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

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

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

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