Swingers (1996) User Reviews (291)

Definitely worth checking out.

[lewiskendell · 7/10 · 5 February 2011]

"The point is, Mike, that it all depends on how you look at it."

Swingers is the quintessential guy movie. Not to say that a woman won't enjoy it, or that it's a stereotypical collection of all the things that men are supposed to love in movies, like a non-stop testosterone-fueled orgy of naked women, explosions, and violence. 

Nope, Swingers is the quintessential guy movie because almost every guy can relate to at least part of it at some time during his life. The uncertainty about your career, the lingering pain of losing a girlfriend you truly loved, the camaraderie (and annoyances) of your friends, the frustrating world of dating and the games and "rules" that come along with it, and the feeling of that moment when you finally realize that your life can go on without that other person it revolved around so long.

The story focuses on Mike (Jon Favreau), an aspiring comedian in Los Angeles who has recently gone through a break-up with his long-term girlfriend back east, and his group of friends. Most of whom try to help Mike get over his break-up by meeting women in and around L.A. and Las Vegas. Especially his two best friends, ladies man Trent (Vince Vaughn) and Rob (Ron Livingston)  Most of the movie follows the group on their nightly romps through the city, or Mike as he struggles with the loss of the relationship that he was very much invested in.

I enjoyed the casual conversations the guys had about women, video games, their job efforts, and other things. Swingers really nailed the dynamics of how guys act with each other.

It's also pretty funny, though it's not a total comedy by any means. A lot of the humor derives from Mike's painful attempts to talk to women, after six long years off the market. There's a really hysterical sequence about Mike and a woman's answering machine later in the movie that will have you howling. 

I got the sense that Swingers is the kind of movie that holds up well after repeated viewings, and maybe even gets better. It's not amazing, or anything like that, but it is hard to imagine anyone (especially guys aged 20-29) not appreciating it.

This movie is so money!

[mattymatt4ever · 8/10 · 9 August 2002]

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)

I wanted to call all of my friends after I first saw this film!

[adzrussell · 8/10 · 21 May 2005]

I chanced upon Swigers one evening after reading an article on writer/star Jon Favreau, and trying to figure out which character he played in Friends (it's Pete Becker by the way); don't you love it when you uncover a gem. From the opening credits, set to Dean Martin crooning "You're Nobody Until Somebody Loves You", I knew that this film was the very personification of cool, spawning one of the coolest characters in any film...ever, that being Trent Walker played by Vince Vaughn, with a swinging soundtrack and a real sense of fun which you don't often get in mainstream Hollywood; and this film is effortless in a way which Tarantino could only dream about.

The story centres around Favreau's loser-in-love Mikey, trying to make a living as an actor in L.A after leaving his long-term girlfriend behind in New York. His best buddy, Trent, tries incessantly to get Mikey back 'into the game' so to speak; cue a trawl around L.A's hippest night-spots, some hilarious insight into dating rituals (when is it cool to call? 2 days?), and a trip to Las Vegas in which Trent tries to 'pull a Fredo' (bedding cocktail waitresses two at a time). The central duo are ably supported by a cast of lovable rogues, all intent on getting laid.

Doug Liman directs in a laid-back manner, befitting of the film, and Favreau's script (based on Vaughn and himself) is full of witty insights and in-jokes, as well as enough movie references to keep everyone happy.

Although the characters are almost impossibly cool, they never appear obnoxious due to the over-riding sense that they are just a bunch of lovable losers trying to con their way into the beds of L.A's female population; sometimes succeeding, sometimes not, and there is a certain sweetness added by Favreau's predicament. The pay-off is cool, Favreau finally 'getting digits' and we are left with a role-reversal between the two main protagonists as Trent makes a fool of himself with a woman in the closing scene.

Altogether a classy, breezy, often hilarious film, a certain cult classic, and a fine addition to the date movie genre.

"Vegas Baby, Vegas!"

[Adriane · 17 August 1999]

Upon hearing about this movie from friends, I was told that it was "money". They were right. This is "so money and they don't even know it." Entertaining comedy about letting go, and finding new romance and who your real friends are. Enough one-liners to quote for years, friends still quote it today! Nothing but beautiful babies, and a great upbeat soundtrack to get you dancing!

Hip and Go

[Prismark10 · 7/10 · 16 October 2016]

The important thing about the very low budget Swingers is that it involved people who went on to become Hollywood titans. It was directed by Doug Liman (his second film) written by and stars Jon Favreau and features a star making role from Vince Vaughn.

