Finally a movie about something that has never been done; using Karaoke as a metaphor for life. Certain songs are reminiscent of our prom, our first kiss, or our wedding day, but in this movie, music represents the psychological, emotional, sexual and free release for six very different people, who eventually team up in Omaha, Nebraska for a Karaoke contest. First there’s a hunky cabdriver (Scott Speedman) who searches for the meaning of life and thinks himself an “underachiever.” Then there’s his sidekick traveling companion, (Maria Bello) a wanna-be Hollywood star-struck type. Huey Lewis is a seasoned karaoke hustler who unexpectedly ends up with an innocent Vegas girl (Gwenyth Paltrow). The last team of roadtrip strangers is an unlikely pair. An ex-con (Andre Braugher) with the movie’s favorite, a fed-up, stressed-out, suburban, unloved, unwanted, corporate fueled, credit card loving salesman, (Paul Giametti) who leaves home to permanently “buy a pack of cigarettes”. Most impressive in these outstanding performances are their unexpected singing skills. “Try A Little Tenderness” delivered by Braugher and Giametti is a show stopper as though George Benson and Al Jarreau were performing together! The only problem was that the lovely Paltrow’s role did not suit her Oscar worthy abilities. This story is full of surprises, all pleasantly delivered. And in the end, will leave you thinking that in the final contest of Karaoke (or everyday life) who really wins. (one interesting note: Directed by Bruce Paltrow, Gwenyth Paltrow’s father)
