Duets (R) No Rating

Six problematic drifters with one thing in common -- karaoke singing and an unexpectedly appealing movie -- converge on Omaha, Nebraska, for a national championship.

Story

Kind of like "The Hustler" for the bouncing-ball set, "Duets" unevenly follows six characters: the small-town singer headed for Hollywood (Maria Bello); the young cabbie searching for integrity (Scott Speedman); the ex-con with the voice of an angel (Andre Braugher); the burned-out salesman with a new lease on life (Paul Giamatti); and the karaoke hustler (Huey Lewis) who learns he has a daughter (Gwyneth Paltrow). Working their way through the interstates and karaoke bars of middle America, they each pair up and come together to compete for the $5000 grand prize in a karaoke contest.

Acting

Believe it or not, each person in this film uses his/her own voice in the musical segments, and it works. Paltrow whispers a credible "Bette Davis Eyes," but has little more to do in her supporting role than hang around Huey like a lost puppy. Lewis ("Short Cuts"), who looks like he'll break out with "Hip to be Square" at any moment, should stick to singing. Bello ("Coyote Ugly") projects confidence as the wannabe star with a golden deep throat, but overshadows cabbie partner Speedman, who blends into the scenery with the lightest role of the chorus. Braugher ("Homicide: Life on the Street") is a believable threat as the crooning con. He's paired with borderline psychopath Giamatti, who pleasantly steals the entire show. Seizing the best role, Giamatti delivers an infectious, high-energy performance while singing with impressive grace and range.

Direction

Effectively immersing the audience into the world of karaoke, Bruce Paltrow (father of Gwyneth, producer/writer/director of "St. Elsewhere" and "The White Shadow") injects unexpected life into an otherwise very shaky story line. This is a film that could have gone horribly wrong -- and almost does -- but somehow, mysteriously, Paltrow pulls it off. His attention to quirky detail and love for these thinly drawn characters shines through the unevenness of the story and poorly calculated lapses into serious, violent territory. Though the film runs a bit long, the fun, lively atmosphere and vocal enthusiasm of the actors -- specifically Giamatti -- keeps "Duets" from losing the contest.

Bottom Line

A guilty pleasure to be sure, "Duets" could incite a brief resurgence of karaoke mania.

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Starring Gwyneth Paltrow, Maria Bello, Scott Speedman, Andre Braugher and Huey Lewis.

Directed by Bruce Paltrow. Produced by Bruce Paltrow, Kevin Jones and John Byrum. Written by John Byrum. Released by Buena Vista.