'Soul Men' reviewed

"Soul Men" Dimension Films Rating: 2 1/2 stars (out of 4)

In a world where second chance opportunities are merely a pipe dream, "Soul Men" shows that second chance goals can be achieved.

The film features the late Bernie Mac making a rare starring role on the big screen. Mac plays the role of Floyd, a singer in a musical group that also features Samuel L. Jackson's character Louis. The duo had gone their separate ways after the group's breakup, until they find out their lead singer (John Legend) passed away. Louis and Floyd reunite to do one more performance in his honor at the Apollo Theater.

Jackson delivers his usual hard-nose performance, which brings about a great deal of excitement in the movie. His tough demeanor cranks the mood up a notch and delivers many in-your-face moments.

It isn't often audiences see Mac in a starring role, but he handles the expanded screen time well, all while adding a great deal of depth to his character. His emotion in the film is powerful at times and he establishes a strong rapport with Jackson.

The elephant in the room is noticeable throughout the movie, though. It's difficult to forget about the deaths of Mac and Isaac Hayes, who also has a role in the film. In one scene, the pair is found in a coffin with Legend's character, the late lead singer. Throughout the movie, jokes about death are made constantly, including one where Mac's character contemplates suicide. The element of the actors' deaths casts a shadow over the film and makes it difficult to laugh at the jokes.

Aside from decent performances, the film is mediocre at best. Even though it exceeds expectations with a strong story, the humor is vulgar. Jackson and Mac may have set a new record for the number of "F-bombs" dropped in a movie in less than two hours. The duo's humor is childish and well below what the two long-time actors could accomplish.

The film strives for mediocrity and accomplishes its goal. Still, "Soul Men" is worth seeing, even if only for Mac's final performance.

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