1 Underrated
I thought this movie was wonderful and am surprised at the vitriolic critiques by reviewers. Gwynneth is always a great actress and she played the part of the daughter reunited with a reluctant father well. There were several subplots in this move, all involving wonderful singing and complex relationships.
Don't believe the critics on this one. It actually is an enjoyable movie, which is in turns funny, sweet and sad.
2 Well worth seeing
Discovering this movie was a happy accident. I had heard the Gwyneth Paltrow/Huey Lewis duet "Crusin'" on the radio and tracked down the movie. It did not get much press, I don't think. I found it very enjoyable, and in watching the extras on the DVD, discovered that all the actors did their own singing with the exception of Andre Braugher. He and the character he pairs up with have the most memorable scenes in my opinion. Braugher is an excellent actor. When I tell people this movie is about karyoke they never want to see it. If I can convince them to watch it anyway, they are always glad they did. It is not really about karyoke anyway, it is about relationships, using karyoke as a backdrop. Discovering Gwyneth Paltrow's singing ability was an extra benefit. This is sort of a "feel good" movie, but it has serious moments as well. And some great comedy scenes thrown in as well. I fell in love with the movie and the soundtrack.
3 Paul Giamatti Rocks
A far-out Paul Giamatti picks up a hitchhiking Andre Braugher and movie-magic is made. Then Giamatti sings his killer, heartfelt rendition of Try a Little Tenderness and you know Duets will permanently have a spot on your special shelf. Giamatti s feel for music is as sound as his feel for acting. Gwyneth Paltrow is my favorite actress because she's a serious character actress as well as a leading lady; as usual, she's both excellent and scary cute. Huey Lewis is a definite weak-spot -- even his singing sounds bad. But then there's the irresistable Scott Speedman and equally hot Maria Bello and you forget all about dumb Huey.
Go ahead, rent it.
4 American Idol?
I saw this movie only after buying the sountrack. The song Cruisin' attracted me and I had to buy the whole CD to get the one song. When I eventually saw the film, I liked it more simply because I was already familiar with the music. If I didn't know the songs, I may not have liked to movie as much because Karaoke and stars-in-the-eyes wannabe crooners in the boondocks don't really inspire me. Overall, I enjoyed it - certainly more than watching American Idol, the only other show I can compare it to in terms of showcasing aspiring performers.
5 one outta three
Of the three stories this movie gives us about people brought together around the world of Karaoke (in pairs, thus "Duets") - one absolutely kills me (in a good way) - and for it I give the movie five stars. That is when Paul Giamatti's Todd Woods has a marvelous life-altering breakthrough/breakdown, realizing that his life, as situated in the so-called American dream (which he makes several interesting comments on after he has wigged out, like how America has turned into a land of strip malls) - is rather empty and meaningless. Such a mid-life existential crisis is not exactly uncommon, but it is his portrayal of this, the exhuberance of that performance, that makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck even after watching it for the third time. And the ending of that story, although not completely satisfying and a little far-fetched, it quite something, too. As for the other two stories, one I would give maybe three stars (Gwenyth Paltrow and Huey Lewis doing their father/daughter thing - her beautiful voice in "Cruisin'" would merit all three of those stars but little else), and the final story leaves me so cold and works so poorly that I fast-forward right through those parts. I love the music in this movie. I'm not sure if all the actors sing, but if not it is expertly dubbed. Great choice of songs, great performances of those songs. Despite the inconsistency of the quality of the three stories, this is an unusual, fun, interesting movie with a lot of heart and a lot of spunk and great music, that should not be forgotten (rip Bruce Paltrow). And ultimately, for me, its all about Paul, Paul is my boy. See it to see that performance, people. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
6 Good Movie!
I saw this movie on TV on Encore network, by far its one of my favorite films. After cranking it up on the Klipsch Heresys i liked it even better. Awesome music, Good actors, Great Film.
7 KARAOKE DREAMS...
This film was directed by Bruce Paltrow, and while it certainly has its minuses, it also has its pluses. At the center of the film is karaoke. It is this performing art form that is the nucleus of all that happens in this film. It is the glue that holds it together. It is at the heart of what propels three divergent pairs of people to occupy the same space at the same time.
The film centers around six people, who end up pairing off in unusual combinations and traveling the karaoke circuit. At the inception of this film, all these people, even those who ultimately pair up, are strangers to each other. All three pairs travel their own route to get to Omaha, the location for the big daddy of all karaoke competitions, in order to compete in the karaoke finals for a grand prize of five thousand dollars. En route to and while in Omaha, they all discover a number of things about themselves and each other.
One unlikely pair consists of Todd Woods (Paul Giamatti) and Reggie Kane (Andre Braugher). Todd is a salesman who is fed up with his job and tired of being ignored by his wife and children. He decides that he is mad as hell and is not going to take it any more. So, he basically runs away from home. He stumbles into a bar, takes up the challenge to sing karaoke, and, voila, a star is born. While driving aimlessly, he runs into hitchhiker Reggie Kane, a man who has gone to prison for exercising bad judgment and is packing a semi-automatic pistol. He and the now nutty Todd form an unlikely friendship.