Both Favreau and Vaughn are noticeably younger and leaner. I guess Favreau wrote a film that in some ways is autobiographical.

It is a nod to films like Diner and Marty. A film about unemployed showbiz types looking for that break in the career ladder which at the moment consists of rejection. They hang out together in clubs and bars, they act out like they are a low rent rat pack going to Vegas and dancing in retro swing clubs.

Mike (Favreau) is a comic who has come to Hollywood from New York and struggling to find work and get over his hang up with his girlfriend who has broken up with him. His best buddy is energetic, motor mouthed Trent (Vince Vaughn) who wants to cheer up Mike and get him laid. Trent is a shark when it comes to women, he has no problems chatting them up and then devouring them.

Together with two other hipster buddies they go to Vegas to cruise and make out. Mike hooks up with a girl but makes a mess of leaving a message in an answer phone.

The film has attitude, laughs and an edginess. It is a Generation X tribute to the ensemble guys comedy, in some ways inspired by Woody Allen with its nervy humour and makes good use of Los Angeles and Las Vegas locations, which looks familiar to me as I visited both cities around the time the film was released.

A Must-See for All 20-Something Males

[Zuhalter · 10/10 · 5 January 2004]

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.

Yawn.

[glennstg · 6/10 · 22 September 2001]

A film about a bunch of struggling actors in Hollywood out to get laid. The focus is on Mike, who's still getting over the breakup of a long-term relationship, and whose best buddy Trent is trying to get him back into the dating scene. The performances aren't bad, and there's some great neo-swing music on the soundtrack, but I lost count of the number of times I said to myself "I saw that one coming" whenever something happened in the way of plot development. Worse, it's so blatantly trying to be cool and hip that a neon sign reading "Hey! We're hip!" would have been more subtle. Not a bad way to waste an afternoon if there's nothing on TV, but not one to run out and rent either.

This place is dead anyway!

[Harrpoe · 10/10 · 11 April 2003]

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

Memorable character

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 23 June 2014]

Mike (Jon Favreau) is suffering from the end of his six year relationship. He obsessively waits for her phone call as he tries to make it as a comedian. His friend Rob (Ron Livingston) from back east is struggling to get into acting. Trent (Vince Vaughn) is his talkative friend with the infamous words "Vegas Baby". The gang of friends try to pick up Babies and convince Mike that he's Money.

Vince Vaughn is giving a way over the top performance. Jon Favreau's character is a little sad and pathetic. Their combo is amusing until it becomes annoying. What sold me is the scene with the phone calls. The first three calls are amusing. Then the movie goes for broke and gets to another level. There is pathetic and then there is really funny pathetic. As a writer, Jon has created a memorable character with Vince. It's the second movie for director Doug Liman and pulls it all together.

As enjoyable as any film in recent memory.

[svswinger-2 · 10/10 · 24 November 1999]

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

Young Favreau

[view_and_review · 6/10 · 22 December 2020]

Back when Jon Favreau was younger and fitter he wrote this little piece. He played Mike, an east coast transplant in L.A. trying to make it in showbiz all the while steadily crying about his lost love Michelle. He's buzz killington when with his hip friends who hit the party scene nightly. All you want for poor pathetic Mike is for him to find companionship. It doesn't even matter if it's a short term thing or a long term thing, just get over the loss and move on.

Best movie ever

[MaraJade27 · 10/10 · 25 February 2004]

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.

Less than Inspiring

[mrduvall · 6/10 · 4 May 2020]

The first twenty minutes of this film were so enjoyable that I begun to wonder how the hell I missed it back in the 90s. Of course, by the halfway mark, I fully understood why I had received no positive word of mouth that may have inspired me to view it back then. Then, unfortunately, the second half just plodded along from one uninteresting scene to the next and I would have switched it off had I not been in quarantine. One for fans of the actors only. My rating 5.8 /10

Tripe from start to finish. Unlikeable characters.

[Thomas_S · 1/10 · 28 January 2008]

Nothing interesting goes on in this movie. Nothing funny. No likable characters. Terrible acting; faces like stone. Endless idiotic bickering. Even the sets are uninteresting. I gave it until the first commercial break and then let it finish as background noise while I finished a proofreading, occasionally glancing at the movie to see if the director should have changed his mind to the better, but the disappointment was the same at every glimpse. What's the idea with this movie? I don't get it. Did I overlook something? Like the director had to fill the movie with something, so I am told by the system that I have to fill in some more lines for this comment to be allowed. I hope these last phrases do the job.

Brilliant.

[CocaCola18 · 22 June 2003]

This is a hilarious film about nobodies claiming to be bigger than they ever will be!

