Swingers (1996)

Every time the characters called each other 'Money' I had to cringe. The context never worked for me even though I knew what they were trying to say. The main story here is Mike (Jon Favreau) and Trent (Vince Vaughn), and some of their situations were ridiculous, but probably not enough to write home about. The scene where they meet up with Christy (Deena Martin) and Lisa (Katherine Kendall) should have sent the girls packing, I couldn't understand how they wound up back at the girls' trailer. You know Vaughn's character doesn't believe a word he's saying which makes his statements funny, but I don't know how the girls didn't see right through him. Mike on the other hand is so lacking in self confidence and wallowing in such misery over a broken relationship that he can't move on with his life. I guess a guy can relate to both characters during a similar period in one's life, and in fact, their dialog is probably more realistic than one would care to admit. My favorite scene would have been the six phone calls in a row with Mike stepping all over himself until he gets the 'Don't call me ever again' response. When Mike broke out of his funk with that swing number by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, you just had to know his troubles were over. At that point, he was so money he didn't even know it.

I had heard the title of this movie a few times, including when one of the leading actors mentioned it in an interview or two, I had my assumptions of the meaning of the title, but I was looking forward to trying it for myself, directed by Doug Liman (The Bourne Identity, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Jumper, Edge of Tomorrow). Basically Mike Peters (Jon Favreau) is a struggling comedian who left New York City to find success in Los Angeles, and he is still upset about his girlfriend of six years, Michelle, breaking up with him six months ago. Mike's womanising friend Trent (Vince Vaughn, also writing) wants to help Mike with his depression, they and other aspiring actors try and get back into the social scene. Mike talks to his friend Rob (Office Space's Ron Livingston) about how desperately he misses Michelle, and that she has not called him, Rob thinks that she will only call him once she has completely moved on. To help Mike out, Trent coaxes him into an unplanned trip to Las Vegas. Trent succeeds in picking up two waitresses, but Mike's obsession with Michelle ruins things. Back in Los Angeles, Mike, Rob and other friends go bar hopping, stopping at a party, where Trent demonstrates his prowess in handling the opposite sex. Mike is inspired by this and meets a girl named Nikki (Brooke Langton) and gets her phone number, however he makes a number of increasingly anxious and desperate messages on her answering machine, to the point when she answers and disgustedly tells him not to call again. Mike misses Michelle more than ever, he contemplates moving back to New York until Rob comes over and consoles him. Out again for swing night at a Hollywood night club, Mike meets a girl named Lorraine (Heather Graham), he gains courage to approach her and connect with her. The next morning, Mike is called by Michelle, but he finds he no longer misses her, he also receives a call from Lorraine, he decides to end the call with Michelle to connect further with Lorraine. Also starring Patrick Van Horn as Sue and Alex Désert as Charles. Favreau does well as the out-of-work actor whose confidence has been shattered, and Vaughn gives a great performance as his charismatic friend refusing to let him wallow, Favreau's script is semi-autobiographical, based on his own experiences working in Hollywood, I will admit I did not follow a full story, but all the swinging parties and loads of men having banter, picking up women and complaining a lot is amusing, not a bad comedy drama. Worth watching!

I'll be honest, I only watched this movie because I purchased it as part of an iTunes bundle package. There were too many lines in this movie that were demeaning to women. It seems like the writers wanted the main character to be a "down to earth lovable nice guy" when really he was an asshole. The cherry on top of the numerous "skank" comments was about college girls; "The girls are young, they drink - They don't know any better." wow. The main character also claims that he wants his ex "to be happy" when he really means he wants her to get back with him. "Why won't she call?" Then when she does call and confesses that she loves him, he tells her he'll call her back and never does. Oh, but he just wants her to be happy. A lot of other characters were tools. Also, the costumes were just awful. Maybe on purpose?Despite all this, the music in the movie is really good. They're songs written and performed by others unrelated to the production of this movie, but still, a nice collection. For that, I gave Swingers three stars.

I finally have gotten around to watching Swingers and I believe this film will connect with all younger males such as myself. This film is about as authentic as you'll get when it comes to Hollywood and real life. I just felt like I was involved in this movie as if it was my life. The dialog is so real and believable. This indie film is funny and heartfelt as it is about bromances and these men finding their way in life.Doug Liman's film is about two friends named Trent and Mike who like to party it up in Hollywood. Mike is a wannabe actor who is coming off a six-year relationship and Trent is his friend who wants him to move on and succeed in life.This is the film that made Jon Favreau and Vince Vaughn household names. I never seen Favreau as that big superstar, but he has the ability as evident by this film. He certainly is capable of an actor as he is a director. Vince Vaughn is funny and very talkative. His catchphrase involving the use of money as an adjective deserves some props even if it does get annoying after awhile.Overall, Swingers is a great comedy that has great themes of young people trying to find their way in life. It's very authentic thanks to a realistic screenplay. There are many laugh-out-loud moments and one that will hold true to your heart. For the kind of film it is, I couldn't help but love it. I rate this film 9/10.