Swingers (1996) Reviews

• A Must-See for All 20-Something Males

  Zuhalter2004-01-05

  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.

• This place is dead anyway!

  Harrpoe2003-04-11

  Money! Having lived the life of Mike, this movie hits home. No gig, no girl...no self esteem... Hangin with the boys. Who hasn't been there? A virtual plethora of one liners and quotes for guys (this is definitely a guy flick) in their 20's and 30's. Who hasn't left a relationship only to wallow in guilt and self doubt. Especially when you find out the ex is seeing someone else. Add to this the inability to land a decent paying gig, living alone in an unfamiliar town, and having bunch of condescending clowns as your support group and its no wonder that poor Mike was about to return to Queens with his tail between his legs. The best part of this film is the self transformation of Mike from the pitiful whiner holed up in his apartment for days after Sue tells him what a loser he is, to the Bear spotting the Bunny (literally) from the other side of the bar. Though Mike is constantly hearing and taking advise from his posse...ultimately, it is himself who shows that through his own experiences (ball room dance lessons with the ex) and his own strengths of honesty, charm and charisma that he proves he is indeed, money, and lands him the beautiful baby Lorraine. "It is so on" as the hilarious Trent (scene stealer Vince Vaughn) first spots the pensive conversation between Mike and Lorraine. (Heather Graham) The looks on Trent's and Sue's faces are priceless as they spy Mike and his beautiful baby working the dance floor to Big Bad Voodoo Daddy's "Go Daddy O". I don't think I have ever seen Ms Graham look better that she does here... "It didn't occur to me" Mike replies to Trent in the final scene when asked why he didn't call the ex back. Amazing what a little confidence (and a dance with a hot blonde) can do for guy! This is a hilarious movie about real guys (you have known somebody like every character in this film!) set against the surreal back drop of the then-hip LA swing scene in the mid 90's doing what they do best....10 out of 10

• As enjoyable as any film in recent memory.

  svswinger-21999-11-24

  I think a few of the readers who have commented on this film seem to be missing the point. While it can be said that this movie has no plot to speak of and no central point to it, my response is: so what? Not every movie is made to teach you how to live your life. Some of us can watch a movie simply for the pure enjoyment of listening to characters interact. Swingers does a better job of achieving this than the majority of movies ever made. Anybody can make Godzilla or Independence Day, but it takes a truly special movie to become a "cult hit" with nothing more at it's disposal than no-name actors (at the time) and catchy dialogue. This movie was the springboard for virtually every actor in it, with each going on to more well known parts. Ok, enough preaching, pure and simple this movie is great. Vince Vaughn's character is one of the most likable characters you'll see in a movie. Even if you have nothing in common with someone like him, you can't help but like him. He's hilarious, smooth, and a loyal friend, and he has some of the most quotable lines in the movie. Everyone else on this site has quoted it time and again, so no need for me to, but let's just say it's funny stuff. John Favreau's character, Mikey, makes you laugh while at the same time wanting to slap him for being so stupid. There's so many funny scenes in this movie, I can't even begin to describe them. But the best by far always involve Vaughn, and the part where he's in the trailer describing his experience auditioning for a pilot is classic. You know he's feeding the girls a line the whole time, but it's so convincing and everyone is so in awe of him, it's hysterical. And when Mikey tries to act cool in front of the waitresses they meet, and fails to do so, only to see Trent tell them he's a producer and watch them swoon, I can't see how people don't find that funny. Anyways, if you haven't seen this movie yet, do yourself a favor and go rent it. The buildup offered on this site is only a fraction of what you'll actually get out of watching it. 10+/10

• Best movie ever

  MaraJade272004-02-25

  I saw that someone commented this is the perfect guy movie. I'd like to add that it's not just for guys. The characters in it are just as easy to relate to for girls. If you think girls don't pathetically chase after guys the same way the men of Swingers were going after girls, you need to get out more.(Not meant to be an insult.) My favorite character in it (though I love them all) is Rob. His insecurity is cute, but of course he's also a loyal friend. You can't beat that. And I love the goofy quote. "Hi, Mom. I'm goofy. Send more money." That's great! This is one of those movies that I love to watch over and over again. I will never get sick of it. Plus my husband (then boyfriend) introduced me to it so of course I love it. He even picked me up from my classes once by yelling, "Hey, do you know where all the high school girls hang out??" from across the street. This movie was incredibly funny and deserves a lot more praise than it gets.

• This movie is so money!

  mattymatt4ever2002-08-09

  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)