Duets

Duets follows a mismatched bunch of karaoke lovers who pile into a car with a shared dream of singing their way to Omaha, where a national duet contest awaits. Suzi Loomis, a stubborn waitress with a hidden voice, teams up with Reggie Kane, a former star trying to reclaim his shine, and Todd Woods, an earnest songwriter hoping for a breakthrough. They are joined by Ricky Dean, Liv and a handful of eccentric performers who race across small towns, trading jokes and late night songs in crowded bars, laundromats, and roadside stops. The road trip becomes a moving chorus as strangers learn to trust each other and find courage through duets. Along the way they swap secrets, argue about who should take the lead, and help each other rediscover the courage to sing in front of strangers.

Directed by Bruce Paltrow, Duets reached theaters in 2000 as an ensemble road comedy drama based on an original concept from John Byrum. The film balances humor with heartfelt moments and features a tight traveling cast.

Box office data for Duets is not widely reported, reflecting its modest release. The film features an appealing cast led by Maria Bello, Andre Braugher, Paul Giamatti, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Huey Lewis. Its release was modest, appealing to adult audiences.

Duets has a mild cultural footprint, primarily among fans of karaoke and early 2000s musical road comedies. Its soundtrack and performances capture a specific vibe of the era and offer light hearted glimpses of small town nightlife.

Critics offered mixed notes on the film, praising the cast chemistry while pointing to an uneven tonal balance. The movie weighs friendship, ambition, and the healing power of music, presenting a folksy charm rather than a flashy spectacle. Audience rating sits at 5.65/10 from 152 votes.