If you've ever felt the pangs of love or have ever tried to pursue a member of the opposite sex, then "Swingers" will definitely grip you with all the passion and warmth of a lover's embrace.
Set in the '90s, a decade when love is anything but simple, "Swingers" tells the tale of a man trying to find love, while mending a broken heart. Jon Favreau plays Mike, an aspiring actor / comedian whose move from New York to Los Angeles has caused his relationship with his girlfriend to become non-existent. Desperately waiting for her to call, Mike plods through life hanging on to the hope of rekindling his relationship while his mindless gigolo friends push at him to play the field.
The quick-paced and witty style of the film make it extremely entertaining and riveting. From the opening credits to the final scene, "Swingers" wraps itself into a neat little package, devoid of flaws. All of the awkwardness and insecurities of the modern dating scene are adeptly captured by the film's brilliant director, Doug Liman.
Nice guy Mike, six months out of the superficial rat race, attempts to re-enter the dating scene with the help of his friends Trent (Vince Vaughn), Rob (Ron Livingston), Sue (Patrick Van Horn) and Charles (Alex Desert) - four guys who are the nightmares of every Catholic schoolgirl's mother. Through them, the audience learns along with Mike that: 1) You wait at least two days before you call a honey; 2) You don't make eye contact with your prey; and 3) You'd better look "money" if you want to get the "digits."
Mike's readmittance into the dating game bounces from bar and party hopping, to crude nights of video games with the gang, to diners where, after a long night of chasing "babies," they obsess about women and the tribulations of life. Almost every aspect of dating and male bonding is covered here, in a refreshing and honest manner.
Written and co-produced by its talented star Jon Favreau, "Swingers" is largely based on Favreau's first years in Hollywood. His friends in the movie, outrageous as they may seem, are based on his real-life friends, as many scenes are also based on real events. Favreau jokes, "If I'd known (the movie) was going to be made, I might have changed some of the facts."
Much of the movie is set against Los Angeles' booming lounge scene, where the film realistically captures the energy and excitement of its night life. From the Lava Lounge to the Dresden Room, the inventive directing and excellent cinematography create an atmosphere of freedom and euphoria that the audience can't help getting sucked into. It doesn't matter that Mike and his friends are struggling actors whose lives appear to have no direction. All that matters is just grasping the moment and obtaining the full experience of life. More than anything, the film celebrates living.
The feeling created in "Swingers" is what makes it tick. The film is a journey behind the scenes of the world of guydom, with all its ridiculous textures and quirks. Men watch the film and they sympathize, having been in the same situations. Women watch the film and feel as if they are being let in on a closely guarded secret - the secret of all the insecurity and scheming behind the male super-macho front.
The abundant laughs throughout the movie come not only from witty dialogue and the antics of the characters, but also from unexpected creative brainstorms, such as the hilarious homages to Quentin Tarantino's "Reservoir Dogs" and Martin Scorsese's "Goodfellas." Not only are these shot sequences tongue-in-cheek and technically daring, but they help make "Swingers" one of the most bold and innovative movies to come out of Hollywood in a long time.
With its talented cast, brilliant directing and innovative script, "Swingers" will, without a doubt, charm the socks off audiences. Its irresistible story of friendship, love and life makes this energetic and honest film one of the most entertaining movies to come out in a long time. "Swingers" feels like a deep breath of fresh air after having inhaled all the crap that Hollywood has spewed out for so long. To put it simply in swing terms: Baby, this movie is "money." And about a million bucks' worth.
A bunch of little-known actors shine in "Swingers."