Don't write "Singles" off as just another romantic comedy, or even worse, as a chick flick.
This 1992 movie doesn't rely on hopeless romanticism or fairytale endings, just the brutal honesty of reality. It's so funny because it's so true.
The movie follows the intertwined lives of several singles living in Seattle, most of which also live in the same apartment complex. These 20-somethings are dealing with the complications of love and the haunting fear of staying single forever.
The plot travels into the mysterious minds of both sexes. You get the male and female perspective on situations such as first-time sexual encounters, the harshness of being dumped and even a pregnancy scare.
Steve Dune (Campbell Scott) is instantly drawn to Linda Powell (Kyra Sedgwick) at a concert. She spends the entire movie protecting her heart and expecting Steve to be a jerk. He just has to be, right?
The relationship will be tested several times in the most serious ways from an impulsive marriage proposal over chilidogs to a life-altering car accident. The movie is full of honesty and the things people actually do. At one point Linda decides Steve is a jerk and while doing some apartment cleaning she uses his shirt to scrub the toilet.
Steve's ex-girlfriend and neighbor, Janet Livermore (Bridget Fonda), is having her own problems by trying to make her romantically challenged rocker boyfriend, Cliff Poncier (Matt Dillon) commit to her.
Their relationship reflects insecurities and thoughtlessness. Janet asks Cliff, "Are my breasts too small for you?" He honestly replies "Sometimes." Instead of losing her cool, she consults a plastic surgeon about extremely large breast implants.
It's funny because Janet tries to put him in classical mantraps, and he doesn't fall for them. She doesn't even accept the fact that he still dates other girls. The final straw that snaps some sense into Janet is when Cliff doesn't say "God bless you" after she sneezes. Maybe dumping him will give him a reality check.
While the movie revolves around these two dysfunctional but deeply committed relationships, they aren't the only ones looking for love. Debbie Hunt (Sheila Kelley), another resident in the apartment complex, resorts to making an over the top video dating tape that reeks of desperation. People will do almost anything to find and keep love.
The process isn't easy when you're in the situation but at least watching the on-screen relationships unfold is 90 minutes of pure humor. There is no narration included, the viewer just watches the character's actions and listens to their conversations.
The movie is accompanied by a big-name soundtrack, including tracks from Pearl Jam, Soundgarden and Alice in Chains. The sounds of the early 90s grunge music era are incorporated into the movie.
There is just something about movies from the 90s that make them classic to college students' generation. "Mallrats," "Clueless," "Dumb and Dumber," "Singles" and so many more all have a quirky and lighthearted spirit.
This article appeared in The Marquette Tribune on April 21 2005.