Teddy Bear

Teddy Bear
(2012) [Trailer]
Director: Mads Matthiesen [IMDB]

This came in the form of a recommendation from my trusted source for all things movie related... so trusted in fact that I can not reveal his (of her) identity. I was told this was a gem, a diamond in the rough if you will... and you will. 

Synopsis: Dennis is an aging pro body builder who is socially challenged when it comes to hooking up with the ladies. So he decides to go to Thailand where the easy women flow like a full bodied Bordeaux.

Teddy Bear is an extremely enjoyable film and really easy on the viewer. At no point during its run time did I feel bored or removed. It grabs you instantly and brings you on a weird little journey into a world that is captivating and it almost seems real... like a quasi documentary at times. Kim Kold is very affable and pulls out a a performance which is unexpected and raw. I hope to see him in other things in the future.

I can't think of any real negatives at all... it's partly in Danish and partly in English, so if you don't like to read while you watch TV, skip it. Other than that, get going... it's on Netflix instant and it's a winner.

Swingers

Swingers
(1996) [Trailer]
Director: Doug Liman (IMDB)

I watched Swingers on the regular in my late teens/early 20's. It was one of my favorite films back then and along with movies like Pulp Fiction, From Dusk Till Dawn, Bottle Rocket and Fargo, it helped fuel my hunger for cinema through my formidable years. So prepare for a love fest.

Synopsis: Mike recently got dumped. Now his friends do their best to help him get over his ex and get back into the game.

This film works for me on many levels. The dialog is fresh, memorable, and authentic. This movie feels like this movie, if that makes sense? I think Vince Vaughan says the word "baby" over 120 times throughout Swingers' run time, which would seem like it's annoying, but it works for his character in a strange way. I like how this movie pays homage to other films/directors... some are obvious picks like Scorsese, Reservoir Dogs/Tarantino, and the Rat Pack... and others that are more low key like the THX-1138 license plate. This is an absolute must for any fan of independent cinema and good comedies that take a different approach to the genre.