The second unlikely pair consists of Billy (Scott Speedman) and Suzi Loomis (Maria Bello). Billy is a young, straight-laced cab driver, a former seminarian, who has just had his world rocked when he discovers that his girl friend has been two timing him with his business partner. Wallowing in his misery, he runs into Suzi Loomis who promises to gratify him sexually if he drives her to California. She is an aspiring karaoke singer who does the karaoke circuit for the money. Unfortunately, she also does any men who might have something she needs.
The third unlikely pair consists of a father and daughter team. Ricky Dean (Huey Lewis), is a small time hustler who can sing, so he hustles at karaoke bars. He goes to Vegas when he hears than an old girlfriend has died, and discovers that he has a daughter, Liv (Gwyneth Paltrow), after an almost incestuous welcome. Ricky doesn't want to be a daddy at this stage of the game, but Liv wants to have a father in the worst way. So, she follows him, and they end up hustling together at a karaoke bar, as she, too, can sing.
The one really disturbing thing about this Disney film is that once again Hollywood's inherent racism rears up its ugly head by casting the only African-American in the film in the role of the convict. I am sure the Disney studio was pleased with itself to be including a token African-American in the film in the first place. Why couldn't it think out of the box, however, and have one of the other characters be African-American? Shame on Disney for choosing, instead, to propagate an unflattering stereotype.
Still, this is definitely an odd, quirky movie about the wacky world of competitive karaoke singing and the denizens who inhabit that world. The performances in this film are excellent, overall, and the singing is terrific, although the ending is a bit of a stretch. It is not, however, a film for everyone. It is a film that will appeal to those who enjoy unusual, offbeat films.
8 Above average film with an innovative plot
Duets is a rather strange movie, but good nonetheless. Now the movie follows different characters that eventually meet up at a karaoke competition. The entire movie focuses around karaoke, but also details trials and tribulations they all face. The now late Bruce Paltrow, accomplished director, and father of the star of this movie, Gwyneth Paltrow, directed the movie. Huey Lewis joins Gwyneth for their story line, and the true singing power of this movie is seen between these two. All of the other stars do a great job with their numbers, and this makes the soundtrack a must buy as well. Overall the movie has a good amount of comedy and some action, but it's not for everyone. The plot is rather trite but still enjoyable. Rent it before you buy it, and maybe you'll get hooked.
9 Above average film with an innovative plot
Duets is a rather strange movie, but good nonetheless. Now the movie follows different characters that eventually meet up at a karaoke competition. The entire movie focuses around karaoke, but also details trials and tribulations they all face. The now late Bruce Paltrow, accomplished director, and father of the star of this movie, Gwyneth Paltrow, directed the movie. Huey Lewis joins Gwyneth for their story line, and the true singing power of this movie is seen between these two. All of the other stars do a great job with their numbers, and this makes the soundtrack a must buy as well. Overall the movie has a good amount of comedy and some action, but it's not for everyone. The plot is rather trite but still enjoyable. Rent it before you buy it, and maybe you'll get hooked.
10 How did this dumb movie ever get made???
If you are as brain-dead, shameless and talentless as most of the losers in this god-awful movie, then you might like it. If you are a karaoke fan/participant, you should be insulted. REAL people (I HOPE) don't do such idiotic things. The acting and dialogue are a joke in most cases, and the only saving grace is that SOME of the singing is actually quite good. But poor Gwyneth Paltrow -- she is deservedly embarrassed to have done this dreck. Hope she doesn't hate her daddy the director too much. AVOID AT ALL COSTS (unless you have the qualities listed in the first sentence)!
11 "Eeeesch" is right!
Everyone in it is embarrassing to watch (except for a standout performance by Andre Braugher) as even the most talented actors can't make the ridiculous dialogue or implausible situations sing.
The one star is for some really good musical numbers. Hey, Huey Lewis, c'mon!
12 Good Film
this film is about a kareoke contest, has a good suppoting cast such as Gweneth Paltrow, and huey lewis. Has a good supporting toppic. i own this film in my movie collection add it to yours. Also this film is shown sometimes on TV. but anyway great movie, great supporting cast, and very entertaining.
13 Truly, truly terrible
There's bad movies that are fun to watch because they're so unintentionally hilarious (ala "Cocktail", "St. Elmo's Fire", and "Staying Alive") - and then there's movies that are just plain painful to watch. Duets is the latter.
Rarely does bad acting, directing, and screenwriting come together like this - in such perfect proportions to create a truly unwatchable stinker, a BOMB in the true Hollywood sense. I liked Paul Giammatti in other movies, but his character is such an annoying, whiny loser you wish Andre Braugher would just pull out his .45 and put him out of his (and the audience's) misery. But at least he's not as lifelessly dull as the other cardboard cutouts in this movie. I'd have rather seen a whole movie about the fat guy who sang "Copacabana".
