Palm Swings

Director Sean Hoessli (primarily known for his work in Visual Effects) does a decent job bringing first time writer Amanda Lockhart's film about "swinging" couples in Palm Springs to life. While the story of "should we, shouldn't we and what happens if we do" makes sense, dialogue and delivery is weak, many scenes are overly staged, sound and lighting is unequal, the film appears more concerned with PS wardrobe and atmosphere, and female breasts and full-frontal nudity are used to make the film appealing. Tia Carrere (Wayne's World) gives a limited and basic cameo as Ms. Cherry Bomb - the Swing Party Hostess. Jason Lewis (Model, "Sex and the City") is rock star Lance, and is unfortunately miss-cast. Of the numerous actors who are featured here (all performing to varying believable degree), Jackson Davis (as newlywed Mark Hughes) gives the most honest of performances. Another highlight of the production is the films sexy and rhythmic music by Alf Alpha. The film is being released on Itunes and other digital formats, with little chance of making it to mainstream theaters.

Movies such as this seem to focus on either audience members who are familiar with the topic or those who are curious. Much like the characters, viewers may be excited to see what really goes on or try to get a peak into a world that's becoming less and less taboo. This film provides both types a good ride for the first half, but then it takes a hard turn. If you're looking for an entertaining, late night Skinamax movie to fall asleep to (in 45 minutes or less), then it's perfect, because the second half sucks the air out of the room. Still, I've watched it twice and here's my breakdown:

The female characters in this movie are sexy, smart, playful and honest. With the exception of the male lead, the male characters are something from the 1970s and painted as playful as a lion stalking its prey. There are some good laughs and the production quality is good, but the sets are something I'd expect in an Austin Powers movie where it's supposed to be funny!

The lead actors do a nice, believable job and they come off as a real couple that you just adore. The primary supporting female actor (D Farr) is the most mature (in a good way) and well balanced of the group. She really keeps the subject matter grounded, despite being surround by guys in shirts unbuttoned to their stomachs. She is sexy, smart and acts exactly like a seasoned lifestyler, complete with all the correct terminology.

Quick lifestyle commentary: The real lifestyle is made up of characters like those in the movie: couples next door, executives, artists, cops, young, old and everything that reflects mainstream society. Palm Springs is a vibrant, open community and absolutely provides a place for people to be themselves. As for the lifestyle, just like the characters in the film, people are artists, teachers, cops, executives, couples next door and everything in between. They just take "sharing is caring" to a new level. You can't possibly describe all the discussions and dilemmas in a single movie, so that's not something I'd expect in this film, but the way this one ends up, it seems like the writer had a bad experience and it's portrayed through more extreme, yet certainly possible, circumstances.

I very seldom take the time to review movies but this one captured my attention. So for that, I appreciate it and appreciate the work done by the actors. They score high, but the "play with fire and get burned" message was not what I expected. I think it's great how they end up, but it could be delivered in a more "let the viewer decide" manner. This allowed the viewer to make up their own mind as subtly as an Oliver Stone conspiracy movie.

I must agree with some of Ccoral419's technical critiques of the film. Lighting was certainly an issue for me. There was also a lack of depth in the story that I was hoping to see. There were several instances where Lockhart was trying to convey a point, but unfortunately it opened more unexplored story threads that were left dangling for us to wonder about. These created motivations that became sometimes unclear and because parts of the story were not explored the reactions came across more as plot devices rather than honest emotions. Often plot points were rushed to get to the next event in the story rather than finding a particular focus to the drama. Sugar Lyn's performances were subtle, nuanced and fearless for the subject matter and I enjoyed the wise sage character of Clair played by Diane Farr. Jackson Davis' performance was also well done, however he didn't really have depth of character to fully explore, I'm sure he would have relished. I liked that it came across as an anti-Halmark movie. One devoid of the purtianical morality tales shoehorned into them, that is often seen in those productions. As someone who has some exposure to swinging, it was clear to me that Lockhart either has experience in this area or has done extensive research. She conveyed the principal issues most couples must deal with in such a lifestyle, "honesty" and "trust". Break either of those and there is often friction or outright trouble in a relationship. The reason why "swingers" stay together is because they share a brutal honesty with each other that often is missing in traditional relationships. This is to be honest, a titillation film. Provocative by design, but also honest about what the lifestyle is about and what it takes for a couple to participate in it. That said, I liked it for what it was in terms of story, but the technical aspects were certainly distractin.

The sweet and stunning Sugar played her part very well and was convincing in her lead role. Seductive, alluring and out of this world sexy! Her characters husband also worked convincingly. The rest of the cast were a little lacklustre and slapstick which threatened to spoil the realism of the movie. I do strongly disagree with this being a comedy as well, stay clear of that when making this type of movie because that wouldn't work. The audience, myself included, want serious and realistic not cheesy, poorly executed and slapstick.

Admittedly Sugar has so much sex appeal and carried this movie with her steamy (somewhat audience friendlier) scenes getting me hot. She got my girlfriend in the mood as well I think because she's been trying to hide her bisexual thoughts. I think sugar would get anyone in the mood when she's been done from behind. She played one half of a happy, newly married professional couple, who instantly and not so subtly find out they have neighbours who are swingers. (Something I've wanted to try but cmon this is England it's hardly worth bothering with unless you want sixteen stone middle aged women edging close to you) and I chose this movie because the trailer looked good and the plot was simple and didn't need to be complicated.

There's an intense vulnerability about sugar and her husbands early experiences, and lured into temptation they try what millions of couples do these days (trust me they don't admit it) The issue being, she takes it too far and her husband doesn't like it. I just knew this would work. I thought this was fantastic and I so wish they'd do a sequel or make more like it.

What's not to like? You've got the beautiful Palm Springs scenery, yes you've plenty of explosive steamy scenes which somehow disappointed the audience, you've got lip-biting excitement of giving in to the thrill, you've got an upsetting crossroad between a couple who appeared so in love and strong, you've got plenty to feast your eyes on with the sugar candy, (albeit could have done with more of that and less tropical shirt wearing middle aged people) and you've got some real talented actors. A very well put together and fun movie.

This film has the feel of a television series drama or slightly reality show. The camera shots and location of the film are very clear. The story starts off promising and good for the characters but of course we know there would be the eventually downs and problems for these said characters.

The acting is solid, the leading actor Mark does a relatable performance as someone whose not in his element but is willing to have an open mind and to see where things lead. The leading woman of Alison is more subtle and is meant to be the innocent type but some of her actions make her unlikeable (for instance the constant spying on people taking photos of them- did she not learn her lesson the first time? The going behind her husband's back)

This film is more explicit than expected with several scenes of skin. Certainly not a film for everyone but lore so acquired taste. The ending isn't great but is the typical Hollywood happy ending. A film which explores several questions.