The Fabulous Baker Boys

R

Released Oct 13, 1989

1 hr. 53 min.

Romance

Comedy

List

97%

31 Reviews

Tomatometer

70%

10,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

Frank (Beau Bridges) and Jack Baker (Jeff Bridges) are brothers who have performed together in a small but successful piano act for years. However, their lack of ambition hurts them -- they begin losing gigs, and are soon relegated to run-down venues. Attempting to infuse new life into their act, the brothers audition singers and choose the stunning Susie Diamond (Michelle Pfeiffer). The new lineup brings success, but a growing attraction between Susie and Jack threatens the trio's stability.

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Critics Consensus

Its story is nothing special, but The Fabulous Baker Boys glows beneath luminous performances from its perfectly cast stars.

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shteebo

Realistic drama and sexual tension set amid the lives of small-time musicians.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/13/23

Full Review

Larry H

A slow burning sleeper perfect for a rainy afternoon.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/25/23

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D M

The movie reminds me of the guy back in High School who tried too hard. This film tries to be more than it is.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

02/02/23

Full Review

s c

A believable story exploring the lives of small-time musicians. Strong performances from the leads, especially Pfeiffer. Worth a look.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

Full Review

isla s

This is a somewhat saucy film, not in an explicit sense but there are some scenes featuring musical performances from the main characters which are a bit sensual perhaps. Michelle Pfeiffer gives a particularly memorable performance - I'd say if your a fan of hers then you'll enjoy this but then considering the film dates from 1989, I'd be surprised if you hadn't already seen it before. Its true that the plot pace is a bit slow but I found it an easy watch regardless. The relationship between the two brothers (said baker boys) and Pfeiffer's character, Susie, is fairly interesting. Jeff Bridges plays brother Jack, the surprisingly laidback and even rather cold, noncomittal and apathetic type. I think a key word or theme in this film is disillusionment. Oh and from a musical perspective, to give you an idea, there's a lot (and by a lot I mean a LOT) of 'bar music' mainly featuring saxophone featured - saxophone and piano music. Some saxophone music can be heard in the background during scenes not featuring live performances as well, giving it the feel of an old detective type film almost. It is a little cheesy in that regard I suppose. Its also rather seedy in tone but I thought it was an alright watch. there were some amusing scenes (although it isn't an outright comedy) and the performances made it a pretty decent watch, even though the plot is a bit weak. Not a bad watch, not a brilliant one but not a bad one either.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Jeff num personagem incomodamente frio, babaca, enganador, nas palavras de Susi e completo com amargo, irresponsável e mulherengo, só a menininha quebra o gelo e o torna humano, um drama realista sobre a vida de músicos para ganharem a vida... Michelle linda, um filme triste, musical e melancólico...

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/12/23

Full Review

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Steve Kloves

Director

Jeff Bridges

Jack Baker

Michelle Pfeiffer

Susie Diamond

Beau Bridges

Frank Baker

Ellie Raab

Nina

Jennifer Tilly

Blanche 'Monica' Moran

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Pauline Kael

New Yorker

Writer-director Steve Kloves glides you through a romantic fantasy that has a forties-movie sultriness and an eighties movie-struck melancholy.

Sep 12, 2023

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Variety Staff

Variety

The fun part is seeing it all play out, thanks to a standout cast and first-time director Steve Kloves' skill in handling them.

Jul 28, 2008

Full Review

Geoff Andrew

Time Out

Much of the credit must go to the actors, with the Bridges brothers making a superb double act.

Jan 26, 2006

Full Review

Terry Francis

Southern Voice (Atlanta)

Technically and emotionally, The Fabulous Baker Boys is the work of a rich and surprising intellect.

Rated: 3.5/4

May 9, 2023

Full Review

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

All three stars are superb, but it's Pfeiffer's smart and sexy performance that quickly became a thing of legend.

Rated: 3/4

Feb 9, 2023

Full Review

Rene Jordan

El Nuevo Herald (Miami)

Almost the best movie of the year. [Full review in Spanish]

Jun 29, 2022

Full Review

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Synopsis

Frank (Beau Bridges) and Jack Baker (Jeff Bridges) are brothers who have performed together in a small but successful piano act for years. However, their lack of ambition hurts them -- they begin losing gigs, and are soon relegated to run-down venues. Attempting to infuse new life into their act, the brothers audition singers and choose the stunning Susie Diamond (Michelle Pfeiffer). The new lineup brings success, but a growing attraction between Susie and Jack threatens the trio's stability.

Director: Steve Kloves
Executive Producer: Sydney Pollack
Screenwriter: Steve Kloves
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Production Co: Mirage Enterprises, Gladden Entertainment
Rating: R
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 13, 1989, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 30, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $18.1M
Sound Mix: Dolby, Surround
Aspect Ratio: 35mm