Who'd have thunk a movie could be so bad when it's about the high-stakes, exciting, and glamorous world of - karaoke? I bet Gwyneth still isn't speaking to daddy after he talked her into being in this turkey.
14 Good for party drinking games, MST 3000 practice
The origins of this movie are rather simple: Gwyneth Paltrow's producer father Bruce Paltrow went out and called up favors owed him from everyone he knew in Hollywood to get his little girl the Best Actress Oscar that always eluded his more talented wife (and Gwyneth's mother), Blythe Danner. So, as payback to daddy for greasing the palms of every has-been and old-timer in the Academy, Gwyneth starred in this strange movie that I am sure has even someone of her average Hollywood talent cringing with embarrassment when she recalls it.
Basically, the film starts out with Huey Lewis (erstwhile jazzy rocker from the 1980s) starring as Ricky, a karaoke singer who is down on his luck (sort of like the real Huey Lewis). There's a great full-frontal nudity gratuitous scene though, to let you know he's a ladies' man. That one 15-second scene has the most entertainment value in the whole movie, as it was rather titillating.
Next we go to Huey meeting Gwyneth (Liv), and instantly the chemistry (oil and water, sorry) begins. Angie Dickinson is pulled out of mothballs for a cameo appearance to give Huey the made-for-TV stock speech "you'd better take care of my little girl, and not blow it like you usually do." Then, it's back to yesteryear oblivion for Angie. This is important, because it establishes a sotto voce plot point that Huey and Liv have this "past" together, and a sottissimo voce point that it's a romantic past.
The subplot of this movie revolves around Todd (Paul Giamatti, who played Howard Stern's boss in "Private Parts") actually a good actor, who must need the work, since he's sort of homely, but can actually act (most of the plum roles these days go to good-looking actors who can't act, like Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise or Kevin Costner). Anyhow, he finds out all of the sudden that his yuppie suburban life has been a lie and a sham, so he hits the road in order to become a karaoke singer. Although a rehash of every hackneyed plot from "Shoot the Moon" to "American Beauty," this one seems more plausible since the pitiful dialogue that comes out of Giamatti's mouth qualifies him for no other work. Another good actor, Andre Braugher, plays a black con on the lamb (Reggie) that befriends Giamatti. This supplies the movie with a lot of great "buddies on the run" scenes right out of the tradition of Robert Urich/Lorenzo Lamas school of TV cop dramas.
There's also a subplot revolving around a really cute couple that you forget instantly. But, gosh, they're so cute, with that "aw shucks" quality that's right out of the best Elia Kazan and Tennessee Williams........oh, I'm sorry, I meant right out of the best Michael Landon and Sherwood Schwartz scripts.
Anyways, these subplots twist, revolve, meander and basically run out of steam until they conspire to locate -- surprise! -- all these karaoke singing drifters at this splendiferous karaoke championship. The suspense is notched up to full-tension here, and this is when all the threads of the plot come together. The cute couple almost misses their big break, but gets to sing just in the nick of time; you also find out that Huey and Gwyneth are -- surprise again! -- father and daughter. "Oh my God," you think to yourself, "what a pervert I must be for thinking that they were lovers," just like the movie was implying all along. Then you suddenly remember that Bruce Paltrow wrote and directed this, and you're scratching your head even more. Hmmmmm. Nonetheless, you would have never guessed that Huey was Gwyneth's father, since he has this nice richness and raspiness to his voice, and her flat performance of "Bette Davis Eyes" makes Kim Carnes' breathy alto sound like Maria Callas.
However, Giamatti and Braugher's final tune bring the movie crashing -- literally -- to a climax. Having hidden behind their karaoke alter egos the entire length of the movie, the police finally get wise to the pair. Knowing the cops are closing in, Reggie belts out a convincing "Freebird," which is the last song you'd ever expect a black guy to sing, since it was by Lynyrd Skynyrd, authors of the Dixiecrat anthem "Sweet Home Alabama." After the last notes resound hauntingly throughout the hotel lounge, Braugher pulls out a gun, and kills himself, a beautiful and touching tribute to Leoncavallo's opera "I Pagliacci," though I'm sure most of the parties involved -- the intended audience, the screenwriters and Bruce Paltrow -- would never know it.
I gave this movie two stars instead of one, based on the pearls-before-swine performances of Giamatti and Braugher, and also because "Duets" makes for a great party drinking game: Predict the lame plot; count the bad made-for-TV stock phrases; drink a shot every time someone sings off-key. Viewers please take caution: You will be approaching blood-alcohol poisoning levels after about 1/2 hour, so think when you drink!
This movie is rated "R" for adult language and situations, nudity and violence. A designated driver is optional.
