Common Sense Note
Parents should know that this film contains a lot of objectionable language, which the main characters use very freely. Mike and Trent spend a lot of the film discussing women in unflattering ways. Although there are no scenes of nudity, but there is a scene where Mike interrupts Trent and a woman during sex. Much of the film takes place in bars, and the main characters drink a lot of alcohol, smoke, and gamble. There is also a scene of potential violence where a gun is drawn during a fight, but not fired.
Families might want to discuss the different ways the main characters deal with women and one another. What is the cost of Trent's predatory, manipulative behavior? Why does he lose his cool in the diner at the end of the movie? The film looks at both positive and negative aspects of peer pressure -- in the scene where Sue pulls out a gun, his friends make it crystal clear what a major violation of cool he's committed. How does this contrast with their other behavior?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Will Fertman
A modern comedy of manners and cool, SWINGERS will entertain and embarrass teenagers and their parents. Ripped from a moment in the 90's when hipsters embraced a neo-Ratpack aesthetic, Trent and Mike are two young guys in LA, convinced that the epitome of cool is swigging martinis and dancing to reheated "swing" bands like Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.
Mike's girlfriend has broken up with him after he left her in New York to try and make it as a comedian in LA. Trent is nearly frantic trying to get Mike back into the dating scene, egging him on and dishing out dubious advice while dragging him from club to club. What's more, Trent's sleazy style seems to really work for him; the more condescending and manipulative he is, the better he does with women. To Trent's horror, Mike can't help breaking every "rule" in the book, constantly rehashing the tragic history of his recent break-up to any available girl.
We follow the pair from a big trip out to Las Vegas and on through bars and clubs, Mike repeatedly trying, and failing, to pick up a girl. Along the way, we meet their other friends, including Rob, a struggling actor with a major creative crisis, Charles, too hip for the scene, and Sue, a twitchy guy with some violent tendencies.
Teenagers will probably (hopefully!) find the 10-years-ago swing revival aesthetic too square for words, while parents may find themselves reflecting back on their own youthful excesses. But charming, funny performances by the cast, especially Vince Vaughn and Ron Livingston, will make it worth the pain.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentNo nudity, but there is a scene where Mike interrupts Trent and a woman during sex. |
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ViolenceA scene of potential violence where a gun is drawn during a fight, but not fired. |
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LanguageVery strong language. |
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Social Behavior |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoThe main characters drink a lot of alcohol and smoke. |
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