BEFORE: A logical (?) follow-up to last night's film - this comedy shows what happens to the members of a soul group years AFTER they break-up, and try to get back together. I prepared for this one by getting my lunch from a take-out place called "Soul Fixins" on 28th St. Smothered chicken, mac 'n cheese, and candied yams - though I usually get the green beans, they make the best damn green beans. That added flavor is soul, I presume.
THE PLOT: Two estranged soul-singing legends agree to participate in a reunion performance at the Apollo Theater to honor their recently deceased band leader.
AFTER: This film was a lot more watchable than last night's film, it was a whole lot funnier and didn't take itself too seriously. Plus it had an original premise - I've never seen a comedy about two group members re-uniting for their friend's funeral. Part road trip, part relationship comedy, part music performance film.
Of course, it's the actors that make the film, and the interplay between Bernie Mac (last seen in "Mr. 3000") and Samuel L. Jackson (last seen in "Patriot Games") went a long way toward making this enjoyable. They really felt like old friends who wanted to kill each other over their old arguments.
The kicker is that they've got to drive together from L.A. to New York - my first thought was "Why don't they just take a plane?", but driving gives them the chance to re-connect, plus perform at clubs along the way to get ready for their show. There are twists and turns along the way, most too choice to reveal here.
However, there was a little too much slapstick, and low humor like dick jokes. Salty language I've got no problem with, but erection gags I can do without. Aim a little higher, guys.
Also starring Sean Hayes (last seen in "The Bucket List"), Adam Herschman (last seen in "Walk Hard"), with cameos from John Legend, Isaac Hayes, Jennifer Coolidge (last seen in "For Your Consideration")
RATING: 6 out of 10 back-up singers
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