The studios just aren’t making rock-solid entertainments like The Fabulous Baker Boys anymore. This is a WONDERFUL film that literally has everything – drama, comedy, romance, music, and most of all, serious heart. Written and directed with his usual sense of intelligence and class by Steve Kloves (Flesh & Bone, the screenplay adaptation for Curtis Hanson’s Wonder Boys), the film stars Jeff Bridges (never more roguishly charming) and Beau Bridges (simply fantastic) as two piano playing brothers struggling to keep their lounge act going, who may finally have met their match in the form of a new female singer, the sensational and sexy and beyond alluring Michelle Pfeiffer, who would garner an Oscar nomination for her bold work. Kloves injected each and every scene with great observational detail, honest wit, and a knowing sense of the world on display. Michael Ballhaus did some great if un-showy work behind the camera while David Grusin’s saucy, saxophone-dominated score provides ample opportunity for the viewer to air-mime at home. Pfeiffer’s now classic rendition of Makin’ Whoopee is a doozy (that red dress!) and the film ends on precisely the exact note that it should. Twilight Time’s recent Blu-ray offers a spotless transfer and excellent sound quality.
Podcasting Them Softly 