“Soul Men” is a rasping, expansive comedy, which generates more or less humorous moments, a couple of moans and a true delight for fans of the musical world it pokes fun at and honors at the same time. While the movie directed by Malcolm D. Lee bears an undeniably lamenting impression, it also represents a rather painful experience for admirers of Isaac Hayes, who has a cameo, and comedian Bernie Mac, who plays Floyd Henderson, the ex-member of a broken-up duo.

As both artists died in August, shortly after filming the movie, “Soul Men” carries a warm touch of nostalgia as it seeps into the amusing happenings Floyd Henderson and his former pal go through on their way to reunion.

The plot makes room for Bernie Mac’s thorough investigation of the fine distinctions and modulations of sacrilege, thus joining up the late actor with an incredible Samuel L. Jackson, who fills the shoes of Louis Hinds, Floyd Henderson’s once-upon-a-time stage co-star.

The charming bond between the two, plus some offensive lines they exchange, boosts the clichéd plot and offers it a magical scene of its own. “Soul Men” flourishes while cutting remarks lose ground in favor of a long-awaited reconciliation of the two ex-members of the Real Deal, a duo that served in the ‘60s and ‘70s as backup singers for back-then celebrity Marcus Hook, played by a legendary John Legend.

Following a row caused by the fact that Floyd stole Louis’ girlfriend, the two are brought back together by the death of Marcus Hook.

In spite of the fact that time set them apart, they decide to perform in a tribute show for the artist after Floyd confronts Louis’ droopy attitude and talks him into singing at the Apollo Theater in Harlem.

Their lives up to the so-called reunion were far from being successful, as Louis spent several years behind bars after robbing banks and Floyd tied the knot with so many women that he can’t even remember what nephew threw him in a retirement center.

On their way, they bump into Isaac Hayes, who plays himself, and several other odd people, including a rap hooligan (Affion Crockett), a dork-ish lad who adores black music (Adam Herschmann) and Cleo (Sharon Leal), the daughter of a woman who both Louis and Floyd were in love with years before.

“Soul Men” is led by the explosive nature of the two characters, as well as by the interesting and warm examination of soul music. The movie’s wistfulness toward long-lost times is lighthearted and peaceful, although the story is more of a frantic and chaotic piece. It’s not the perfect goodbye movie for Bernie Mac, but as it represents one of the actor’s last appearances on big screens, we’ll have to do with “Soul Men.”