Palm Swings

I must agree with some of Ccoral419's technical critiques of the film. Lighting was certainly an issue for me. There was also a lack of depth in the story that I was hoping to see. There were several instances where Lockhart was trying to convey a point, but unfortunately it opened more unexplored story threads that were left dangling for us to wonder about. These created motivations that became sometimes unclear and because parts of the story were not explored the reactions came across more as plot devices rather than honest emotions. Often plot points were rushed to get to the next event in the story rather than finding a particular focus to the drama. Sugar Lyn's performances were subtle, nuanced and fearless for the subject matter and I enjoyed the wise sage character of Clair played by Diane Farr. Jackson Davis' performance was also well done, however he didn't really have depth of character to fully explore, I'm sure he would have relished. I liked that it came across as an anti-Halmark movie. One devoid of the purtianical morality tales shoehorned into them, that is often seen in those productions. As someone who has some exposure to swinging, it was clear to me that Lockhart either has experience in this area or has done extensive research. She conveyed the principal issues most couples must deal with in such a lifestyle, "honesty" and "trust". Break either of those and there is often friction or outright trouble in a relationship. The reason why "swingers" stay together is because they share a brutal honesty with each other that often is missing in traditional relationships. This is to be honest, a titillation film. Provocative by design, but also honest about what the lifestyle is about and what it takes for a couple to participate in it. That said, I liked it for what it was in terms of story, but the technical aspects were certainly distractin.

The sweet and stunning Sugar played her part very well and was convincing in her lead role. Seductive, alluring and out of this world sexy! Her characters husband also worked convincingly. The rest of the cast were a little lacklustre and slapstick which threatened to spoil the realism of the movie. I do strongly disagree with this being a comedy as well, stay clear of that when making this type of movie because that wouldn't work. The audience, myself included, want serious and realistic not cheesy, poorly executed and slapstick.

Admittedly Sugar has so much sex appeal and carried this movie with her steamy (somewhat audience friendlier) scenes getting me hot. She got my girlfriend in the mood as well I think because she's been trying to hide her bisexual thoughts. I think sugar would get anyone in the mood when she's been done from behind. She played one half of a happy, newly married professional couple, who instantly and not so subtly find out they have neighbours who are swingers. (Something I've wanted to try but cmon this is England it's hardly worth bothering with unless you want sixteen stone middle aged women edging close to you) and I chose this movie because the trailer looked good and the plot was simple and didn't need to be complicated.

There's an intense vulnerability about sugar and her husbands early experiences, and lured into temptation they try what millions of couples do these days (trust me they don't admit it) The issue being, she takes it too far and her husband doesn't like it. I just knew this would work. I thought this was fantastic and I so wish they'd do a sequel or make more like it.

What's not to like? You've got the beautiful Palm Springs scenery, yes you've plenty of explosive steamy scenes which somehow disappointed the audience, you've got lip-biting excitement of giving in to the thrill, you've got an upsetting crossroad between a couple who appeared so in love and strong, you've got plenty to feast your eyes on with the sugar candy, (albeit could have done with more of that and less tropical shirt wearing middle aged people) and you've got some real talented actors. A very well put together and fun movie.

Not going to win any awards for great acting, but it did highlight the effects being a "swinger" can have on a Couples relationship.

The tackling of that issue came across in a believable way

This film was surprisingly decent for the subject matter it represented. The story was ok and the acting was passable for the most part.

The film does well at portraying the swinger lifestyle in a fairly accurate way, and the character's journey is somewhat realistic, although one with enough experience can tell when they stretched the drama a bit.

What prevented this from being a great film were some poor writing choices after the climax of the film. The acting from the main protagonist did not sell the gravity of the situation. For anyone who is in the lifestyle, some of the character decisions in the film will be frustrating to watch. There was a missed opportunity here but I appreciated that the writers really left the message up to the viewer to interpret.

What really saves this film are the characters. They are interesting to look at and observe as they end up in some very sexy and risque circumstances. The first act was very well directed and you could really feel the tension building. Again things seem to get a little weird towards the end of the second act which had me scratching my head.

I would recommend this film to anyone who is interested in seeing a portrayal of a non monogamous subculture.

I'd rather smear excrement in my eyes than watch this film again. Enough said. Utter rubbish.