15 Does Anyone Accept Frequent Flyer Miles?
Director Bruce Paltrow assembled an impressive ensemble cast to deliver this story about a diverse group of people with many things in common-- more than they would probably ever realize or admit to, in fact. On the surface, the tie that binds is music; specifically that cultural phenomenon known as Karaoke, a world in which for three minutes or so, no matter who or what they are, the individual at stage center is a star. Underneath that particular aspect, however, the common thread runs much deeper. Because these are people who, in their own way, are all seeking to connect with something, even though they don't know what it is or even consciously know they're pursuing it. They're looking for their personal metaphor-- that one special thing, or someone, that will give meaning and purpose to their life. It's a road we all go down at one time or another, in one way or another, and it's that road that is explored by Paltrow in "Duets," an affecting film that illustrates how universally elusive the answers we're all seeking in life are, and for the most part because we simply don't know the questions in the first place.
Ricky Dean (Huey Lewis) is a singer/hustler on the Karaoke circuit; In Tulsa, on his way to a big competition in Omaha, he gets a call and detours through Las Vegas for the funeral of an old friend. While he's there, he meets up with someone with whom he has a special relationship, Liv (Gwyneth Paltrow), who decides she wants to join him on the road. Meanwhile, a salesman named Todd Woods (Paul Giamatti) suddenly realizes he's so burned out from being on the road that he doesn't even know what city he's in, making a pitch to a hotel conference room full of corporate types in Houston, thinking all the while he's actually in Orlando, Florida. When he finally gets home, his wife, Candy (Kiersten Warren), and his two kids are too self-absorbed to even say hello to him, so he goes out for a pack of cigarettes (even though he doesn't smoke), discovers Karaoke and makes a new friend, Reggie Kane (Andre Braugher). Then there's Billy (Scott Speedman), a young man who drives a cab (of which he is half owner), who due to a particular set of circumstances finds himself involved with one Suzi Loomis (Maria Bello), who is on her way to California, by way of the karaoke competition in Omaha. And, ultimately, Karaoke becomes the vehicle through which this eclectic bunch of individuals begin to discover just what it is they're looking for; and who among them ever would've thought it would be in Omaha, Nebraska?
Working from an intricate and insightful screenplay by John Byrum, Paltrow has crafted an engrossing comedy/drama that is entertaining and poignant. There's a lot going on in this film, but Paltrow sets a pace that keeps it moving right along, and uses transitions that effectively eliminate any confusion that could easily have resulted from having so many storylines unfolding at once. The characters are well drawn, and Paltrow establishes exactly who they are and where they fit in almost as soon as they are introduced, which enables the viewer to concentrate on the story without having to figure out who fits where and why. After all, this is not a mystery; and Paltrow uses the screen time of his characters wisely to develop the drama that is being played out in their respective lives, rather than by throwing in unnecessary twists and turns just to maintain interest. It works, because the story is interesting enough, without the aid of any superficial enhancements, and Paltrow does an excellent job of blending it all together to deliver a satisfying and emotionally involving film.
There are a number of outstanding and noteworthy performances in this film, but the most memorable is turned in by Paul Giamatti, who so successfully conveys the emptiness of this middle-aged man who has always played by the rules, and who now finds himself at a very real crossroads in his life. The fact that Todd has accrued 800,000 frequent flyer miles that he can't use, effectively puts his whole life into perspective; and Giamatti sells it with a portrayal that is affecting and incisive. And, as Reggie, the guy Todd takes up with on the road, Braugher hits just the right note, as well, and their scenes together provide some of the highlights of the film, as when they perform their duet of "Try A Little Tenderness"-- this is Karaoke at it's best.
Gwyneth Paltrow provides a few highlights here, as well; besides creating a very real, believable character in Liv, it's worth watching the film just to see her sing "Bette Davis Eyes." But there's also an exquisite gentleness in her nature she so ably expresses that makes her decidedly easy to watch, and there's an engaging duet she delivers with Huey Lewis on "Cruisin'" that's a real showstopper. It's quite interesting, in fact, to note just how well the actors in this film deliver their songs (and, yes, they all did their own singing). Other musical highlights include Braugher's "Free Bird" and Bello's rendition of "Sweet Dreams." This entire film, in fact, just may be the best thing that ever happened to Karaoke; it definitely raises the bar and gives it some mainstream credibility.
The supporting cast includes Angie Dickinson (Blair), Lochlyn Munro (Ronny), Amanda Kravat (Redhead), Erika von Tagen (Julie) and Marian Seldes (Harriet). Early in the film, a truck driver asks a hitchhiker-- a guy just out of prison-- "What were you in for?" The guy replies, "An error in judgment." And, in the final analysis, that's what "Duets" is really all about; the flaws, imperfections and "errors in judgment" that make up the music of life. It's about finding that right note and being able to share it with someone-- being able to perform a duet to the score of life.
