Swingers (1996)

Contrary to what the title may lead you to believe, this is not a porn...

Swingers represents one of those rare low-budget movies that gains cult status mainly through its snappy dialogue and tools have been talking like Vince Vaughn ever since. "You're so money, baby!"

The script is based off of Jon Favreau's real life experiences acting like a total bitch after breaking up with his girlfriend and moving from New York to LA. His real life friends, Vince Vaughn and Ron Livingston (of Office Space fame), play his film friends who attempt to get him laid and convince him to quit being such a pussy...to no avail.

The cast is amazing sans Favreau. Favreau belongs behind the camera. His few leading roles have all been epic fails and this one is no exception. He's just too whiny and unlikable and ugly to gain any kind of real sympathy. He just comes off as pathetic. Vaughn only has a career because of this role (he also did his best acting in this film, ironically, playing himself). He was so money he didn't even know how money he was! And Livingston is serviceable doing his underwhelming Average Joe routine.

If this movie proves anything, it's that smart writing will make up for a lack of funds and big budgets don't make great films. The writing (where Favreau DOES shine) makes this movie the classic it has become. There are so many money shots which don't even know how money they are:

- The opening Vegas scene where Mike and Trent are all jacked to go to Vegas but it takes forever to get there and then, when they finally do, it sucks...because that's what a trip to Vegas is actually like!

- The scene where Trent and Sue play SEGA hockey is the single most authentic male bonding scene ever filmed...ever. "I'm gonna make Gretzky's head bleed for super fan 99 over here."

- The scene at the bar where the guys are talking about how long one should wait before calling a potential bang partner is another truly authentic view into the male psyche. "Two days is like industry standard."

- The answering machine conversation scene is downright painful to watch, but anyone who's ever said anything stupid and botched a bang attempt can certainly relate.

- There's also this great underrated scene where Mike and Rob are discussing Mike's past relationship while they play chip and putt (and quite poorly, I might add). I don't know why, but I think that's my favorite scene because they literally could have had the guys doing anything during that scene, but having them play chip and putt was MONEY!

Another mark of a great film is that it references other great films. Swingers pays homage to Goodfellas and Reservoir Dogs, another low-budget masterpiece. The first time I saw that slow motion walking scene, ala Reservoir Dogs, I nearly pissed my pants.

If I had to choose one word to describe this movie, it would certainly be...excellent...wait, no! IT'S MONEY!

Why It's Awesome: This movie is a slap in the face to big budget fart stains like Avatar. It's just a couple of guys fucking around and trying to get laid. It was made for pocket change, and it's better than anything James Cameron will ever make.

Best Quote:

Trent: You're so money you don't even know how money you are!