simonjipad I saw this movie when it first came out on video and remember enjoying it. I'm not a fan of music movies, romance or slow dramas but I recently sought this out again to remind myself what had caught my imagination all those 27 years ago.What a smack in the face this viewing turned out to be. The acting is nothing short of breathtaking with the three leads exuding tension by the bucket-load. Jeff Bridges says little but boy do you feel his pain, hurt, shame and anger every time the camera settles on his face. Beau also brings a career best performance as the put upon brother who doesn't quite have the talent of his womanising sibling. Enter Ms Pfeiffer as Suzie Diamond, a singer they hire to boost their booking potential, and - slowly but surely - all hell is let loose. When Ms Pfeiffer sings 'Makin Whoopee' I found my heart got lodged in my throat. If there is a sexier performance on screen - fully clothed - please tell me what it is.Considering nobody's life is at stake, no mad axe man is on the loose and it's a musical tale of troubled romance and unfulfilled ambition, it's about the most excitement you can have on your sofa with your clothes on.If you've never seen this and you like pleasant surprises, I recommend you give it a viewing. I'm still wondering how such a work of excellence could manage a score of under 7.0.

namashi_1 Steve Kloves 'The Fabulous Baker Boys' is indeed a Fabulous film, with a terrific screenplay as it's trump card. A story of two brothers struggling to make a living as lounge jazz pianists in Seattle. In desperation, they take on a female singer, who revitalizes their careers, causing the brothers to re-examine their relationship with each other and with their music.'The Fabulous Baker Boys' has everything going for it, the direction by Kloves is simply outstanding. He keeps hooked all the time, in fact it's amongst the best I've seen from the 80's. Michael Ballhaus's cinematography is remarkable, so is William Steinkamp's editing.Coming the to acting department, Jeff Bridges steals the show. He's fantastic, as always. Michelle Pfeiffer is excellent, this truly is amongst her best works. Beau Bridges is great, so sad no one has seen much of this gifted actor.On the whole, this one's a must watch. Strongly Reccmended!

Framescourer In a curious case of life imitating art, casting real brothers Beau and Jeff Bridges as the lounge pianists Frank and Jack Baker is a super idea for chemical reasons. The ease and tension in the two men's connection is utterly natural and really draws you into this low-level romcom.The double act realises that, professionally, it needs a shot in the arm - the men probably understand that they need some sort of novelty to reinvigorate them as well, as the act not only pales for the diminishing customer base but also hangs heavily on them. Pfeiffer's Susie Diamond is almost too brash to be true (it's clear the writer-director Kloves had Desperately Seeking-Madonna in mind) but the combined talents of Pfeiffer and Jeff Bridges pull it off.It's odd as the film is principally remembered for a set piece in which Susie gives a sexually electric performance of Makin' Whoopee on a piano in a red dress. This is by no means the highlight of the film, although it neatly demonstrates how a little bit of circus magic, such as the Baker Boys consciously import to their act, goes a long way. That's showbiz. 5/10

JaysonT I had real high expectations for the movie that earned Michelle Pfeiffer every critic award in the book plus the Golden Globe (Drama) for best actress. But this movie sinks a high low. It's a depressing romp about two brothers who have a lame piano act that consists of Grusin renditions meant for eighty year-olds with no social life. So they decide to get a female singer to spice up the act. Pfeiffer is their singer, a cynical ex-hooker who has a passable voice but sexy delivery that shows us why Pfeiffer is considered one of the most gorgeous contemporary screen actresses.Jeff Bridges has a boring role of a subdued man with major past issues, while his brother does a good job as an uptight control freak.The best part of the movie is Pfeiffer's performance of "Makin' Whoopee"- a segment endlessly imitated afterwards (including by Blanche on THE GOLDEN GIRLS). There's also a great seduction scene that follows it.The movie only glows when Pfeiffer is on screen, with the exception of a funny part by Jennifer Tilly. But I'm glad Jessica Tandy beat Pfeiffer for the Oscar- after watching this movie you will be too.