Rating of
3.5/4
Swingers review
Daniel Corleone - wrote on 07/28/11
The film is about an insecure comedian/actor named Mike (Jon Favreau) who is trying to get over a previous relationship. His best friend Trent (Vince Vaughn), a charming producer who lives vivaciously, enjoys going to clubs and getting women. Trent, Rob (Ron Livingston) and Sue find ways to cheer Mike up because of his current state. They go thru different adventures and test each other’s friendship. Mike eventually meets a person he can easily get along with, Lorraine (Heather Graham). They met at a bar and then Trent becomes ecstatic of his friends transformation. The movie back then had a low budget of $250,000, but earned $5,000,000 worldwide according to the interview on the special features. The director and staff didn’t have enough sleep and was able to use Betamax, handheld cameras, phone recordings just to finish the flick. Through video, the movies success skyrocketed, similar to It’s a Wonderful Life, Shawshank Redemption and Donnie Darko.
The culture of Swingers, the language (used by ESPN/sports shows), music, even clothing have been universally accepted in different countries. The impact is tremendous, even one of the musicians play during Superbowl halftime while the artists/crew have become suddenly in demand. Remarkable quotes: Trent: “You know what, big boy? You’re grown up! You’re grown up! Yeah! Dig that!” “You’re money. “Rob: “They went with someone who had more theme park experience. I'd kill for that job.” Mike: Yeah, well, my reputation seems to have preceded me here. The characters in the movie do their best to cope up with certain challenges, be it a job, relationship or one’s confidence. There are times in our lives that we experience unexplainable depression. Its screenplay is very witty, the settings very vibrant, mood was blissful and the overall style was cool, without trying to be cool. The discussions even ranged from Reservoir Dogs, Goodfellas to Boyz in Da Hood. Swingers have been successful because we can all learn something from it, and incorporate certain facets of the film ether in bars or with groups. The film is very uplifting, feel good with a positive vibe especially for those who had experienced loosing something such as a companion, friend even a job. For me, it represents the importance of friendship in our lives, coping with negative situations, maturation and gaining a certain balance in terms of life’s impediments. In the words of Trent that can also be said of the picture, “You’re a big winner tonight.”