16 addictive
I thought this movie was great, it showed so many different lives and intertwined them together . I loved the singing in it so much that I bought the cd . I am 48 years old , and even my daughter who is 31 and my oldest grandchildren loved it.I am going to buy the DVD now.I have watched this movie 6 times already.Its great!!!!!!
17 Very Likable Movie Based on a Midguided Idea
"Duets" is certainly a very likable film, and to watch its stars singing makes me feel good, but wait a minute, don't you forget something?
That is, everybody does karaoke for fun. Remember, "Duets" is not the first movie that shows the Hollywood stars sing a karaoke song; Cameron Diaz sang twice in "My Best Friend's Wedding" and "A Life Less Ordinary" respectively and on both occasions we had a really tremendous fun to see her sing (very badly). See, nobody wants to see a singer die on the stage, no matter how the script requires him to do so.
In this respect, I mean fun, "Duets" takes the subject matter too seriously, and makes us wonder why they must find their meaning of life in such a way, repeatedly participating in karaoke contests. All the cast sing very well, and Gwyneth Paltrow even amazed me with her singing voice, but they did not need to surprise us that way. Poor singing is OK in karaoke as long as you have a good time, and that is what karaoke is all about. And that is the reason Paul Giamatti & Andre Braugher duet of "Try A Little Tenderness" moves our heart most. They are having fun, and we know it. But the rest of the film remains just another ordinary descriptions of characters.
18 Duets
I loved this film and the music~ I actually got a kick out of this film~
I had NO idea that people made money doing Karaoke, but alas I'm an lover of the Oldies "music" and that added to this film alot of fun and flair~ Anyone ready to hit the road? ?
It's done in "good taste" any anyone who doesn't like this film probably perfer's pron flicks!
19 Good idea, watchable but messy
As the interviews on the DVD reveal, everyone associated with this film was earnestly committed and thought they had a good idea going. The initial concept does sound original and ripe for a movie treatment; I had no idea there was an entire culture, not to mention economy, blooming out of karaoke, the sing along machine found in bars. The production's problems start with the writing. Someone wanted to do Urban Cowboy Sings, someone wanted to do a genial road film, and someone wanted to do an ensemble of human stories. Someone didn't tie it all together, instead writing melodramatic speeches for underdeveloped characters. What began as a good idea, with good music and a lively pace, gets messy. The writers and director should have pared back the contrivances of how the very mixmatched characters came together to let them develop more honestly, and then they should have indulged in some irony to temper those scenes that come across as unintentionally absurd. They should have cast Kevin Spacey in Huey Lewis's role (though he was better than I expected), and someone more like Kate Hudson in the role of his daughter. They should have explained what exactly happened in the gas station. The nudity, however fleeting, was gratuitous. What worked very well was the music-there should have been more! All of the leads were in good voice, including Paltrow who was a surprise.
20 Not a very good Plot filled with Decent Performances
Why would anyone make a movie about Kareoke is beyond me, and that is what Duets is about. A bunch of [down and outs] who love Kareoke...it's even a dream for some of them. The terrific ensemble do what they can with the boring premise and make it semi interesting. Gywneth paltrow surprisingly is the standout as she portrays an 18 year old who meets her estranged father for and accompanies him to the Kareoke contest. Paul Giamatti and Andre Braugher are fantastic as a duo who hit the road together and have wonderful chemisitry on screen, and Scott Speedman from Felicity is very charming as a down on his luck taxi driver. However each scene drags the because of the bad direction and silly dialogue. Overly long and taken too seriously. I was hoping for more of a movie that was similiar to the kareoke scene in My Best Friends Wedding. This movie is nothing like that. For hardcore kareoke fans and Gwyneth fans only!
21 Enjoyable!
I've read a number of the reviews posted on this movie and not one mentions the beauty of the song that Paltrow and Babyface sing together over the closing credits. After watching this film, we went right out and bought the CD - "Just My Imagination" as rearragned by Babyface is truly amazing, I cannot believe that it did not get airplay (it is by far the superior song on the soundtrack) - At any rate, the relationship between Giamatti and Braugher's character's was heartwarming (if you take the time to look beneath the surface) - This movie is worth seeing..
22 I'm glad I waited for the DVD release
This film wasn't great, but it wasn't horrible either. The 3 diverse couples whose fortunes merge (sort of) at the end is an interesting plot device that only works half way. It would have helped if they really all connected in the end. I felt that all of the characters were quite believable for what they were, and the singing was much better than anticipated, especially that of Gwyneth Paltrow. It was just too bad that the loose ends never even get close to each other, much less tied up.
Over all I enjoyed it, but can't recommend it that highly.
23 Huh?????
Whoever decided to market this movie using basically only the one scene between Huey Lewis and Gwenyth Paltrow was a GENIUS. If I had know anything accurate about his movie I would never have wasted my time. They should have made it look more like the traffic accident that it was. Tip to Gwenyth: don't make any more movies for daddy.
