Singles

Grunge rock may provide the backdrop, but anyone expecting extended footage of Soundgarden in concert will be disappointed. But there's rich compensation to be found amid the aspirations of six love-hungry hopefuls as they explore Seattle's singles scene. Steve (Scott) falls for Linda (Sedgwick), who's been burnt by a smooth-talking Spaniard. Janet (Fonda, terrific) is sufficiently besotted by grunge rocker Cliff (a wonderfully self-mocking Dillon) to flirt with the idea of breast implants. Meanwhile, Debbie (Kelley) searches for a husband, and Bailey (True) finds his calling as agony uncle. Writer-director Crowe suffuses the film with tender humour and affection as the characters, most of them living in the same apartment block, swap stories, ponder sexual come-ons where none exist, and remain resolute in the face of emotional horrors. Pearl Jam, Mudhoney and Soundgarden contribute to the soundtrack, and the film's tone couldn't be sweeter.