Doug Liman showed much promise and I'm more than sure that one day he will continue to make bigger budget films (Bourne Identity)

Careers should also be good for the great Jon Favreau who is just a fantastically witty writer, Vince Vaughn who should get a headlining film and Ron Livingston who is still performing good roles.

I love the script in this film, the language is unique and the scenarios are superb... the sad fact is that there are hundreds of guys like Trent, Mike, Rob & Sue (played by Patrick Van Horn)

I urge everybody to watch this even though it might not be there cup of tea!

9/10

Messy millenial romp

[jimcheva · 6/10 · 2 April 2023]

As a Baby Boomer, it's depressing to think I might simply not like a lot of work because, well, I'm of an out of date generation. I thought Lena Dunham's "TIny Furniture" was navel-gazing and I found "Girls" unwatchable. Knowing how well the creators of "Swingers" have done, I figured I should watch it. What did I think? Well, a male counterpart to "Girls" may be one way to put it. Lots of aimless. Frantic activity hitting the right cultural touch points. Just not for MY culturre. Story? Well, approximately, a guy trying to get over a break-up while following another guy's dubious lead. Their behavior is more obnoxious than interesting, but we are apparently meant to find it funny. Heather Graham's role here is heavily touted, but in fact brief. Does it go somewhere? Pretty much, but not really because of anything these clownish wanderers do. Not for me. But, yeah, it's a classic.

It really is Money!!

[richardstirling · 10/10 · 30 May 2020]

Been reading the very mixed reviews so felt I had to tip the balance. There is no point trying to sell this to millennials who would rather waste their time watching Marvel films however anyone else just watch as this is great. JonFaveroux is. a genius and Vince Vaughan has not made a film as good since and I love VV films. There are many chick flicks this is a guy film that is a must watch for anyone born before 1980

Just swinging

[alansabljakovic-39044 · 6/10 · 13 December 2019]

Jon Favreu: "Tarantino completely bites everything from Scorsese."

*2 minutes later* Swingers coppied opening scene of Reservoir dogs and Jaws theme.- double standards baby

Also this is cringefest.

Too cool for words

[countincrw · 9/10 · 30 March 2000]

Swingers is just about the coolest film on the planet. It's so laid back it's horizontal. There aren't enough words in a thesaurus to describe how good this movie is! Watch and enjoy. The direction from Doug Liman is awesome and the acting matches. It's funny but not in your face, it's hip but doesn't care and it just makes for a great picture. Heather Graham looks gorgeous at the end as an added bonus for the guys too!

"You're so money and you don't even know it."

[classicsoncall · 7/10 · 13 June 2018]

Every time the characters called each other 'Money' I had to cringe. The context never worked for me even though I knew what they were trying to say. The main story here is Mike (Jon Favreau) and Trent (Vince Vaughn), and some of their situations were ridiculous, but probably not enough to write home about. The scene where they meet up with Christy (Deena Martin) and Lisa (Katherine Kendall) should have sent the girls packing, I couldn't understand how they wound up back at the girls' trailer. You know Vaughn's character doesn't believe a word he's saying which makes his statements funny, but I don't know how the girls didn't see right through him. Mike on the other hand is so lacking in self confidence and wallowing in such misery over a broken relationship that he can't move on with his life. I guess a guy can relate to both characters during a similar period in one's life, and in fact, their dialog is probably more realistic than one would care to admit. My favorite scene would have been the six phone calls in a row with Mike stepping all over himself until he gets the 'Don't call me ever again' response. When Mike broke out of his funk with that swing number by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, you just had to know his troubles were over. At that point, he was so money he didn't even know it.

"You're so money and you don't even know it"

[sme_no_densetsu · 8/10 · 11 September 2016]

"Swingers" was a movie that came out of nowhere in 1996 and made instant stars of its director (Doug Liman) and lead actors (Jon Favreau & Vince Vaughn). Filmed on a minuscule $200,000 budget, the story concerns a struggling Hollywood actor (Favreau) re-entering the dating scene following the collapse of a six-year relationship.

The semi-autobiographical script was written by Favreau himself. It has plenty of humour and a certain aura of 'cool' while still remaining down-to-earth and relatable.

Since Favreau wrote the screenplay with some of his friends in mind it's no surprise that the cast was composed mostly of relative unknowns. Supporting actress Heather Graham was probably the most established cast member at the time. Nevertheless, the one-two punch of Jon Favreau & Vince Vaughn in the lead roles gave the film plenty of energy and an easy-going swagger. In support, the aforementioned Heather Graham stood out, as did then unknown Ron Livingston.

