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.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Just Getting Started (2017)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Just Getting Started (2017). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Christmas Season

The movie takes place during the Christmas season, a time often associated with celebration, joy, and family gatherings. This period enhances the atmosphere of rivalry and camaraderie at Villa Capri, as characters interact amidst festive decorations and holiday events. The backdrop of the holiday season reflects themes of desire, competition, and unexpected friendships.

Location

Villa Capri, Palm Springs, California

Villa Capri is a luxurious resort located in the stunning Palm Springs, California. Known for its beautiful surroundings and vibrant atmosphere, it serves as a playground for the affluent, where guests seek relaxation and entertainment. Its festive decorations during the Christmas season add a charming touch to the upscale environment.

🏖️ Resort 🌴 Tropical

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:38

Main Characters – Just Getting Started (2017)

Meet the key characters of Just Getting Started (2017), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Duke Diver (Morgan Freeman)

Duke Diver, a former defense attorney, is humorous and charismatic, with a knack for charm and a flair for mischief. Living at Villa Capri, he enjoys a life of luxury while masking a tumultuous past as a mob lawyer. His character is both endearing and fallible, as he navigates rivalry with Leo while grappling with his feelings for Suzie and dealing with the threat from his previous life.

🏖️ Resort Manager 😄 Charismatic 💔 Complex Past

Leo (Tommy Lee Jones)

Leo is a former FBI agent who embraces his new life at Villa Capri with bold energy and a competitive spirit. His presence shakes up Duke’s routine, sparking a rivalry that provides both comedic moments and opportunities for growth. Leo's charm and wit attract attention from the resort's female residents, showcasing a lighter, more playful side to his character.

👮 Former Agent 🤼 Competitive 💪 Charismatic

Delilah (Jane Seymour)

Delilah is a vengeful and determined character, seeking retribution against Duke for her husband's imprisonment. Her fierce determination adds tension to the plot, driving key events that push the story forward. Despite her intentions, Delilah’s complexity reveals a depth that transcends her initial motivations.

💔 Vengeful 🎭 Driven 😊 Complex

Suzie (Rene Russo)

Suzie is the regional director for the resort chain, caught in the crossfire of the rivalry between Duke and Leo. She exhibits strength and independence, ultimately assessing Duke's abilities while also becoming a romantic interest. Her character embodies both professional savvy and personal connections, contributing to the film's light-hearted yet layered narrative.

👩‍💼 Strong 🌹 Romantic Interest 💼 Professional

Oscar (Mel Raido)

Oscar is a menacing character, serving as the antagonist with ties to Duke's past. His presence escalates the stakes, creating a thrilling subplot that forces Duke and Leo to unite against a common threat. Oscar's role highlights the consequences of Duke's previous life and the danger it brings to those around him.

💀 Menacing 🔫 Antagonist ⚔️ Threatening

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:38

Major Themes – Just Getting Started (2017)

Explore the central themes of Just Getting Started (2017), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎩 Rivalry

Rivalry is a central theme in the movie, particularly between Duke and Leo, who compete for dominance and attention at the resort. Their humorous competition for guests' affections and respect highlights the lengths individuals will go to assert their status and charm. This rivalry evolves into friendship, showcasing the growth that can emerge from competitive spirits.

🎄 Redemption

The theme of redemption is explored through Duke's character as he navigates his past as a mob lawyer and seeks a new path. The story underscores the possibility of change and finding new purpose, as Duke ultimately strives to improve himself amid external threats. This lingering theme showcases the journey of personal transformation against a backdrop of chaos and comedy.

❤️ Romance

Romance is intricately woven into the story, particularly through Leo and Suzie's budding relationship. Their connection blossoms amidst the competitive antics, adding layers to the plot as both Duke and Leo vie for attention from the women at Villa Capri. The romantic undertones provide a balance to the comedy and tension, culminating in heartfelt resolutions.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:38

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies like Just Getting Started where rivals become allies

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.

rivalrouscomedicteamworkplayfulaction-comedycharismaticunlikely duo

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.

Why These Movies?

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

High-stakes antics and humor collide in a luxurious, relaxed vacation setting.Looking for more movies like Just Getting Started that mix action and comedy in a sunny resort setting? This list features films where picturesque vacation spots turn into playgrounds for thrilling escapades and humorous situations, perfect for a fun, easy watch.

festiveenergeticresort lifelightheartedplayfulsun-drenchedaction-comedy

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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Just Getting Started Summary

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Just Getting Started Summary

Just Getting Started Timeline

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Just Getting Started Timeline

Just Getting Started Spoiler-Free Summary

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Just Getting Started Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Just Getting Started

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