For now, though, it remains one of the most original and amusing films of the year. Mike's biggest problem is that, after six months, he's still hung up on his ex-girlfriend from back East. Swingers natural claim to fame is that it's the first film to depict the growing world of the Cocktail Nation. Crooners like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin are worshipped as gods. Everyone wears the requisite bowling shirts, pocket chains and well-greased hairdos.
Many martinis are quaffed, and several energetic swing dances are spotlighted.
Everything is shot on location, giving a thoroughly authentic feel. I doubt that anyone could sit through this one without feeling the urgent need for a cocktail and a well-stocked jukebox. Swingers' strongest suit is its self-deprecating sense of humor. Actor John Favreau served as the screenwriter as well as star for Swingers and wound up casting most of his pals in the supporting roles. No surprise that Vaughn has already been snapped up by none other than Steven Spielberg to star in next summer's Jurassic Park sequel, The Lost World .