Singles | | Cast : | Bridget Fonda, Campbell Scott | | Director : | Cameron Crowe | | Studio : | Warner Studios | | Format : | Color, Widescreen, Dolby | | Released Date : | September 18, 1992 | | DVD Released Date : | February 03, 2004 | | Language : | English (Dubbed), French (Subtitled), English (Subtitled), English (Original Language), French (Original Language) | | Audience Rating : | PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested) | | | BUY THIS DVD FROM AMAZON |
Customer Reviews
| Rating |  | | Date | December 04, 2004 | | Summary | Ah, to be twentysomething in Seattle in the early 1990s! | Content
 | This film genuinely surprised me when I first saw it in theaters in 1992. For me, Bridget Fonda was the main draw at the time, as she received top billing and was on the movie posters with Matt Dillion. It felt like a bait and switch, because the film focuses more on Campbell Scott and Kyra Sedgwick's relationship, even though they aren't featured on the poster. That's no biggie, because I enjoyed their storyline much more than Bridget and Matt's...but I bet Campbell and Kyra weren't happy to be excluded on the poster/DVD cover.
This film has it all...great music suitable to the period (grunge/alternative), fantastic use of place (Seattle in a starring role), interesting and quirky characters, and true to life portrayal of young people in their twenties negotiating through life as they find their true passions. I especially loved Campbell Scott's performance and he is the true star of this film. His job is working on creating a "Super Train" to get Seattlites out of their cars and onboard for their commute, because he believes that "if you give them great coffee and great music, they'll ride." His girlfriend, played by Kyra Sedgwick, has her pulse on the masses, by telling him, "I still love my car, though." She's an environmentalist who drives an old gass guzzling clunker of an automobile, which Campbell pokes fun at after a lunch date. Its a joy to watch their relationship grow from initial doubts to lover games about how soon after a date one should call to other challenges that crop up. I especially love the scene when Linda (Sedgwick) peruses Steve's (Campbell Scott) record albums and gets nostalgic about her college days. That scene epitomizes the exciting "getting to know you" stage of dating and rings absolutely true. The choice of music in that scene, and throughout the entire movie really enhances the scenes overall.
Probably the only thing I didn't like about the film, which is just a tiny critique, was Janet's (Fonda) almost groupie-like infatuation with Cliff (Dillon), who didn't seem all that interested in her (until she moves on with her life). They are a mismatched pair if there ever was one...Janet with her ambitions for Grad School to pursue architecture, and Cliff the stereotypical Gen X slacker working menial jobs to support his rock band career that probably wouldn't have gone anywhere. Janet should have hooked up with the plastic surgeon who doesn't know how to have fun!
This dvd would be made even better with a director's commentary track. Cameron Crowe could divulge a lot of interesting information and insite jokes that the average filmwatcher might not catch (like when the mime says, "wooo woooo woooo" in response to a guy who says he works for Boeing, or when a reporter asks Cliff what the song "Touch Me, I'm Dick" is about--which is an inside joke on the actual song "Touch Me, I'm Sick"). This film is so ingrained into the grunge culture of Seattle of the early 1990s, that future audiences could use a lot of background info a director's commentary would provide. At any rate, this film is a joy to watch, and cheaply priced that it's worth having in one's collection. And buy the soundtrack while you're at it. |
| Rating | | | Date | November 12, 2004 | | Summary | Timeless and Brilliant... | Content
| This is still one of the best films ever made about being single. It is just CRAMMED PACKED FULL of truths, life lessons, real honesty and touching moments. I am ever amazed and I watch it with 'new eyes' each time. A great film, very highly recommended...!!! Over ten years old and not even slightly out of date... |
| Rating | | | Date | August 16, 2004 | | Summary | Grungy Yuppies | Content
| My wife liked this one, so I guess this goes down as a sweet romantic comedy. My take is that Cameron Crowe was learning his stuff in 1992 and the infinitely better Almost Famous was yet to come. Bridget Fonda is the X Generation chick that loves the grungy Matt Dillion. She's kind of wholesome compared to flea picking Dillion, but to each their own. There are actually two main love stories here and Cambell Scott as the bullet train designer that will save 1992 Seattle from environmentally unfriendly autos falls for Kyra Sedgwick. She's also a Greenpeace office gal. In fact, Seattle seems to be inhabited by Howard Dean supporters. Naturally all the couples break up and then make up in a convoluted hour and a half. Love wins out and believe me its light stuff.
