Movie Reviews

DVD Review: “The Fabulous Baker Boys”

(MGM DVD. Color. Widescreen. 1989. 1 disc. Rated R. 114 minutes. Directed by Steve Kloves.) Jeff Bridges, Michelle Pfeiffer, Beau Bridges. Music by Dave Grusin.

A subtle three-character study with jazz accompaniment, courtesy of the always-capable Grusin. Jeff and Beau Bridges, real-life brothers as well, play musicians Joe and Frank Baker, duo-pianists stuck in a rut playing the same tired tunes night after night. Their fortunes start to turn around when they hire a sultry singer, Susie Diamond (Pfeiffer), but old sibling rivalries come to the surface as Susie starts to have a personal effect on the brothers. Director Kloves, who also wrote the script, brings a delicate touch to the admittedly slight story, and all three leads are convincing (I’ve never understood why the talented and attractive Jeff Bridges never really became a top star – he’s always good yet stays just under the radar). And yes, Pfeiffer can sing! Worth a second look if you haven’t seen it since it’s been in theaters. A negatory on the extras.

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