Rating: Summary: A snapshot of the early 90s with a universal theme Review: I was in college in '92, when the grunge scene really took off, and this movie brings those days back perfectly. Somehow it doesn't seem dated either, like many 80s movies do. It's probably because of the engaging storyline and familar, "hey-that-could-be-me" characters that Cameron Crowe is known for. The Campbell Scott character, Steve (and by the way, where IS Campbell Scott these days?) is like so many of us - obsessed with work, trying to make sense of the whole dating and relationship scene, wishing for simplicity. Bridget Fonda's Janet is anyone who ever woke up from codependency and realized his/her own self-worth. And Kyra Sedgwick's Linda is everyone who ever got their heart broken and put up barriers to protect themselves, only to find that not all people are as bad as you think. Great cast, great setting, incredible soundtrack. The DVD adds some deleted scenes which I think are also on the VHS version, as well as cast bios. Check out cameos by Eddie Vedder, Stone Gossard and Jeff Ament of Pearl Jam (the musicians in Matt Dillon's band), Chris Cornell of Soundgarden, and a performance by Alice in Chains. And don't miss Jeremy Piven as the checkout guy, and the eldest son from "Malcolm in the Middle" as the young Steve.
Rating: Summary: Where were you in '92? Review: I was playing bass guitar in a rock band that was at least as pretentious yet nowhere near as talented as Matt Dillon's Citizen Dick ("we are HUGE in Belgium AND in Italy") as portrayed in this movie. I had all the answers regarding what constituted "The Perfect Girl" (I might have even come within an ace of getting her at the time), just like Campbell Scott's character must have. Now, of course, I'd settle for someone who would look at me the way Bridget Fonda looks at Matt Dillon in this movie. > Personal matters aside, this IS the best romantic comedy of the 1990's, if not of all time. It set the standard for the genre (in truth, "Swingers" is really just "Singles" with more expensive clothes and a "mid-'90's trendy" as opposed to an "early-'90's trendy" soundtrack). The "Twentysomething, coffee shop chic" of this movie also translated very well to the small screen to NBC's hit series "Friends", which I understand still does pretty well, though I stopped watching it awhile back. And in truth the performances really make this movie work. Bridget Fonda in particular is effectively heartbreaking, taking her telephone to the roof (just in case he calls) while sunning herself, even though she's already broken up with the guy whose phone call still doesn't come. Campbell Scott and Kyra Sedgewick attempt to ballroom dance their way through their relationship without ever getting close enough to actually touch, and are faced with a dilemma which is ultimately resolved in an unexpected, painful fashion. > This is easily Cameron Crowe's most underrated work. It really nails the time period at which it was made, and it flows very well for an ensemble piece. The extra scenes (particularly the French Movie bit) are good, the cameo appearances by members of Pearl Jam (and pre-"Superunknown" Chris Cornell, sporting the Jesus look) are a nice touch, and the soundtrack of course is the best depiction of the music scene as it was being heard at that time on a national basis, although as previously mentioned by some Seattle residents who've reviewed this movie, it was all pretty much over in The Emerald City by the time the movie actually came out. > In summation, I recommend this movie to all music fans, romantics, and the Thirtysomethings of today who might on occasion wax nostalgic for their earlier, less-anchored days.
Rating: Summary: my opinion at one time Review: I watched this because I thought that it documented some of the early-90s Seattle scene. In fact, only a few brief concert shots qualify as 'historical footage', and only the Pearl Jam cameos in Cliff's (Matt Dillon's) band seemed to have much to do with grunge otherwise.
Rating: Summary: good naive love storie Review: i'm not in to love stories but this movie makes it happen. It got a nice storie, great soundtrack and good convincing actors.I've seen it many times now and it does not get borring. rent it with your girlfriend and you'll have a plesent evening
Rating: Summary: Chasing Popcorn Review: I'm sure everyone has done some popcorn chasing in their time. "Singles" captures the whole dating scene with such candid brilliance everyone will feel included. There is something in this movie that we all can relate to (if you've ever dated!). My favourite character in the film would have to be Kyra Sedgwick's. Her subtle style of acting in this film gave it a realistic and raw vibe. She was also totally jaded and I applaud her for being such a pill. I also thought the Debbi character was a riot. "Come to where the flavour is"....haha. Of course the music was great too, and it seems like years ago that the grunge scene was here, when plaid flannels ruled the fashion circuit! One other note: One of the funniest scenes was cut out of the movie, but fortunately they included outakes on the vhs version. The scene in the French restaurant was hilarious!!!!!!!!!!!
Rating: Summary: St Elmo's Fire--90's style Review: Much hipper and more relevent than TV's Friends even at it's best Crowe puts a new spin on an old formula. The male-female friendship group thing seen in movies like St.Elmo's fire, yet without the brat pack pretension and mugging. The two mainstays Sedgewick and Campbell are people we can relate to and who we would not mind as next door neighbors. Bridget Fonda and Matt Dillon play the good girl after bad boy schtick that Mare Willingham and Rob Lowe parlayed in St. Elmo's yet without excessive boozin' or drugs. The Debbie girl was a little hard to believe because she seemed a little to self assured to need a video date, but it was good to see them poke a little fun at what is perceived to be a integral part of the 90's genre. The Crowe movies sure shows a much different Seattle than is true today. almost 10 years ago it was a generation in a town about to make impacts on so many diffent fronts.
Rating: Summary: Grungy Yuppies Review: 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.
Rating: Summary: Much more than an excellent soundtrack... Review: OK. The soundtrack of this movie is perfect. Powerful, strong, good bands. But, without the music, this movie still would be a great movie. And it's really simple. Four people. Two couples. Old-fashioned. Hetero. Straight. But it's enough to show how hard can be to start and build a relationship with someone you like (or with someone you love). I think almost everyone, regardless age, condition or location, can relate with this characters. I guess almost any men had the doubt between to call-not to call some girl after the first date. Besides, the secondary characters are funny, credible, and provide some additional lines. And, a perfect soundtrack! The DVD also includes the Theatrical Trailer + two outtakes.
Rating: Summary: "I could just break up with him!" Review: One of the many memorable lines from this movie. Is there any other writer/director that has coined as many phrases and oneliners as Cameron Crowe? I don't think this is his best but it's definitely worth seeing. The music is awesome and I think the theme is timeless - the mystery of relationships. Where this movie falls short is the casting of Kyra Sedgwick and Campbell Scott. Something about their characters don't work and the chemistry is not there. But Bridget Fonda, Matt Dillon and Bill Pullman make this movie. "I'm sick of starving myself for this guy. I could just break up with him." What girl hasn't gone thru that?? Matt Dillon is absolutely hilarious as Bridget Fonda's rocker boyfriend. Pearl Jam has a cameo and they're also pretty funny.
Rating: Summary: Terrific Review: Quotable, funny, witty and all-around excellent. A true picture of love in the '90s. Cameron Crowe is a genius.
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