Reviews (13)

really quite lovely
B. Monkey is a movie that has its flaws, but it's entertaining nonetheless. The director was replaced halfway through filming, and although Michael Radford (the credited replacement) does well, the movie does have the certain vague feel of, well, a film whose director was replaced halfway through filming. There are also a few scenes that go on too long, one or two shots that are inconsistent (for example, the title character walking somewhere in a red dress, only to be at work in a black dress in the next shot), and some dialogue that sounds distinctly written, rather than natural. However, I still really enjoyed this movie. The performances (not to mention the great cinematography) are what really sell it. Asia Argento as B. (Beatrice) is beautiful, charismatic, and a strong screen presence. I expect she will only get better as her career progresses. Jared Harris does a fine job, although (and this is not his fault, just an annoyance of mine) I found his character rather unfeeling in how quickly and completely he expects B. to drop her old life and friends. Those friends/partners-in-crime are played by Rupert Everett, sleazy and clearly having a high time of it as Paul, and Jonathan Rhys Meyers, very effective as temperamental, nearly desperate Bruno. The one thing this movie really left me wishing for was a more in-depth look at the relationship between these two and Beatrice. It's an unusual dynamic--Paul and Bruno are lovers, but Bruno is clearly also in love (or at least obsessed) with B., who is the only person to ever truly care about him. Overall, yes, it does have shortcomings and it's not the greatest thing I've seen, but B. Monkey is still a fine movie, plenty of fun, and worth checking out.

Love hurts
This film, directed by Michael ("Il Postino") Radford, goes to show that you can't always pick those you love. Beatrice (Asia Argento), the B Monkey of the title, falls for a mild-mannered grade school teacher (Richard Harris' son, Jared) and must choose between her new love and the "family" of criminals that have nurtured her career as a jewel thief. If you can swallow the premise, this one sits pretty sweetly on the pallet of a Eurofilm junkie. While neither as stylish as "Diva" nor as violent as "La Femme Nikita," it owes something to both, being most at home in scenes that feature its supporting cast of unsavory characters, which includes Rupert Everett, as a Fagin-esque thief with a drug habit that gets him into trouble with his suppliers; John Rhys Meyers, as his punk lover, who proves once again that love is a hurtin' thing; and Julie T. Wallace, as an abusive mom, who gets a visit from Argento and Meyers that sets her on the path to righteousness. With Peggy Lee, Portishead, Cassandra Wilson, and the above-mentioned Reinhardt along for musical atmosphere, I'd like to know where to get the soundtrack.

A moving little film from the director of Il Postino
This is actually a quite wonderful little film.
Asia Argento is radiant as a thief who chances to meet (and enchant) a nerdish, but goodhearted, teacher who completely falls head over heels in love with her (who wouldn't?). In an effort to change lifestyles and settle down, she can't quite get rid of her past and this puts a strain on her newfound boyfriend and her new existence.
All the leads are sensational (Rupert Everett a particular scene stealer) and the film is moving all the way.
Rumours are that a large portion was left on the cutting room floor and it took the film three years to get released, but it doesn't show easily. Highly recommended.

asia
To be honest with you , I only saw this film because of Asia. I have no idea what the plot is. But she looked quite pretty throughout it.

Unfortunately Titled Thriller Has Super Hot Babe.....
...I've got to put Asia Argento on my list of Much Watch Actresses: she puts to mind a combination of Angeliina Jolie and Thora Birch, but with way more fire than Jolie ever goes for...Jolie is kinda 'mellow', y'know?

But, I caught this on one of my cable stations one Sat. evening 'cause I'm a big fan of heist cine, and this *is* one, albeit wrapped in a rather odd love story. Tawk about opposites attracting! The grade school teacher trails live wire Beatrice one day and asks her out for a drink. What follows is one of the most passionate and interesting court ships I've ever seen on film. They go to Paris to find their love. I thought that was a rather nice touch. But, always, always, one muddy alley away, one warehouse loft away, one scummy tavern away are the boosters and druggies threatening to pull her back in the mire. Beatrice does one more job out of a since of obligation to her ex-partners and to help her pallie (played with greatness by Rupert) pay some drug bills.

The heist at the jewelry shoppe nearly gets botched when her companion loses nerve: they are saved when the driver slaps a man with a car lug wrench. And Beatrice comes away with a 'well, I did get a rush from this, but I can't afford this type of rush anymore. They are 'way too risky'. So she and the teacher find a way to get a house in the country side. And one day, in a break of monotony and ennui, Beatrice calls up Rupert from a road side phone...just to check up on her pallie, you know?

You can just about guess what happens next, but by the time this part of the film happens, if you are anything like me, you find yourself into the story so deeply that you let the obvious cliches run their course. That's what I did.

