This review is about the classic 1986 film Soul Man, starring C. Thomas Howell and Rae Dawn Chong. This film tells the story of Mark Watson (Howell), a young man desperate for money to pay for college, who takes a drastic measure to get it – he pretends to be African American in order to receive a scholarship reserved for black students. Through this comedic and yet thought-provoking story, director Steve Miner explores themes of identity, race, privilege, and more.

The movie features strong performances from both Howell and Chong as they try to navigate the complex issue of race and identity. The script also adds an element of humor that helps lighten the mood of the movie while still tackling serious topics. The production values are also noteworthy; the cinematography captures the beauty of California nicely.

Overall, Soul Man is an enjoyable, funny, and important film that tackles some difficult issues with grace and wit. Its thoughtful message is still relevant today and it’s definitely worth watching. In the next part of this review, we’ll take a look at some of the key features, product details, pros, and cons of this classic movie.

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Soul Man Review

Soul Man

This classic comedy starring C. Thomas Howell will have you laughing out loud! Directed by Steve Miner, Soul Man follows Mark Watson (Howell) as he attempts to con his way into Harvard Law School. With an incredible cast including Rae Dawn Chong, James Earl Jones, and Arye Gross, Soul Man will keep you entertained from start to finish.

Key Features:

Starring: C. Thomas Howell, Rae Dawn Chong, James Earl Jones, and Arye Gross

Director: Steve Miner

Genre: Comedy

Rating: PG-13

Soul Man is the ultimate feel-good movie! Join Mark Watson as he embarks on a journey of self-discovery while attempting to uphold his family’s legacy at Harvard Law. Along the way, he meets some unforgettable characters that help him come to terms with his own identity and realize what is truly important in life. With its lighthearted humor and touching moments, Soul Man offers a unique perspective on race relations in America. Whether you’re looking for a good laugh or an inspiring story of perseverance, this movie has something for everyone!

Product Details

Product	Details
Movie Title	Soul Man
Starring	C. Thomas Howell, Rae Dawn Chong and Arye Gross
Director	Steve Miner
Release Date	November 21, 1986 (USA)
Genre	Comedy , Drama
Format Type	DVD
Aspect Ratio	1.85:1 (Widescreen)

Soul Man Pros and Cons

1. Soul Man: A Classic Comedy Film

Soul Man, starring C. Thomas Howell, Rae Dawn Chong, and James Earl Jones, is a classic comedy film from 1986 that will leave you in stitches! While the plot may be a bit dated, the humor and charm of this movie still stands up to this day. The story follows Mark Watson (Howell) who pretends to be black in order to win a scholarship to an exclusive college. With the help of his friend Sydney (Chong), Mark is able to successfully pass as African American, though his ruse eventually gets him into some hot water.

Pros:

The cast features great comedic performances from Howell, Chong, and Jones.

The lighthearted tone keeps the movie entertaining without getting too preachy.

The film’s dialogue is filled with clever one-liners.

Cons:

The plot may be considered outdated by today’s standards.

A few jokes don’t land due to their dated nature.

Overall, Soul Man is an enjoyable comedy film that stands the test of time. It’s full of humorous moments and provides plenty of laughs along the way. Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic watch or just want a bit of lighthearted fun, Soul Man delivers. So grab your popcorn and get ready for some classic laughs!

Who are They for

Soul Man is a classic comedy from 1986 starring C. Thomas Howell and Rae Dawn Chong. The film follows Mark Watson (Howell), a gifted college student who wants to attend Harvard Law School but can’t afford the tuition. To come up with the money he needs, Mark takes advantage of a loophole in the school’s admissions process and applies as an African American student. With the help of his friend, Jack (James Earl Jones), Mark transforms himself into “Soul Man” and embarks on a hilarious journey of self-discovery.

The film has become a cult classic for its witty writing, stellar performances, and excellent soundtrack. Soul Man is full of memorable moments, quotable lines, and plenty of heart. C. Thomas Howell shines in his breakthrough role as the smooth-talking Soul Man, while Rae Dawn Chong delivers a heartfelt performance as the love interest. James Earl Jones also shines in his supporting role as Jack, providing much needed wisdom and comic relief throughout the movie.

