SWINGERS Still Swings...Just A Little Differently

SWINGERS (Blu-ray)

1996 / 96 min

FROM PARAMOUNT

Available at www.MovieZyng.com

Review by Mr. Paws😺

Swingers is almost 30 years old. For some of you of a certain age, it’s become a nostalgic part of your youth. Now you know how this guy felt when The Breakfast Club turned thirty. But don’t fret too much…the passing of time has been much kinder to your movie. Swingers still swings, though a little differently these days.

The film, of course, helped make stars out of Jon Favereau (who also wrote the screenplay), Vince Vaughn, Ron Livingston and, despite a relatively small role, Heather Graham. It’s also the first notable film directed by Doug Liman, who’s since made some great action movies over the years. Just about everyone involved with Swingers would go on to bigger and things, so revisiting something from their salad days is an interesting experience…especially if you haven’t seen since 1996.

"Squirrel!"

Speaking of which, Swingers captures a moment in time in the lives of four LA buddies, all struggling actors, who go to parties, play 8-bit video games, frequent jazz nightclubs and try to help their friend, Mike (Favereau), get over his old girlfriend. With its iconic LA locations (some not around anymore), clever references to other movies and frequent use of swing music (which was enjoying renewed popularity at the time), the film has since evolved from something fresh & hip into more of a period piece…kinda like American Graffiti for young male Angelenos.

Because of its laid-back tone, congenial performances, witty dialogue and a killer soundtrack (one of the best of the 90s), Swingers is still enjoyable. Perhaps not as laugh-out-loud as one might remember it, but it’s consistently charming and the friendships between these guys, especially Mike and his more confident & outgoing pal, Trent (Vaughn), feel authentic. 

This is a re-issue of a previously released Blu-ray, with the same picture, sound, bonus features and pre-menu trailers (I almost forgot that Epix even existed).

EXTRA KIBBLES

MAKING IT IN HOLLYWOOD - This is a great 50-minute, multi-chapter documentary featuring many interviews with the main cast, director Doug Liman and others.

2 AUDIO COMMENTARIES - 1) By director Doug Liman and editor Stephen Mirrione; 2) By Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau.

“SWINGBLADE” - Short film.

THE CUTTING ROOM FLOOR - Unused footage.