An inescapably plaintive atmosphere seeps into “Soul Men,” an upcoming comedy that represents not only one of the last big screen appearances by Bernie Mac, but also includes a short appearance by legendary musician Isaac Hayes, whose death followed Bernie Mac’s in August.

The film’s plot may not be amazingly original, but Bernie Mac stands out as the sensitive and faintly hung-up Floyd Henderson, an out of the frame soul music star who is tired of retirement. “Soul Men” flourishes as a result of the cutting remarks and abuses Floyd Henderson exchanges with his ex band mate, Louis Hinds, whose rough yet strange idealistic attitude is guided by Samuel L. Jackson (“Lakeview Terrace”).

Floyd Henderson and Louis Hinds were well known in the ‘60s and ‘70s as backup singers for celebrity Marcus Hook (John Legend). They also performed as a duo, dubbed The Real Deal. However, they went their separate ways after Henderson stole Hinds’ girlfriend. When Hook dies, Henderson confronts Hinds’ apathetic mind-set and talks him into traveling across the country in order to perform in Hook’s tribute show. Thus, the two hit the road, and both humor and unevenness arise.

“Soul Men” is not one of the best comedies depicting two estranged pals coming together, but the movie’s magic is brought by the delightful bond between Bernie Mac and Samuel L. Jackson. The chemistry that connects them makes the film seem out of this world. And this comes as further proof to the fact that the actor’s death was a true tragedy.