Soul Man is sure to entertain viewers of all ages with its mix of humor and heartwarming sentimentality. If you’re looking for an old-school comedy that will make you laugh and think, this is it!

My Experience for Soul Man

I recently watched the movie Soul Man on Amazon, and I was absolutely blown away! I had no idea what to expect when I started watching it, but C. Thomas Howell’s performance as Mark Watson (the main character) was remarkable. He had me laughing out loud throughout the entire movie! Soul Man is an inspiring story of a young man who decides to take a chance and apply for a scholarship at Harvard Law School.

I found myself rooting for Mark every step of the way as he struggles with the challenge of being accepted into such a prestigious institution, while also having to deal with his own internal conflicts. The film does an incredible job of showing how difficult it can be for someone to realize their dreams, especially when they come from a disadvantaged background.

But despite all the obstacles in his way, Mark never gives up, and eventually finds success by using creativity and determination to overcome any problem that comes his way. It’s an inspiring story that shows us that anything is possible if you put your soul into it!

The performances by both Howell and Rae Dawn Chong (as his love interest) were absolutely fantastic and made this movie even more enjoyable. If you’re looking for an uplifting story about perseverance and personal growth, then Soul Man is definitely worth checking out!

What I don’t Like

1. Outdated – The movie was released in 1986, so the acting, effects, and dialogue are dated and may not appeal to all viewers.
2. Typical 80’s Plot – Soul Man has a typical 80’s plot with predictable jokes and an overly idealistic ending.
3. Lack of Diversity – Unfortunately, this movie does not feature any people of color or even female characters in prominent roles.
4. Cheesy Acting – The acting is generally quite cheesy and over-the-top, which can be distracting at times.
5. Poor Character Development – Most of the characters lack depth and development, making it difficult to become invested in the story.

How to Enjoy the Classic 80s Film Soul Man

If you’re looking for an entertaining movie from the 1980s, Soul Man is a great choice. This classic film stars C. Thomas Howell as Mark Watson, a Harvard-bound student who needs money for tuition and decides to use tanning pills to pass himself off as African American in order to get a scholarship. Along the way, he meets Sarah Walker ( Rae Dawn Chong), who helps him realize that “being black isn’t just about the color of your skin.”

This hilarious film will have you laughing and learning valuable lessons at the same time. Here are some tips on how to enjoy this classic movie:

1. Gather Friends and Family

Invite your friends and family over for a movie night with Soul Man. Pop some popcorn, make some snacks, and have fun discussing the movie afterwards. This is a great opportunity to learn more about racial identity and discuss important topics like privilege and cultural appropriation.

2. Watch With Your Kids

Soul Man is rated PG-13 but can still be enjoyed by children of all ages. The movie focuses on important lessons like understanding other cultures and appreciating diversity. Watching it with your kids can spark meaningful conversations about race, privilege, and acceptance – all while having fun!

3. Have a Movie Marathon

If you enjoy Soul Man, why not have an 80s movie marathon? Invite your friends over for an evening of classic films from the decade – including Soul Man! Not only will you have a great time watching these movies together, but you’ll also get to experience a blast from the past!

No matter how you choose to watch it, Soul Man is sure to bring plenty of laughs and lessons for everyone involved. So gather your friends and family, pop some popcorn, and enjoy this classic film!

Questions about Soul Man

Can I watch Soul Man on my TV?

Yes, you can watch Soul Man on your TV. You can purchase the DVD or Blu-ray version and play it on your TV’s DVD player. Additionally, you can find digital versions of the movie available for streaming with compatible devices.

Does Soul Man have subtitles?

Yes, Soul Man has English subtitles as an option. You can turn them on or off depending on your preference while watching the movie.

Are there any bonus features included with Soul Man?

Yes, there are several bonus features included with the DVD and Blu-ray version of Soul Man. These include an audio commentary by director Steve Miner, a making-of featurette, deleted scenes, and more.

Ray Cooley

I'm a movie enthusiast with a passion for discovering the latest and greatest films. I love to watch movies with friends, discuss them online, and share my thoughts about them in reviews. The only thing I enjoy more than watching a great film is telling others why it's so special!