Samuel L. Jackson and the late Bernie Mac play Louis Hinds and Floyd Henderson, a couple of retired soul singers inspired to make a comeback when their partner Marcus Hooks (John Legend) dies. The plot is pretty conventional as Louis and Floyd take a road trip from Los Angeles to the Apollo in New York, where they plan to perform at a memorial service. Along the way, they discover Louis’ daughter Cleo (Sharon Leal) can sing and bring her along. Their de facto manager Phillip (Adam Herschman) meets them in Memphis and joins the ride too. As routine as it all is, the chemistry between Mac and Jackson is terrific, and the two deliver their funny, expletive-laced lines as if they’re not even scripted. HH 1/2

This article appears in Oct 29 – Nov 4, 2008.

Jeff has been covering the Cleveland music scene for more than 25 years now. On a regular basis, he tries to talk to whatever big acts are coming through town. And if you're in a local band that he needs to hear, email him at jniesel@clevescene.com.