Movie review: The late Bernie Mac steals the show in "Soul Men"

Bernie Mac passed away unexpectedly in August, and his second-to-last film, "Soul Men," is sad proof that he will be sorely missed. He was simply a funny man.

"Soul Men" is about the two surviving members of a Motown-like singing trio who get back together to perform one more time at the funeral of their partner, which is going to be at the famous Apollo Theater in Harlem. The problem is that the two surviving members hate each other and have long standing grudges that range from women to artistic to financial.

Floyd Henderson (Bernie Mac) and Louis Hinds (Samuel L. Jackson) were really just the backup singers for Marcus (John Legend), who left the group at the height of its popularity for a successful solo career. Suddenly left to their own devices, Floyd and Louis attempted to cash in on their dwindling popularity by putting out an album of their own, which crashed and burned.

Floyd then left the music business and opened a car wash chain that made him rich, and Louis tried his luck at crime and went to jail. Both ended up unhappy.

After a funny reunion, the men hit the road for a cross-country trip that just might bring them some cash, and reconciliation. Whatever the outcome, be prepared for a very satisfying conclusion. "Soul Men" was a joy to watch. It's a musical and a road movie, and it's very funny.

The actors Bernie Mac and Samuel L. Jackson riff off each other with such ease that had Mac lived on it's obvious they would have teamed up again. Mac clearly rubbed some funny on Jackson — I've never seen him play it this loose before. I think it's safe to assume Bernie Mac made everyone around him funny.

A slight word of warning to those not familiar with Bernie Mac: He cusses, a lot. But fear not, it's not ugly or sad or degrading. As one character in the film puts it, "They're great guys, but they sure say mother------ a lot!"

Interestingly, director Malcolm Lee is the cousin of Spike Lee, and though the film's trailer seemed to suggest the storyline was over the top and a bit stilted, Lee's direction was spot on and accomplished. For the music? Well, Stanley Clarke did it right. Don't know great jazz musician Stanley Clarke? Do yourself a favor and find out.