Swingers

1996 Comedy Drama

A knowing examination of the psyche of the modern American male, Doug Liman's debut comedy Swingers stars screenwriter Jon Favreau as the sensitive Mike, a struggling actor and stand-up comic looking for romance in the wake of the dissolution of a six-year relationship. Against his better judgment, he hits the town with his pal Trent (Vince Vaughn, in a star-making performance), a retro-hip smooth-talker who calls women "babies" and feels compelled to illustrate to Mike the error of his gentlemanly ways. First in Las Vegas and later in a series of hip L.A. nightspots, the duo and their other pals, including a guy named Sue (Patrick Van Horn), prowl for women, looking for kicks and cheap thrills. The difference is that while Trent wants sex, Mike wants love and romance. Only when he learns to simply be himself does he find what he's looking for. more..

Director: Doug Liman

Starring: Jon Favreau, Vince Vaughn, Ron Livingston, Patrick Van Horn, Alex Desert

Reviews

  • The beauty of Swingers lies in the irony of its title: Despite their lounge-lizard posing, these guys will never really live up to their Rat Pack dreams.

    Owen Gleiberman - Entertainment Weekly

    27 April 2013

  • The movie is sweet, funny, observant and goofy with a small ``g,'' which means you don't get paid, but at least you don't have to wear the suit.

    Roger Ebert - The Chicago Sun-Times

    27 April 2013

  • It's no masterpiece, but it's real.

    Mick LaSalle - The San Francisco Chronicle

    27 April 2013

  • Uneven, amateurish and borderline misogynistic. But it's also very funny, and it never loses its cool.

    Andy Seiler - USA Today

    27 April 2013

  • Doesn't really add up to much -- except a good time. But it's smart, funny and cute. With all that going for you, who needs to be money?

    Michael Wilmington - The Chicago Tribune

    27 April 2013

Awards

  • Most Promising Actor

    Chicago Film Critics Association Awards (1997)

     
  • Doug Liman

    European Film Awards (1997)

     
  • Newcomer of the Year

    Florida Film Critics Circle Awards (1997)

  • Best New Filmmaker

    MTV Movie Awards (1997)

  • National Board of Review (1996)