24 Something different and truly refreshing
There has been some negative reviews of this film, so I was a bit skeptical about seeing it. Being a big fan of Scott Speedman I felt I should see it. In any case I got ready to go see it in the theater, to find out that it only played for about one week in my area. When it came out on video I finally got to see it. This movie stayed with me. After watching it I immediately got the soundtrack. (If you haven't seen the movie, the beauty of the soundtrack might be lost on you.) This movie does drag on a bit, I will admit that. However, I think that it's about hope. Hope in this case comes in the form of singing other's songs--an odd place to find it.
The story line of Todd and Reggy especially touched me. It's been argued that it's degarding to African Americans, but I disagree on that point. It's not about black or white, Reggy could have just as easily been a white man. It's about finally doing something right. (Remisicent of Claire Danes in Brokedown Palace.)
Paltrow's innocence made the storyline with her and her father. He's not a very likeable character--obviously his shallowness is slapped in our faces from the beginning with his taudry one night stand. She believed in him though, and that made us give him a second chance, just as she did. I don't think the acting was weak on either of the part of Lewis or Paltrow.
My main reason for seeing this film was that I was curious to see Scott Speedman in a role other then as Ben in the WB sitcom "Felicity." Though his acting was still good, I coudln't really seperate his character Billy from his character Ben. He sort of seemed the same--and I can't pinpoint exactly why, maybe the way he delivered dialogue. It still worked for the film, but I was disappointed that he wasn't as versatile as I'd hoped.
I'm with most people, I was shocked and delighted by Paltrow's voice. (My hunch is that Bruce Paltrow wanted people to see Gwynth's hidden talent.) "Cruisin'" is obviously the song that sticks out. (Though all songs were good, albeit some definately better then others.)
It's a must see. It makes you think.
25 Surprisingly entertaining
I watched this movie on the recommendation of my daughter and was pleasantly surprised by how entertaining it was. Andre Braugher was terrific as was Paul Giametti. However, the subplot with the cabdriver and the foul mouthed Suzy wasn't believeable and didn't add anything to the movie. I could have done without those characters altogether. The duet with Paul Giamatti and Andre Baugher was wonderful and Gwenyth can really sing, another pleasant surprise. Her character's relationship with her father, played by Huey Lewis, was rather strange, but all in all a pleasant movie.
26 Entertaining
This movie was entertaining, especially since I like most movies that involve music. The "Cruisin" song alone was enough to get me to watch.
However, it basically had three different plots which seemed to sort of intersect in the end because all six main characters ended up in the same place at the same time, but it never truly connected them all in a very strong way. The convict-businessman plot was the strongest and the cab driver-woman (for lack of a better word) plot was the weakest. So weak, in fact, that I could have done without it altogether.
However, the movie was fresh and original with a completely new concept being introduced (revolving a movie around karaoke). It held my attention the entire time I watched it and I don't regret seeing it. It was worth the money spent on the rental, but I wouldn't buy it.
27 Possibly the worst film since Ishtar
This movie is a painful waste of good talent. I was drawn to this film by the headline stars like Gwenneth Paltrow and Andre Braugher. Big mistake. The acting is sophmoric - I've seen high school plays that were executed better than this movie. The fault lies squarely in the lap of director Bruce Paltrow and the sorry script. The only professional performance in the movie is Paul Giamatti as a traveling salesman fed up with the rat race of being on the road, only to come home to a wife more interested in chatting on AOL than having a real conversation. I tried to like this film because I love Gwenneth Paltrow, but not even she could save this from being movie-making at its very worst. Even the songs in the movie version don't sound like what was played on the radio - different mixes. Should have never been released.
28 Too scattered
This story was very scattered--too many characters were slowly introduced throughout the movie. I knew they would all intersect, but they took so long to get there!
The movie was also very uneven in its attempt to introduce too many plots and subplots. I kept feeling yanked back and forth by thedisjointed way the movie unfolded. Any emotional attachment this viewer might have felt toward a character was diminished by the constant shifting of stories.
"Duets" was about a bunch of pretty sad characters who just couldn't seem to get their lives together for one reason or another. Their stories were presented in a hopeless, maudlin way, and I never really cared about any of them.
The acting was so-so but the music was fairly good. I was surprised at how well Paltrow sang and Andre Braugher was terrific - both his acting and his spectacular voice. Or was it his voice? Hard to tell.
This is one movie I could have missed.
29 I was bored...
I really thought that I'd like this movie judging by the previews and commercials, but I really was just bored with this movie. I couldn't really feel anything for any of the characters. this is probably because they jump arounnd between 3 different sets of characters and don't really give you an actual chance to get to know the characters and like them. but my biggest gripe about this movie is how UNREALISTIC the karaoke scenes are. NOBODY just walks into a karaoke bar and starts singing when there is a contest going on... especially when cash prizes are involved. Is more like: turn in your request and wait for another hour or two while all the contestants who showed up before you sing. In this movie, the characters just walk into the bar and the next second they are singing already... yeah right! I hate to nitpick, but be realistic.
