Back in 2011, I unveiled my favorite 100 movies on my old blog. This is my second go-around at it, and we actually started already on the King of Arguments. To catch up on the first ten selections, HERE they are.
You can click on the title of the movie in this post to check out the trailer for each film.
Again, these will come out every day for your reading enjoyment.
Here we go.
#90: Swingers (1996)
Director: Doug Liman
Starring: Jon Favreau, Vince Vaughn and Ron Livingston
Plot: “Wannabe actors become regulars in the stylish neo-lounge scene; Trent teaches his friend Mike the unwritten rule of the scene.”
Stock: Up
Previous Ranking: NR
“You’re so money and you don’t even know it.”
The first time I watched Swingers I was bored out of my mind. Didn’t understand it and more importantly, didn’t want to understand it. It was around 1999, and 14-year-old Luke Florence wasn’t impressed at all.
Fourteen year-old Luke Florence was an idiot.
The second time I watched Swingers was in 2011. I was in the middle of putting together the first version of my favorite 100 films, and thought immediately after it had a spot wrapped up in the second version.
Swingers – above anything else – is a hilarious comedy. What makes it special is it takes that laughter and uses it as a gateway to a deep movie that touches on a variety of subjects. Friendship, heartbreak, and self-realization are just a few that come to mind.
I completely identify with the main character Mike (Jon Favreau) as he deals with a recent breakup that isn’t so recent. He struggles with fitting in, moving on, and finding a new girl. The scene where he continually calls an answering machine is cringe-worthy, but also a noteworthy glimpse into an on-going internal struggle.
A movie that gets better over time. Welcome to the Top-100 Swingers, you’ve had this spot booked for the last five years and now, for the foreseeable future.
Fun fact: It took four different people and more than four hours to make Wayne Gretzky’s head bleed in the infamous NHL Live scene. Vince Vaughn was the actual culprit.
Hint for #89: Well known for their series of talks/lectures.
Until next time, peace be the journey.
Luke Florence 