The music of this period is one of a kind. For maybe two years Rock and Roll wasn't a sham of the 1960's. But then Kurt kicked and it was over. These characters oddly don't seem to fit in to this type of grunge club nightlife. Except for Dillion, they are yuppie waiting to happen.
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| Rating | | | Date | July 26, 2004 | | Summary | If only time stood still... | Content
| Cameron Crowe is my all time favorite director. His films are inspirational, moving, and fun. 'Say Anything...', the ultimate handbook to relationships. 'Jerry Maguire', the guidelines to life and where happiness belongs. 'Almost Famous', a visual song, or concert that just opened up our eyes...to Crowe and music, in general. But, what about 'Singles?'
I almost hate watching this movie. You're probably wondering right now, why, especially after 5 stars! But in all honesty, this film represents a time period I wish I had been old enough to really, truly appreciate. Today, I look back and seldomly remember all of it, but I just remember being there...I only wish I could have experienced it, at my early adulthood age. The early 90's, dubbed the 'grunge era', is where 'Singles' finds itself and where I find the pivotal moment of music and art.
In the film, we examine this scene, well not really, but it's set in it, with stories that intertwine in love and relationships. You have Scott Campell and Kyra Sedgwick's two characters where one wants to start something, while another's unsure. And then you have the more youthful, troublesome Matt Dillon and Bridget Fonda's relationship. By seeing the workfield and the music/local scene, we can really understand where the times were. From advancing technology we find obsolete to attending bands, we can only see on LP's or older CD's now. The film is monumental in all that it achieves, just living.
The film captures the look and feel of Seattle, with the art decor photos and the music of the time. A la Chris Cornell and Pearl Jam, alongside Alice in Chains, Screaming Trees, and Mudhoney, the soundtrack just really excels in the film. A reason it went platinum, I suppose. If the film doesn't do it for you, then the music will. Cameron Crowe just really knows how to orchestrate it all and 'Singles' is a success.
If you're familiar with the times then, you may notice the slew of cameos that blanket this film. From Eddie Vedder to Chris Cornell, Tad to Tom Skeritt, to Tim Burton to Jeremy Piven, this film is fun just to look out for them!
This DVD usually sells for 5 bucks anywhere, which is a steal, in my opinion. Considering I hold this film in my favorites box, I would pay 15-20 for it. So, with the film being a grab and bag, just do it, and enjoy what I consider, the film that captured the best...of the most recent period of our lives.
I digress. |
| Rating | | | Date | June 22, 2004 | | Summary | Good Movie | Content
| Cameron Crowe's "Singles" portrays the lives of single men and women living in Seattle, Washington in the 1990s. Like previous generations, the youth are seeking independence and identity. The movie centers around a couple Steve and Linda, played by Kyra Segwick and Campbell Scott. They first meet at a concert and she, Linda, rejects him on the spot. Then they meet again the second time and she accepts him. They both start off awkwardly and then they grow on one another. But things take a turn which makes one question the other where the relationship is going.
The supporting actors Briget Fonda and Matt Dillon make the movie are just as good as the center characters. Fonda, who plays a waitress, tries to get Dillon's attention. He is more focused on his music career while working as a delivery truck guy for a florist shop. She attempts to get a boob job to get his attention.
Then there is a neighbor who is an advertising exec that is searching for her "prince". She goes through a dating service hoping to get her man. Despite her schemes, she is optimistic.
This movie is a good watch as the couples are going through some odds and ends in the relationships and creating lifetime of friendships. |
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