Also, this is one of the most attractive of the modern British gangster/heist cines I've seen. Many of them have that dark or greyness as if the directors were trying to capture years of sooty, foggy decadence on film. My overall opinion is that if you see this, it will entertain you.... ... Read more

Reviews (13)

A serious subject in a superficial movie
Chile and Argentina have gone through tragic years during the 70's, and this movie attempted to tackle what happened - everyday at the time, in Chile. Two good actors (Banderas and Connelly) seem lost in a poor script and directorship, although Allende knew the subject from the inside (I did not read her book yet).
Banderas could not concentrate and acted quite bad, and you can see that the way his eyes wander in several scenes with Jennifer. She makes a big effort in her role, but this is not one of her good movies.
In Jennifer's attempt to bring the South American political disaster to the screen, a much better (remarkable) film is Waking the Dead. A must see!
Note: their love scene in Of Love and Shadows could produce a tender moment in this play, but was grossly produced and the director missed the chance, unfortunately.

Left Wing Ideology
I can see how this film might appeal to some people, especially to those on the extreme left as it tends to push to the forefront socialist causes like egalitarianism, homosexuality, and spirituality.

Antonio Banderas plays a communist photographer who meets a magazine editor played by Jennifer Connelly. As he befriends her, he tries to steal her from her fiancé and persuade her to his left-wing idealogy.

It is definitely not a film for everyone, but it will appeal to some women, especially those who like Antonio Banderas - the camera is fixated on him, and ignores the beautiful Jennifer Connelly in their love-making scene. It will probably also appeal to the extreme left and gay community, though Jennifer Connelly fans will surely be disappointed.

Love, shadow, and a right wing dictatorship.
If you love to see people loving, you will probably love that part of this movie. However this movie is also about a War on Terrorism. It may challenge some of the common ideas that we Americans get from our corporate controlled media. There's alot of beauty in this movie; but there's also something ugly. It is timely, especially now in America.

IF YOU LOVE ANTONIO, YOU'LL LOVE THIS MOVIE
I FOUND THIS TO BE A VERY INTERESTING MOVIE WITH ONE OF THE TENDEREST LOVE SCENES I HAVE SEEN IN A LONG TIME. IT MAY BE A LITTLE ROUGH AROUND THE EDGES IN CERTAIN PARTS, BUT OVERALL I LOVE THIS MOVIE, AND WILL WATCH IT AGAIN AND AGAIN.

It [disappoints]
This movie is so bad you are just going to laugh.
The acting is terrible, the settings are awful.
And of course you have Allende boring, cheesy and easy Writing. Obviosuly she depicts people in the chilean right as the "evil" ones, and the ones on the left as the "good" ones. Sorry but history is more complicated. The plot is an absurd left wing account of Chilean recent history. The movie also reaffirms that Allende is a terrible writer. ...

Please don't see this movie. It is so bad. ... Read more

Amazon.com

A romantic comedy set against the background of the Seattle grunge scene of the late '80s and early '90s, Singles contains music and/or cameo appearances by the music groups who defined the movement, including Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, Mudhoney, Screaming Trees, Mother Love Bone, and others. (For a definitive documentary treatment of the same pop-music phenomenon, see Hype!) The plot is really a series of interconnected stories about various Seattle singles--some of who are part of a couple, at least temporarily. Matt Dillon plays a longhaired rocker whose girlfriend (Bridget Fonda) is considering breast enlargement surgery. As Steve and Linda, Campbell Scott and Kyra Sedgwick are going through the awkward stages of a relationship--that point when quirky little traits that may have seemed attractive initially can evolve into major annoyances. It's a funny, sweet, enjoyable picture that captures some of the flavor of the Northwest, where writer-director Cameron Crowe relocated after marrying Seattle native Nancy Wilson of Heart. (The Wilson sisters also appear on the soundtrack as members of The Lovemongers.) Ten years before the release of Singles in 1992, Crowe was the "boy wonder" reporter for Rolling Stone magazine who went back to high school in order to research and write what became Fast Times at Ridgemont High. His other work includes Jerry Maguire (1996) and Say Anything (1989). --Jim Emerson ... Read more

Reviews (38)

A snapshot of the early 90s with a universal theme
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.

Good Movie
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.

I Can Totally Relate
Even though I wasn't a part of the early 90s grunge scene, I can really relate to the theme in this movie, a theme that explores the ups and downs of the single life. As a matter of fact, I believe that anyone who has ever been single can relate to what's shown in the movie. For example, how many of us have gotten involved with someone we think is "The One", only to find out that he/she is a jerk? How many of us have pined away for a boyfriend or girlfriend who doesn't seem to notice that we exist? How many of us have gone to great lengths to find Mr. or Ms. Right? And how many of us have been hesitant to get into another relationship because we've been burned by previous ones? Answer: most of us. The above-mentioned scenarios are ones that we see not only in the movie, but also in our real lives. And as a previous reviewer mentioned, the movie takes place in the Northwest, but it could happen anywhere.

crowe does dating
some part of me wants to agree with general opinion that this is a bit of a 'period-piece'. oh, go on then, this IS a bit of a period-piece, but none the worse for that. the irony is that crowe took a peculiar cultural phenomenon in grunge, went to the heart of it all and made the film in Seattle (with some nice coffee shop moments thrown in for good measure) and then made a film about life that could have been set anywhere. i mean, instead of matt dillon's character having long hair, wearing jams and being into rock, give him a mohican, baggy trousers and have him into punk and you have a skateboard movie (not sure why you would, but still...).

