"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.

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.

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)