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(More customer reviews)I never even heard of this film until this month when my Spiritual Cinema Circle subscription featured this film in its November 2005 mail-out. For those who don't know, Spiritual Cinema Circle is a mail distribution service where members get a dvd each month that includes 3 short films and one feature film of spiritually inspiring content. They bring little known films into your home and I haven't been disappointed yet.
Anyhow, in the film "Singles", Campbell Scott's character and Bridget Fonda's character agree that while their relationship as a couple didn't work, that they were probably a "scorching couple in another universe." Well, once again they team up as a couple for this film. I'm a big fan of Bridget Fonda and try to see all of her works. She's made a lot of movies, but most of the roles haven't been high-profile as they were in the early 90s. In this film, she really shines as a pregnant wife who still carries the pain of having a father walk out on her at a young age.
The spiritual aspect of this film revolves around Milo, a card-playing boy who doesn't want to leave heaven for a lifetime on earth. His refusal to go when his time comes up has catacalysmic effect on the earth, so the board members who determine birth cycles enlist the help of a cantankerous old man serving time in hell for a lifetime of carnal desires. He has one day to convince Milo to be born. What ensues is a romp through Manhattan, hitting all the sights/activities that children tend to enjoy. Albert Finney as the old man is hilarious and reminds me of Jackie Gleason. He's thinking more about himself than the boy, so when he crosses paths with an old flame, played by Leslie Ann Warren (everything I've seen her in, she plays a floozie who can't stop giggling), they take a trip to Atlantic City for some adult fun of gambling.
By the time the film reaches resolution, we see the connection and purpose for everything, and it reaches a surprising yet satisfying conclusion. One thing I particularly enjoyed in this film were the members of the board...essentially kids acting grown-up, one of them an African American speaking with a very snobby-type of accent, which is done for humorous effect. I love how they keep the old man on the mission everytime he gets distracted by the ladies.
So, give this film a chance. I have no idea why it didn't get a wide release. It was supposedly released in 2001, and seeing New York with the World Trade Center, I don't know if that was an issue post 9/11, but if that's the case, it was a wrong decision. We could've used an inspiring comedy with spiritual elements to help us through our shock, grief, and trauma of that horrible day and the dark weeks after. This film will inspire you and maybe even give you something to think about regarding the children who choose to be born to you.
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