed by Malcolm D. Lee (The Best Man, Roll Bounce, Welcome Back Roscoe Jenkins) made an enjoyable loose comedy about music, friendship and redemption. Jackson and Mac are extremely well cast in their roles. They actually sing pretty well with some dance moves. Also this was one of the better roles that Mac got to play before he passed on unexpectedly. In some ways "Soul Men" is "Grumpy Old Men" with soul music and a little "Midnight Run" throw in for good measure. No one could curse vulgarity as funny as Jackson and Mac would say.

    The DVD has an sharp anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1) transfer and an good Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. The DVD has a lively audio commentary track by the director and screenwriters Matthew Stone & Robert Ramsey. The DVD also has plenty of short featurettes of behind the scenes footage, interviews with the cast & filmmakers and tributes to the late Bernie Mac and Oscar-Winner Issac Hayes (Also his last film in a brief supporting role). The only two things are missing from the DVD is Deleted Scenes and Outtakes, which the filmmakers mention in the commentary track that a couple of sequences were cut. "Soul Men" was a box office disappointment and the film critics has mixed opinions but it will certainly found an audiences an Blu-ray/DVD and on television... sooner or later. Die-Hard fans of Jackson and especially Mac will have a blast with this movie. Jennifer Coolidge in a small memorable supporting part (Best known as Stifler's Mom in the "American Pie" series) has an genuinely funny sequences with Mac. This has a pretty good soundtrack as well. Certainly worth a look. Super 35. (*** 1/2 out of *****).

    More like this

    Mr. 3000
    5.6
    Mr. 3000
    Guess Who
    5.9
    Guess Who
    Why Do Fools Fall in Love
    6.4
    Why Do Fools Fall in Love
    Pride
    6.3
    Pride
    All About the Benjamins
    5.8
    All About the Benjamins
    9.2
    Starting Under
    The Man
    5.5
    The Man
    The Janky Promoters
    5.1
    The Janky Promoters
    Strictly Business
    5.5
    Strictly Business
    Johnson Family Vacation
    4.6
    Johnson Family Vacation
    The Players Club
    5.8
    The Players Club
    Mo' Money
    5.5
    Mo' Money

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes died just one day apart. Mac died on August 9, 2008, and Hayes died on August 10.
    • Goofs
      When Louis is in the Eldorado with Floyd, and they flash a silver .38 pistol. After they almost crash, the .38 is a black .22 pistol.
    • Quotes

      Louis Hinds: [opens the door for Floyd to leave] get the fuck out.

      Floyd Henderson: Well, I guess you don't give a fuck about the money then, huh?

      Louis Hinds: What money? It's a funeral! Don't nobody get paid to sing at no damn funeral!

      [suddenly looks at Louis and raises his eyebrows]

      Louis Hinds: How much?

      Floyd Henderson: Forty grand.

      Louis Hinds: [closes the door] Apiece?

      Floyd Henderson: No, down the middle.

      Louis Hinds: No, no, no, no, no, no, no, NO. That ain't even enough.

      Floyd Henderson: The fuck you mean "that's not enough", man?

      Louis Hinds: I got a lifestyle to maintain here!

      Floyd Henderson: What kinda lifestyle, man? You filthy motherfucker! You got a pantry full of dogfood, but I don't see no dog!

      Louis Hinds: Dog under the bed, Nigga! You lucky he ain't attacked your ass when you came in!

      Floyd Henderson: YOU THE DOG, MOTHERFUCKER!

    • Connections
      Featured in Siskel & Ebert: Quantum of Solace/Madagascar 2/Soul Men/Repo! The Genetic Opera/The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (2008)
    • Soundtracks
      Soul Music
      Written by Frank Fitzpatrick

      Performed by Anthony Hamilton

      Produced by Scott Bomar

      Anthony Hamilton appears courtesy of So So Def/Zomba Records

    Top picks

    Sign in to rate and Watchlist for personalized recommendations
    Sign in

    FAQ19

    • How long is Soul Men?Powered by Alexa

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • November 7, 2008 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Cool Men
    • Filming locations
      • Louisiana, USA
    • Production companies
      • Dimension Films
      • Friendly Films (II)
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $12,082,391
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $5,401,605
      • Nov 9, 2008
    • Gross worldwide
      • $12,331,637
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 1h 40m(100 min)
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • DTS
      • Dolby Digital
      • SDDS
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.35 : 1

    Contribute to this page

    Suggest an edit or add missing content
    • Learn more about contributing
    Edit page

    More to explore

    Recently viewed

    Please enable browser cookies to use this feature. Learn more.
    Get the IMDb App
    Sign in for more accessSign in for more access
    Follow IMDb on social
    Get the IMDb App
    For Android and iOS
    Get the IMDb App
    • Help
    • Site Index
    • IMDbPro
    • Box Office Mojo
    • License IMDb Data
    • Press Room
    • Advertising
    • Jobs
    • Conditions of Use
    • Privacy Policy
    • Your Ads Privacy Choices
    IMDb, an Amazon company

    © 1990-2025 by IMDb.com, Inc.