Swingers

Sometimes a movie doesn't have to be flashy or have incredible production value for it to still invoke intense feelings in me. I never lived in Los Angeles or went to flashy clubs like they did in the movie but the way it was shot felt so raw and brought me back to younger days with the men out in college and post-college 20s. This movie might not resonate as much with women but it makes me feel like going back to my friend group from that time. I can see why Jon Favreau caught his big break with this one because he was able to take his true story and make it feel so authentic in the film. I was very surprised by how much I liked this film based on the low quality of lighting and shots but if the screenplay hits so well and resonates with me sometimes that's all it takes to bump up the rating. 4/5 stars.

Let me preface this review by saying that this is my favorite film of all time. I'm not saying it was the best, most artistic, original, or most innovative...but it is my favorite. It's a movie about a 20-something man getting over a nasty break-up, living in Los Angeles. Pretty simple stuff, but the honesty in the film is amazing. This film boasts the most realistic, and interesting depictions of male friendship I've ever seen. Some might simply pawn this movie off as a buddy flick, but it goes so much deeper than that. Mikey (Favreau) deals with insecurity, rejection, depression, an overwhelming feeling of inadequacy. Something almost everyone can relate to. And, as an audience member, you live and die with the poor guy. The supporting cast is very strong, popping in and out as the assortment of friends populating Mikey's social life. Each is trying, in his own way, to get their buddy out of his post-break up funk, which meet with varying degrees of success. Swingers is chock full of laugh-out-loud moments, and oft-quoted lines ("Our baby's all grows up!") that could very easily lead to repeated viewings of this masterpiece.

Before watching "Swingers," I saw Jon Favreau and Vince Vaughn paired off in "Made." Now, I didn't like "Made" all that much, but that didn't lower my expectations when watching "Swingers." I already knew the two actors had a great chemistry and as long as the script is well-written, they can really go places. "Swingers" is a thoroughly original, wonderfully written comedy that's filled with big laughs.

Favreau and Vaughn's characters are like polar opposites, and it's hilarious to watch them argue. The rest of the actors are also good (I think the black guy is the blind character from "Becker"--I could be wrong), but Vince Vaughn steals the show as the smooth-talking Trent. We all have friends like Trent. Some of us aspire to be like Trent. Some of us are Trent. I admit, I would compare myself more to Favreau's character--the more reserved, sensitive type. But the great thing about a film like this is it's down to earth. It's about everyday people in everyday situations, and I guarantee many of us can relate to the characters in "Swingers" in one way or another, just like how many of us relate to the characters on "Seinfeld." This isn't a plot-driven film, so you can call this a movie about nothing. It's simply about a group of studs on the prowl, hitting the clubs and casinos, and sharing their philosophies on sex and dating. There are several films that tried to replicate this format and failed ("Whipped" comes to mind).

If you're in the mood to laugh hysterically and be wildly entertained, "Swingers" is the movie for you. About my only criticisms would be a few lame attempts to be stylish. Come on, would 5 guys really drive in their own cars and follow each other all the way without anyone cutting them off?

My score: 8 (out of 10)

This is a hilarious film about nobodies claiming to be bigger than they ever will be!

Doug Liman showed much promise and I'm more than sure that one day he will continue to make bigger budget films (Bourne Identity)

Careers should also be good for the great Jon Favreau who is just a fantastically witty writer, Vince Vaughn who should get a headlining film and Ron Livingston who is still performing good roles.

I love the script in this film, the language is unique and the scenarios are superb... the sad fact is that there are hundreds of guys like Trent, Mike, Rob & Sue (played by Patrick Van Horn)

I urge everybody to watch this even though it might not be there cup of tea!

9/10

Okay so I expected to have a laugh riot because it has Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau. Instead I snickered at some scenes and was depressed through most of it. Don't get me wrong it's an interesting watch but as a comedy drama, I expected about half comedy and half drama. This just didn't do it for me. As usual the characters are believable, and maybe that's exactly what's wrong with it. Jon portrayed the depressed character so well that I felt his depression. I was half expecting his character to commit suicide.