Just Getting Started

Just Getting Started

Year: 2017

Runtime: 91 min

Language: English

Director: Ron Shelton

Echo Score: 28

Budget: $22M

ActionComedy

This energetic comedy follows Duke Diver, a charming resort manager at the luxurious Villa Capri in Palm Springs, portrayed by Morgan Freeman. His relaxed world is disrupted by the arrival of Leo, an ex-military man played by Tommy Lee Jones, who challenges Duke’s position and pursues the same romantic interests. As Duke’s past resurfaces, threatening the resort, he and Leo must overcome their rivalry and team up to confront a dangerous situation and protect Villa Capri.

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Just Getting Started (2017) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Just Getting Started (2017), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

Defense attorney Duke Diver, who once defended the leaders of the world’s deadliest criminal organizations, now finds himself managing the luxurious resort Villa Capri located in the picturesque Palm Springs, California. Enter Leo, a former FBI agent who quickly makes his presence felt by taking Duke’s parking spot, signaling the start of an unexpected rivalry.

The plot thickens when a furious New Jersey resident, Delilah, catches sight of an advertisement showcasing Villa Capri and the images of a man named William Dupree—a man she blames for her husband’s imprisonment due to his lackluster defense. Feeling vengeful, she contacts her son to convey her desire for “a gift” this Christmas—namely, the head of Dupree, who, unbeknownst to her, is actually Duke.

As Leo settles in, he derives joy from his new surroundings and contrives a friendly competition with Duke, who previously enjoyed the title of the resort’s “Casanova.” Duke, riding in a golf cart styled like a Hummer, relishes drawing large sums of cash from the resort’s accounts for personal perks. His loyal assistant Jimmy and his accountant Ginger keep things running smoothly. Meanwhile, the alluring trio of Margarite, Roberta, and Lily find themselves vying for Duke’s attention, despite his increasingly escalating rivalry with Leo.

When Duke learns that Leo has paid for his stay in full cash, he extends an invitation to partake in the evening’s poker game. This night takes an intriguing turn when Duke finds himself distracted by unexpected visits from both Margarite and Roberta before the poker night begins. Leo participates in the game, boasting a fabricated backstory as an ex-military international trader, and manages to win all of Duke’s poker chips, marking the first time this has happened to Duke, who usually dominates in these games.

As the Christmas season envelops the resort, Duke intends to create a festive atmosphere, even ordering camels for a nativity scene, only to spot a potential threat to his cherished routine—a new camel supplier. The rivalry intensifies as Duke becomes aware of Leo’s growing affection from the resort’s female residents, especially after Leo invites them for dinner.

In the course of events, Duke challenges Leo to 18 holes of golf, only for their match to be interrupted by a hidden rattlesnake found in Duke’s golf bag. This leads to a comedic and chaotic fallout from their competitive spirit. Their rivalry further ensnares Suzie, the regional director for the resort chain, who visits incognito and becomes part of their tumultuous dynamic as Duke and Leo vie for her attention.

In a turn of fate, Duke finds himself in quite the predicament when corporate chooses to send a corporate Santa to evaluate his management skills. Comically, a fight breaks out between Duke and the corporate Santa, with Leo stepping in to assist, symbolizing a newfound camaraderie. Yet, Suzie’s true intentions come to light when she must assess Duke’s operations, revealing discrepancies and lack of documentation in his management style.

Amid all the turmoil, Duke performs with his longtime friend, Johnny Mathis, during the Christmas festivities, heightening the stakes as Leo boldly asks Suzie to dance, instantly igniting Duke’s jealousy. As Duke becomes more inebriated, he confides in Suzie about his admiration for her, unaware of the soon-to-be explosive situation involving his past as a mob lawyer, now being hunted.

When the reality of Duke’s dangerous history resurfaces, they are targeted by a hitman, whom they come to realize is the mob boss’s son, Oscar. Faced with the looming threat, both Duke and Leo establish an alliance to survive, risking their lives as they must now navigate a perilous path to safety.

As tensions culminate, Suzie gets kidnapped by Oscar, leading to a thrilling climax where Duke and Leo must band together to rescue her. The story concludes with Duke receiving a new identity as he takes on a new management role at a Florida resort, while Leo and Suzie find solace and love in each other’s company. It’s a lighthearted tale filled with laughter, tension, and surprising friendships that blossom amid chaos.

Last Updated: October 27, 2024 at 22:36

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Where antagonistic competition blossoms into an unlikely but effective partnership.If you enjoyed the competitive dynamic and eventual teamwork in Just Getting Started, you'll like these movies featuring charismatic feuds that turn into powerful alliances. Discover similar comedies and action films where initial rivalry gives way to an unstoppable partnership.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a clear three-act structure: establishing the rivalry through humorous competition, introducing a shared external conflict that threatens both parties, and culminating in a cooperative effort where the rivals' contrasting strengths complement each other to overcome the challenge, often leading to a newfound friendship.

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Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on the 'enemies-to-friends' character arc, a LIGHT tone that uses rivalry for comedy, and a STEADY pacing that balances character clashes with collaborative action, resulting in a HAPPY, satisfying resolution.

Resort action comedies with a vibe like Just Getting Started

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Narrative Summary

The narrative typically involves a protagonist enjoying or managing a peaceful locale, whose past or a new arrival disrupts the tranquility. The threat is serious enough to drive the plot but is handled with a comedic touch, ensuring the sunny, festive atmosphere of the setting remains dominant, leading to an action-packed yet ultimately fun and positive conclusion.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a specific vibe defined by the juxtaposition of a festive, relaxed WORLD (like a resort) with a MEDIUM-intensity ACTION plot, all filtered through a LIGHT, comedic TONE. The STEADY pacing and STRAIGHTFORWARD plots ensure an energetic but undemanding experience.

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Just Getting Started

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