Swimfan (2002)
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14% of critics liked it
(90 reviews) -
36% of users liked it
(49,424 ratings)
A moment of temptation leads to a high body count and untold regrets for a high-school swimming star in this thriller starring Bring It On's Jesse Bradford and Traffic's Erika Christensen. Despite a shady past involving drugs and the juvenile justice system, Ben Cronin (Bradford) seems to… More A moment of temptation leads to a high body count and untold regrets for a high-school swimming star in this thriller starring Bring It On's Jesse Bradford and Traffic's Erika Christensen. Despite a shady past involving drugs and the juvenile justice system, Ben Cronin (Bradford) seems to have it all: a loving mother, a devoted girlfriend (Shiri Appleby), and a shot at a college scholarship in California. But the same week that athletic scouts will be deciding his future, Ben finds himself embroiled in a flirtation with Madison Bell (Christensen), a bewitching transfer student who seduces him into supposedly strings-free sex during an impromptu swim lesson after hours in the school pool. When Ben takes Madison at her word and goes about his business as if nothing had happened, she insinuates herself into his life with sinister glee. Showing up at Ben's house, befriending his girlfriend, and sending him naked pictures -- none of her strategies wins his heart. So Madison turns to other, more devious forms of courtship. Soon, Ben finds himself kicked off the swim team for supposed steroid use, suspected of murdering a rival (Clayne Crawford), and rejected by his girlfriend for his sexual indiscretions. Eventually, though, he receives help in uncovering the genesis of Madison's uncanny fixation from an unexpected source. Originally titled "Swimfan85" (after Madison's Internet screen name), the retitled Swimfan hit the top spot at the back-to-school box office when it was released September 6, 2002. Dan Hedaya co-stars as Ben's stern but loving mentor, Coach Simkins. Actor-turned-director John Polson previously helmed Siam Sunset. ~ Brian J. Dillard, Rovi
- Directed By
- John Polson
- Written By
- Philip Schneider, Charles Bohl
- Genres
- Mystery & Suspense, Horror
- In Theaters
- Sep 6, 2002 Wide
- Studio
- 20th Century Fox
Critic Reviews
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J. R. Jones, Chicago Reader
Director John Polson mutes the conservative sexual politics of the original film, focusing on the lightweight, efficient suspense story.
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Sheila Norman-Culp, Associated Press
It would be so easy for an actress to overplay this role, to morph into high camp, but Christensen stays icy cool.
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Trevor Johnston, Time Out
Only the very easily pleased will be able to see past its limitations.
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Wesley Morris, Boston Globe
It's like going to a house party and watching the host defend himself against a frothing ex-girlfriend. You don't want to call the cops. You want to call Domino's.
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Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail
Not really a thriller so much as a movie for teens to laugh, groan and hiss at.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Jesse Bradford
as Ben Cronin
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Erika Christensen
as Madison Bell
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Shiri Appleby
as Amy Miller
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Kate Burton
as Carla
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Clayne Crawford
as Josh
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Jason Ritter
as Randy
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Kia Joy Goodwin
as Rene
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Dan Hedaya
as Coach Simkins
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Michael Higgins
as Mr. Tillman
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Nick Sandow
as Detective John Zabel
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James DeBello
as Danta
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Phyllis Somerville
as Aunt Gretchen
