Common Sense Note
Parents should know that the shootout in which Reggie is killed could scare some kids. There are two gunfights, one in a convenience store and one involving the police. Some blood is shown. Also, there is female nudity and many sexual situations.
Families can discuss father-daughter relationships. Why are many so strained?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: M. Faust
Misleadingly promoted as a Gwyneth Paltrow vehicle, DUETS is an ensemble comedy-drama about six characters, in which the Oscar winner has one of the smaller (and least-developed) parts. As a slightly wacky young woman who is determined to get to know her father, Paltrow's part probably looked better on paper than it plays in the finished movie, which was directed by her father, Bruce Paltrow.
The conflict between Liv and her movie dad (played by singer Huey Lewis, who just seems too nice to be believable as a scoundrel) is resolved too neatly and unbelievably. Likewise, the relationship between cabbie Billy and singer Suzi, who turns out to be not as confident as she acts, is thinly written.
The best story involves Todd, whose mounting frustration with the ugliness of both his environment-destroying job and the America of fast food and look-alike hotels he lives in provides the DUETS' best and funniest moments. Andre Braugher is also very good as the ex con who wants to keep Todd from getting too deep into the dark side, though his death is an unnecessarily melodramatic conclusion to this mostly lightweight movie.
The oddness of the characters and the silliness of some of the karaoke performances will appeal to some teens, but in general this is an adult movie about adult issues.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentRicky is briefly seen having sex with a woman he met at a bar. Some bare breasts. Suzi barters sexual favors for whatever she needs (and is briefly glimpsed getting dressed). Billy catches his wife in bed with his partner. |
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ViolenceTwo gunfights, one in a convenience store and one involving the police. Some blood is shown. The shootout in which Reggie is killed is scary. |
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LanguageA range of expletives are lightly sprinkled in various conversations. |
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Social BehaviorThe sole black character is a convict. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoTodd--in the midst of what may not be clear to young viewers is a nervous breakdown--goes on a driving spree fueled by pills and beer. |
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