30 Dumb plot, but good singing.
The plot of "Duets" is boring in most places [especially the ex - con, and the dude with like, 80,000 frequant flyer miles] but is great in others [any scene with gwyneth]. Also, the soundtrack rocks. I heard the song "Cruisin'" by Gwynnie, and I was blown away that she had a good singing voice, so I bought the soundtrack, liked tracks 2,3,4,7, and 8, and went and rented the video. If you fast forward through the dull parts [as I said before, any scenes with the ex - con and the dork with 80,000 frequant flyer miles, than it is an o k movie. All in all, I would say rent the movie, and buy the soundtrack.
31 If you love Paltrow
I loved this movie... I thought it was not only funny but it made me cry. If you love to sing karaoke you'll love this movie. Each character was well done and there was great character development. But if you don't care for Paltrow or singing this is not a movie for you. My recommendation is to see it for yourselves. I heard only bad things about this film but once I saw it, I loved it!
32 Yes, yes, yes.
This is why you should never pay attention to jaded reviewers. This movie was a stitch. Watching Giamatti and company pound out their tunes is a blast. And the interplay between he and Andre Braugher is both sweet and stunning. Not a lot to say about this flick. It won't change your world. But it's a great way to spend an evening in front of the tube.
Did I really write sweet and stunning? Can't be.
33 not Great Art, but fun
I remember reading the New York Times review of this movie when it came out, and basically what it said was that this movie is kind of a mess but it's fun anyway. That's right on the money in my view. This may not be the movie I'm going to recommend to all my friends, but the truth is I saw it in the theater and then waited eagerly for it to come out on video.
It's a lot of things in small measure. It's kind of sweet, kind of funny, kind of sad. Probably the biggest shock, if you don't know it to begin with, is that Gwyneth Paltrow can _really_ sing! By now you've heard "Cruisin'" on the radio and you know this, but it's still kind of amazing to see. You can sort of hear that that's really Maria Bello; you know Huey Lewis can sing; you figure Paul Giamatti can sing because they could always get a bland-looking guy from Broadway who can really sing, so why dub it; and Andre Braugher isn't really singing. But I sure wouldn't have figured Gwyneth Paltrow had that voice.
Anyway, though, this movie doesn't hold together perfectly, but it's really worth watching even so.
34 Grate music and a grate movie
I was actually atracted to seeing this movie because it has Gwenith Paltrow in it and I am a big fan of hers. Also it had grate music and she was actually singing in it. This movie was really good. I could hardley stop watching it i mean it is a drama but it had comidy in it to a little and I liked that it was not just one or the other but both. And the acting in it was superb it was truelly amazing. I say this is a must rent and buy I am going to add this to my collection.
35 cruisin
this was such an awesome movie. my favorite scene is when huey lewis and gwyneth paltrow are up on stage singing cruisin. i had waited 2 weeks to rent this great video.
36 cruisin
this was such an awesome movie. my favorite scene is when huey lewis and gwyneth paltrow are up on stage singing cruisin. i had waited 2 weeks to rent this great video.
37 booo!
I thought it looked good because it was a Gwyneth Paltrow movie. I had heard it was bad so i didnt see it in the theater. I rented it. I almost turned it off in the middle because it was so terrible. This movie should be on your never see list. Kids should not see it eaither.
38 otis redding would be proud
when paul giamatti and andre braugher sing "try a little tenderness", i feel my smile lifting me higher and higher. this duet is such a delightful surprise as the singers share the joy of discovering each others kindred spirits in song. the smiles they exchange as each hits the songs sweet spots dead on is really wonderful to behold. giamatti and braugher achieve some great chemistry on screen, a sweetness and indeed, a tenderness, that is rarely seen. these two men from diametrically opposed backgrounds, grow to love each other and the freedom that each grants the other to be who they really are. gwyneth and huey also sing sweet but paul and andre are, for me, the heart of this overlooked gem. see it, listen to it and feel your smile take you higher.
39 Go Ahead and Laugh
"Duets" stars Gwyneth Paltrow and Huey Lewis as daughter-and-father karaoke singers.
Go ahead and laugh. Why not? Everyone else does. There's something about karaoke that draws titters. Sure, it's increasingly popular, this singing along to backing tracks, with shows like "Say What! Karaoke" on MTV sending young wannabes into karaoke bars everywhere. But karaoke (Japanese for "empty orchestra"-I guess the singer is supposed to fill the void) is still perceived as something silly that people do when they've had a few too many.
So here's the surprise: "Duets" likes karaoke. In the movie, it's a metaphor for lost souls finding themselves, and, in their conquering a song, an audience, or a competition, filling some kind of spiritual void.
