What a great date movie! I saw "Swing" at the Wine Country Film Festival. I arrived vaguely downhearted and left feeling alright with the world; in my book, any film that accomplishes that is worth seeing. Within a minute of the credits I knew I was in for a good time, and by the film's exuberant end I hadn't been the slightest let down.
"Swing" doesn't take itself too seriously, and as a result it avoids the cloying sweetnes that has started to creep into the Full Monty's (which film I loved) progeny. It reminded me of some of my favorite Australian comedies --" Strictly Ballroom," "Priscilla, Queen of the Dessert" and "Muriel's Wedding" come to mind -- as well as, oddly enough, the sitcom "Seinfeld."
Why? Probably because I was as charmed and entertained by the characters, their foibles and imperfections, as I was by the circumstances in which they found themselves. The humor was dark here and there, and often skewer-sharp, but it wasn't mean-spirited, which I especially appreciated; too often nowadays lazy writers reach for laughs through the cheapest shot. "Swing" left me with the kind of warm glow I get at the best family reunions or holiday meals.
"Swing" also provides an energizing soundtrack, really smooth, accessible cinematography and one of the funnier Liverpool jokes I've heard in years.
