47. Classic Recommendation: Swingers (1996)

Episode 47 - Classic Recommendation: Swingers (1996)

Can we tell you something? “You are so money and you don’t even know it!”

Let us take you back to 1996, when Jon Favreau (Chef, The Mandalorian, Iron Man), Vince Vaughn (Wedding Crashers, The Lost World), and Doug Liman (Edge of Tomorrow, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, The Bourne Identity) arrived on the film scene with this gem of a movie.

This one has something for everyone to love — from Vince Vaughn’s magnetic energy to Jon Favreau’s pitch-perfect comedy as he navigates the real sadness of getting over a breakup. We meet a group of friends (who could easily be you and your own buddies) just trying to make it in Los Angeles. This classic flick delivers the perfect mix of laughs and sincerity — and it's way ahead of its time in how self-aware it is.

Swingers helped catapult its creators into the spotlight and brought new attention to indie filmmaking. Favreau wrote the sharp and heartfelt script (his screenwriting debut!). There’s even a moment when the filmmakers ask Steven Spielberg for permission to use the Jaws theme — not only did he say yes, he loved the movie so much he cast Vaughn in The Lost World.

With a runtime of just over 90 minutes, this movie keeps a smile on your face the whole way through. It’s also technically impressive — shot in just 18 days! Look out for excellent supporting turns from rising stars Heather Graham and Ron Livingston (who delivers several truly memorable and relatable scenes). Swingers was both a critical and commercial success, pulling in $4.6 million at the global box office on a $250,000 budget. It’s a reminder of a time when indie films had a strong allure. We debate whether that time has passed for good, or if word-of-mouth can still help indie films and fresh talent break through.

There’s no doubt you’ll be laughing, reminiscing about time with your own friends, and just enjoying the ride of this goofy, heartfelt indie. Swingers is currently streaming on Paramount+ and Hoopla, and is also available to rent or buy on all major platforms.

Enjoy the movie, hit up the comments with your thoughts, and as always, thanks for listening!

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