Paltrow, the Oscar-winning actress for "Shakespeare in Love," is the daughter of director Bruce Paltrow, and she comes off as exactly that: a good little girl, more giddy than we've seen her in a while; seeking a reconnection with her father (Lewis), a rock singer reduced to hustling bets at karaoke bars.
Everybody knows that Lewis can sing. But so can Gwyneth, with a shimmering, glistening voice, which she shows off on Jackie DeShannon's "Bette Davis Eyes" and in a duet with Lewis, on Smokey Robinson's "Cruisin'."
And so can Paul Giamatti, best known for his role as "Pig Vomit," the hated radio executive in Howard Stern's film, "Private Parts." A supposed karaoke virgin when he hits a bar, by chance, as he reels out of a dead-end routine as a traveling salesman, he nails Todd Rundgren's "Hello It's Me" and is hooked on singing. (Ah, Hollywood. Competing for a $5,000 prize, Lewis surprises Paltrow by calling her onto the stage, where they do an unreheased "Cruisin'" - perfectly, natch. And Giamatti, along with an ex-con hitchhiker played by Andre Braugher, whip up a stunning version of "Try a Little Tenderness," even though Braugher is on the lam and not exactly pleased to have been dragged onto a spotlit stage.)
Braugher actually doesn't sing; his voice is dubbed in. Neither does Scott Speedman, who plays a cab driver. But his pickup, Suzi (Maria Bello, from "Coyote Ugly") does, and acquits herself well on "Sweet Dreams" and "I Can't Make You Love Me."
Bruce Paltrow does toss in a couple of clinkers, but only briefly, and in the background. Curiously, he doesn't employ any Asian singers in any of the half-dozen or so bars in the movie. Karaoke was invented in Japan, became popular in various Asian cities, and has turned the stereotype of Asians as shy non-performers on its head. But you won't find any evidence of this evolution in "Duets."
Nor will you find much original. You've got yer hesitant parent and kid reunion; yer (black) con on the run hooking up with yer burned-out (white) guy making his own kind of escape. Then there's the cabbie who's just lost his girlfriend, and he just happens into the sexy Suzi, a small-town singer with stars in her eyes; she's itching to go to California. So call it three road movies squished into one, with the three pairs, such as they are, converging at a karaoke contest in Omaha.
See? You laughed again. But that's OK. "Duets" may be a bad movie, but it's the kind of bad that you can enjoy. As the New York Times' A.O. Scott wrote, "We could use more bad movies like this."
40 Tremendously entertaining, great movie!
I watched this movie in it's entirety several times, and don't have a clue why it didn't get better reviews. It reminds me of a karaoke version of Pulp Fiction, in the way that it handles the character interactions and storyline. I wish there were more movies that focus on character interaction in the way this one does.
41 Some people don't, but I do......
I know this movie got some very bad reviews however, I really liked it a lot! Yes, maybe the acting was not the best but bottom line is it is a movie that has imagination to it. Imagine the same 'ole role of life from day to day & all the troubled we face along the way. Wouldn't you like to have some kind of "release?" Well, that is what the movie is about...releasing from the heart by singing at kareoke bars. If you do not have a deep appreciation for music & all the feeling behind it, you won't like this movie. If you do have that special appreciation for music, you will be able to relate and to put yourself in it. Music is about people & expressing themselves, just as Duets does. I really do suggest that you at least try watching this one. No, it may not become your personal favorite, but it is entertaining with the great tracks and seeing the performances in the movie. I am impressed with Gwyneth's vocal talent! I don't care what other's have said, I feel that she sings very well. Take time and check Duets out.....it is worth it!
42 Terrific!
I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. Not only do I LOVE all the singing,... but it was also an interesting story and sucked me right in. Bottom line: It's great.
43 Really, its a good movie!
Wow - I am kinda suprised at the intense dislike expressed so far about this movie. This movie was exactly what it set out to be - a fun diversion from life. The vocal abilities of the actors fit perfectly with the setting and the characters were interesting.
Was it the best movie of the year, nah - and it didnt set out to be. There should be a place for movies which are just fun to watch. Hey, all I know is I walked out of the theatre with a big smile on my face. I felt much better than I did walking in. What more can you ask for in a movie?
I immensely enjoyed this film.
44 charming satire
the film is charming, funny and occassionally touching like when the salesman character sings karaoke for the first time or when he sings the duet with the guy from Homicide. Well acted and well sung.
45 Good Movie
Watching the seperate stories come together is fun. The different ppl and how they meet keeps is interesting and entertaining. Also, Gwen Paltrow's singing is to die for... Her voice will make you melt. What a doll!
46 One star is indeed one too many
Take a stupid, utterly implausible script filled with one-dimensional characters and really bad dialogues. Add some pathetically bad singing and over-the-top acting for a good measure. What do you get? The answer: Duets. This is by far the worst movie I've seen in the past year or two.
