Palm Swings

This film was surprisingly decent for the subject matter it represented. The story was ok and the acting was passable for the most part.

The film does well at portraying the swinger lifestyle in a fairly accurate way, and the character's journey is somewhat realistic, although one with enough experience can tell when they stretched the drama a bit.

What prevented this from being a great film were some poor writing choices after the climax of the film. The acting from the main protagonist did not sell the gravity of the situation. For anyone who is in the lifestyle, some of the character decisions in the film will be frustrating to watch. There was a missed opportunity here but I appreciated that the writers really left the message up to the viewer to interpret.

What really saves this film are the characters. They are interesting to look at and observe as they end up in some very sexy and risque circumstances. The first act was very well directed and you could really feel the tension building. Again things seem to get a little weird towards the end of the second act which had me scratching my head.

I would recommend this film to anyone who is interested in seeing a portrayal of a non monogamous subculture.

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.

Not going to win any awards for great acting, but it did highlight the effects being a "swinger" can have on a Couples relationship.

The tackling of that issue came across in a believable way

I'd rather smear excrement in my eyes than watch this film again. Enough said. Utter rubbish.

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.