The Fabulous Baker Boys (Vanilla Version) > Reviews > The Fabulous Baker Boys

Author's product rating:   

Did you enjoy it?	Liked it
Story	Satisfactory
Characters / Performances	Good
Special Effects	Standard
How does it compare to similar films?	Satisfactory

Advantages:	Laid back movie
Disadvantages:	Are the people good looking enough ?

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

My copy of the Fabulous Baker Boys came as a DVD free with FilmFirst from the Times. The film stars the Bridges twins as musicians. My copy ran for 108 minutes and is deemed suitable for persons of 15 years and over. The film is produced by Paula Weinstein and Mark Rosenberg. Written and directed by Steve Kloves. Filmed on location in and around Seattle, with a terrific score by Dave Grusin. Copyright 1989 Gladden Entertainment Corporation.

CAST

Jeff Bridges as Jack Baker
Frank Bridges as Beau Bridges
Michelle Pfeiffer as Susie Diamond
Supporting cast includes:
Jennifer Tilley as Monica
Ellie Raab as Nina

THE STORY

The Fabulous Baker Boys' is a tale of music and brotherly love set in Seattle. The Baker boys are Jack and Frank, professional musicians who make a living playing piano together at small clubs throughout the Emerald City, a basic lounge act they've been doing for fifteen years. Frank is the responsible one, ordinary and organised; he has a wife, kids and a home in the suburbs. He manages their business, secures the bookings and is content to stick with a formula that works. For him, it's not about the music; it's about keeping food on the table for those who depend on him. Jack, on the other hand, is unattached and could care less about the business end of the partnership. Talented with a liking for casual relationships. As long as it affords him a modicum of security as well as dignity, he is more than willing to just go along for the ride.

For Jack, though, underneath it all, it is about the music; it's about jazz. On off nights he will steal away alone to some small club to play, and deep down inside he knows that this is not only what he really wants, but needs. And he knows he could be great. Times are changing and dates are becoming more difficult to get so they interview female singers. After a memorable scene in which a number of young hopefuls are auditioned, Suzie Diamond (Michelle Pfeiffer) enters their life. She joins the act on a trial basis, and after an amusing and somewhat tentative beginning, infuses it with new life. While the act is now successful, both Frank and Jack have problems with their life on the road. Susie becomes the agent that makes them re-evaluate where they are going, and how honest they have been with each other.

MY OPINION

I was surprised how much I enjoyed watching this film on Sunday afternoon; Jeff Bridges as Jack smokes a lot, so does Michele as Susie. The Seattle experience is of a typical US city, grim, wet and full of grizzle. There are occasional sunny scenes. All in all the film although concerned with something as risky as nightclub entertainment moves along in a matter of fact style dealing with everyday experiences and relationships. Michele (Susie's) singing is not that good to start but improves during the movie. When I started the movie I thought 108 minutes might be too long, fortunately it was not that boring. Definitely one to check out.