Soul Food

1997

Soul Food

Critics Consensus

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81%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 42

86%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 20,810
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Soul Food Photos

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Movie Info

This hit domestic comedy-drama concerned the fortunes of an extended African-American family recalled through the eyes of young narrator Ahmad (Brandon Hammond). Ahmad's world revolves around his grandmother, Big Mama Joseph (Irma P. Hall) and her three daughters: workaholic attorney Teri (Vanessa Williams), newlywed salon owner Bird (Nia Long), and Ahmad's housewife mom, Maxine (Vivica A. Fox). Each sister is in turmoil. Teri has lost patience for her husband Miles (Michael Beach), who wants to quit the law and take up music. Bird doesn't realize that her husband Lem (Mekhi Phifer) is about to be humiliated by her ex-boyfriend (Mel Jackson). And while Maxine's relationship with her husband Kenny (Jeffrey D. Sams) is going well, her relationship with her jealous sister Teri needs fixing. These conflicts boil over at Big Mama's traditional Sunday dinners, where the matriarch plays peacemaker. The ritual faces extinction, however, when Big Mama suffers a stroke -- but Ahmad is waiting in the wings to take her place. Soul Food launched the directing career of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, native George Tillman, Jr., who based the script on his own family experiences. In the summer of 2000, Soul Food was spun off into a cable TV series. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi
  • Rating:
    R (adult situations/language, nudity, sex)
  • Genre:
    Comedy, Drama
  • Directed By:
    George Tillman Jr.
  • Written By:
    George Tillman Jr.
  • In Theaters:
     wide
  • On Disc/Streaming:
  • Runtime:
  • Studio:
    20th Century Fox

Cast

Vanessa L. Williams
as Teri
Vivica A. Fox
as Maxine
Nia Long
as Bird
Irma P. Hall
as Mother
Michael Beach
as Miles
Mekhi Phifer
as Lem
Brandon Hammond
as Ahmad
Jeffrey D. Sams
as Kenny
Gina Ravera
as Faith
Carl Wright
as Rev. Williams
Mel Jackson
as Simuel
Morgan Mechelle Smith
as Kelly
John M. Watson Sr.
as Uncle Pete
M.T. Alexander
as Jada
Lawrence Petty
as Harome
Marcia Wright
as Nicole
Bernard Mixon
as Dr. Benson
Hamp Clemons
as Hamp
Theron Touche Lykes
as Blimp
Martell Hill Edmond
as Ahmad (age 4)
Ras Majah Couzan
as Dread Man
James W. Boinski
as Foreman
Mike Bacarella
as Printing Company Owner
Joan Collaso
as Choir Member No. 1
Donn C. Harper
as Funeral Minister
George Brashear
as Blimp's Henchman No. 1
Larry C. Tankson
as Blimp's Henchman No. 2
Austin Curtis
as Family Member
Sylvester Phifer
as Bartender
Malik Yoba
as Studio Engineer
Babyface
as Band Member
Kevon Edmonds
as Band Member
Melvin Edmonds
as Band Member
Jo Jo Hailey
as Band Member
K-Ci Hailey
as Band Member
Simon Horrocks
as Band Member
Randy Walker
as Band Member
Tamara Braun
as Teri's Secretary
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Critic Reviews for Soul Food

All Critics (42) | Top Critics (14) | Fresh (34) | Rotten (8)

View All Critic Reviews (42)

Audience Reviews for Soul Food

  • Nov 02, 2008
    Awesome movie. For the food lovers. ;) This is a touching movie on family issues. One of my favorites.
    Donna D Super Reviewer
  • Jul 23, 2008
    It's all about family get together, no matter what...I don't care who you are...you have got to enjoy this one. Get this....it is maximum drama.
    Fascade F Super Reviewer
  • Jan 13, 2008
    Love this movie...even though NO it does NOT try to be Friday(s)!! The family interactions are superiorly acted. Hard not to like most of these characters...deals with family rivalry....& what holds a family together!! UPLIFTING! even though of course there are REAL LIFE PROBLEMS!! Like for example Michael Beach's character stepping out n Vanessa Willaims' character....<div style="width:295px;"><a href="http://www.flixster.com/servlet/embed/photo/link/10563990"><img src="http://www.flixster.com/servlet/embed/photo/10563990.jpg" border="0"/></a><div style="text-align:center;font-size:10px;"><a href="http://www.flixster.com">Flixster</a> - Share Movies</div></div>
    Teresa S Super Reviewer
  • Nov 27, 2007
    I thought it was pretty amazing how ignorant the whole family was except the boy. but its a good story and makes me hungry.
    Vincent T Super Reviewer
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