The direction by Doug Liman garnered a lot of attention at the time (and rightly so). Despite the budget restrictions, he delivered a lively, attractive presentation that established him as an up-and-coming talent. Affectionate homages to "Reservoir Dogs" & "GoodFellas" are among the film's most memorable scenes.

The movie also excelled musically. The performances by swing revival band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy are a particular highlight but the movie also made good use of classic cuts by Average White Band ("Pick Up the Pieces"), Heart ("Magic Man"), Dean Martin ("You're Nobody till Somebody Loves You") & Roger Miller ("King of the Road"), among others.

Altogether, "Swingers" is a movie that far exceeded its limited resources. Funny & cool, yet still dramatically effective, it delivers more entertainment than most movies with hundred million dollar budgets.

"The place is dead anyway"... and so the movie

[peter-laganis · 6/10 · 26 June 2019]

It may be a depiction of the nineties but its inexistent story and hateable characters made me wish it won't last long... although the background music was quite good. I really couldn't immerse in it.

< 5 = don't even think about watching it; 6 = robbed of your precious time; 7 = it's ok, but you won't remember it; 8 = good, fun; 9 = excellent and maybe you'll rewatch it; 10 = masterpiece, you'll rewatch it if it's not too sad ;)

so money

[tanelteder · 9/10 · 3 January 2011]

This movie was a great find. It's from the 90's. But it felt like a breath of fresh air. This is exactly what a guy like my age should see. This is a great guys movie. Swingers is a label which you can call bunch of guys hanging out and flirting with chicks. They have a very high self-esteem and big mouths. And they look stylish. And they are. They're swinging.

The story here concentrates on Mikey (Jon Favreau) who's having a difficulties to get over with a broken relationship. His friends try to help him. And there comes a lesson. It shows how important is to have a real friends around you. It's great to see that. The bunch of comedians (Jon Favreau, Vince Vaughn, Ron Livingston) are young here. And they offer more than one or two humorous scene.

So if you're a guy over 20, you should see that movie. According to Trent (Vince Vaughn) 'you are so money that you don't know that'. He keeps telling that to Mikey (Jon Favreau) all the time and probably he has right. Well, I say that the film is money and I have probably right too.

The movie was good, but the characters irritating

[The-Sarkologist · 7/10 · 11 December 2013]

This movie brings me to a bit of a dichotomy. The movie itself and the character interaction was good but the characters themselves irritated me. Basically we had the main character, Mike, had just lost his girlfriend, who said that she would give him a call. He is depressed (and this depression lasts 6 months) and his friend Trent tries to show him a good time. In the end he meets a girl who is in the same situation as he is and they end up going out.

Mike spends the entire movie moping about his lost love and tries to extract sympathy from those around him. The problem here is that his girlfriend means everything to him, and when she is stripped away from him he has absolutely nothing left in his life. In fact he has quite a good life as he has friends, he is attractive, and his film career is on its way with a part in a pilot and hosting a comedy club. Yet he does not realise this, and in fact is so fixated on his ex-girlfriend that he ends up driving other girls away (though he elicits the sympathy of two waitresses in Las Vegas).

His friend Trent is the opposite. He goes around with the belief that he is the greatest thing around. He believes that he can pick and chose his girls, and really treats them like sex objects. He cannot understand the deep rent in the relationship that Mike is experiencing. His answer is a couple of girls and pointless sex - that solves everything. His whole belief is undermined at the end when he believes that a woman is making baby faces at him when in fact she is making faces at her baby.

What this movie does well is that it draws out the attitudes and beliefs of the characters. Even though they are annoying, they are real. People do feel depressed for six months after losing a love, especially if it is a relationship as such. I personally felt irritated over the characters, but the film itself was good.

I must have missed something here....

[cjorissen · 3/10 · 29 December 2004]

...namely, the plot of this movie. What was this movie supposed to be about? Given the sensationalism that surrounds this film whenever it comes up in a conversation, I really expected to sit and be entertained and laugh hysterically. Neither happened. There's this little clique of guys that seem to know everyone in Hollywood (other aspiring actors and club bouncers) yet are unable to get employment. The group goes from party to club to apartment (where they call each other 'bitch' while playing video games). As a bonus for the moviegoer sitting through this wretch of a production, Mike, the main character, has this annoying emotional baggage he carries around, and it goes on and on and on ad nauseum. I finally reached my breaking point when he left his seventh message on the answering machine IN A ROW. I walked out on this movie, and I was on an airplane! Two thumbs down!