the film is about love, life, relationships, the difficulties of being a twentysomething in modern society and making difficult decisions but not really knowing who you are, where you are going or why you happen to be where you are right now. it is that disaffection with life that, i suppose, endeared us all to troubled musicians with long hair and scruffy t-shirts in the first place..?

the idea that our central characters live in a duplex apartment block is key to the film. these are people with temporary lives, temporary relationships, dreams of something better and something bigger and no one to help them get there (to paraphrase michael chabon's wonder boys).

the film isn't out-and-out funny, or romantic or anything particularly mainstream, its downright quirky and unconventional and makes a bold observation on life and living it. campbell scott has only just recovered from the critical slamming he took because of this film, by all accounts, and bridget fonda and matt dillon have remained relatively low key (but probably not unsuccessful) and kyra sedgwick has had a reasonable career (and a marriage to the man of many degrees, kevin bacon). the only person that really flourished here is crowe, who can probably look at almost famous as his most acconmplished piece to date. this has similar charms and perhaps when we are further away from the early 90's this film can be appreciated by a new audience.

im inclined to agree that my so called life did do a better job with representing the grunge era, but then, this is aiming at higher fruits and, i think, comes across as a prelude to better things from its director (but maybe thats just hindsight speaking....?).

Seattle Blues
I loved this movie and have watched it over and over again. I am what you'd call an old-age rocker, but so what it! The movie makes me laugh and feel good about the characters and of myself at age 51! All the characters were so real and down to earth. After renting it for the 10th time I finally decided to purchase it today and add it to my library of most beloved movies. This movie will never collect dust. Why haven't these wonderful characters played in other movies?

MISS CALLADINE ... Read more

Reviews (38)

A snapshot of the early 90s with a universal theme
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.

Good Movie
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.

I Can Totally Relate
Even though I wasn't a part of the early 90s grunge scene, I can really relate to the theme in this movie, a theme that explores the ups and downs of the single life. As a matter of fact, I believe that anyone who has ever been single can relate to what's shown in the movie. For example, how many of us have gotten involved with someone we think is "The One", only to find out that he/she is a jerk? How many of us have pined away for a boyfriend or girlfriend who doesn't seem to notice that we exist? How many of us have gone to great lengths to find Mr. or Ms. Right? And how many of us have been hesitant to get into another relationship because we've been burned by previous ones? Answer: most of us. The above-mentioned scenarios are ones that we see not only in the movie, but also in our real lives. And as a previous reviewer mentioned, the movie takes place in the Northwest, but it could happen anywhere.

crowe does dating
some part of me wants to agree with general opinion that this is a bit of a 'period-piece'. oh, go on then, this IS a bit of a period-piece, but none the worse for that. the irony is that crowe took a peculiar cultural phenomenon in grunge, went to the heart of it all and made the film in Seattle (with some nice coffee shop moments thrown in for good measure) and then made a film about life that could have been set anywhere. i mean, instead of matt dillon's character having long hair, wearing jams and being into rock, give him a mohican, baggy trousers and have him into punk and you have a skateboard movie (not sure why you would, but still...).

the film is about love, life, relationships, the difficulties of being a twentysomething in modern society and making difficult decisions but not really knowing who you are, where you are going or why you happen to be where you are right now. it is that disaffection with life that, i suppose, endeared us all to troubled musicians with long hair and scruffy t-shirts in the first place..?

the idea that our central characters live in a duplex apartment block is key to the film. these are people with temporary lives, temporary relationships, dreams of something better and something bigger and no one to help them get there (to paraphrase michael chabon's wonder boys).

the film isn't out-and-out funny, or romantic or anything particularly mainstream, its downright quirky and unconventional and makes a bold observation on life and living it. campbell scott has only just recovered from the critical slamming he took because of this film, by all accounts, and bridget fonda and matt dillon have remained relatively low key (but probably not unsuccessful) and kyra sedgwick has had a reasonable career (and a marriage to the man of many degrees, kevin bacon). the only person that really flourished here is crowe, who can probably look at almost famous as his most acconmplished piece to date. this has similar charms and perhaps when we are further away from the early 90's this film can be appreciated by a new audience.

im inclined to agree that my so called life did do a better job with representing the grunge era, but then, this is aiming at higher fruits and, i think, comes across as a prelude to better things from its director (but maybe thats just hindsight speaking....?).

Seattle Blues
I loved this movie and have watched it over and over again. I am what you'd call an old-age rocker, but so what it! The movie makes me laugh and feel good about the characters and of myself at age 51! All the characters were so real and down to earth. After renting it for the 10th time I finally decided to purchase it today and add it to my library of most beloved movies. This movie will never collect dust. Why haven't these wonderful characters played in other movies?

MISS CALLADINE ... Read more