Iffy for 16+
Late great Bernie Mac's last laugh is for adults.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this risqué comedy is the last film to star popular comedian Bernie Mac, who died a few months before its release. It also stars Samuel L. Jackson; younger fans of either actor may want to see the film, but it's not being targeted to kids or teens. The jokes -- and sex scenes -- are definitely R-rated (breasts and buttocks are shown during love scenes, and there's frequent strong language and plenty of Viagra jokes). That said, despite the raunchiness, there are overarching themes of friendship, loyalty, redemption, and seizing opportunities.
- Families can talk about the movie's themes regarding second chances. How do Floyd and Louis help each other? What do they learn on their cross-country adventure? Families can also discuss how the movie handles stereotypes. Are some of the jokes exploitative? If so, why? Is this a fitting end to Mac's comedic legacy?
The good stuff
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Messages: There are discussions of race, class, and criminal behavior. A mother tells her daughter she has "shamed her family" by sleeping with a black man. But the real message is about making the most of rare opportunities and putting the past behind you to forge a better future.
What to watch for
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Violence: A character smacks another character in the face; a woman is bruised by her boyfriend; a man accidentally shoots a gun in another man's direction.
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Sex: Love-making scenes include topless women; one woman's buttocks are shown; Viagra, erections, masturbation, and oral sex are discussed.
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Language: Strong and frequent: "f--k," "motherf---er," "s--t," "piss," "ass," "a--hole." Characters call other black characters a version of the "N" word.
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Consumerism: Featured products and brands include VH1, Flavor of Love, the Apollo Theater, Cadillac El Dorado, and the Peabody Hotel in Memphis.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Characters drink on several occasions; one man sells pot, but only the money (no drugs) is visible in the exchange.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Excellent movie by hodelu
I highly recommend this movie to all to watch. The movie is not only funny, but it has moments where you see them dance, fight, and unite for a common good. In the end, they pay tribute to both Bernie Mac and Isacc Hayes. It was definitely worth my $20.
5
Truly Missed Actors by Darkcocoa47
This movie was truly excellent! I laughed the entire time. Bernie Mac and Issac Hayes are truly missed. Great job on the last effort. There were a couple slow spots, but well worth it. I am going to see it again.
5
I laughed until I cried by shonda35215
The late Bernie Mac and Mr. Samuel L.Jackson, and don't let me forget the thug (I can't remember his name), were very funny in this movie.The movie was worth every penny. I laughed until I cried. To be honest the whole cast was hilarious. Im going to see the movie again and buy it when comes out on DVD.
5
EXCELLENT!!!! by CubeOnFire
I Loved this movie!!!! I saw it two times and plan on seeing it again!!!! Too bad they cant make a sequel. :(
4
Soul Man by jmt
i found this movie to be very entertaining. it was humerous ,had a good story line. I really enjoyed it. Howerver ,beause of the deaths of Bernie Mack & Issac Hayes there was sadness also.
5
Soul Men by Sugarmeat
Soul Men was not only full of laughs but it also kept you guessing. We were pleasantly surprised at many of the outcomes of the various situation. It is a must-see.
4
Soul Men by sucka4movies
For the most part I couldn't stop laughing through movie. There is a lot of profanity so I would not suggest anyone bringing kids.
5
Soul Men by CDWILL
It was a wonderfully entertaining film. Bernie Mack and Samuel Jackson delivered with believable performances.. Only the jailbreak was unbelievable, but overall a good movie.
5
Soul Men by tgcdc
This movie was absolutely a MUST SEE - that is - if you want to laugh and just enjoy a couple of hours. Bernie Mac is a fool, cant get enuff of his funny stuff - and dont leave when the credits go on - the bloopers are great - and after one scene, when the cameras stop shooting the movie scene Bernie Mac goes into a comedy routine that is hilarious. Anyone who remembers the late sixties and the SEVENTIES (best decade of all) you will love this movie. Dont wait for it to come on cable - take a couple of hours and go get some humor therapy.
1
Disappointed... by lameishasherri
I've became a Bernie Mac fan long before the Original Kings of Comedy. I'm 28 now and can remember staying up late as a young girl to watch his show on HBO (sneaking of course just like my parent's generation would sneak and listen to Richard Pryor, Redd Foxx records. And though I will miss him dearly I was disappointed in the content of this film. It's definitely NOT for children and even some adults. Every other word was an F-bomb and sexual content was really explicit. What got me though were the final takes shown as the credits rolled. Now that's the Bernie Mac I want to remember!