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!

Haven’t seen Just Getting Started yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Just Getting Started (2017)

Trace every key event in Just Getting Started (2017) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Duke Diver's New Life

Once a renowned defense attorney for criminal organizations, Duke Diver now manages the luxurious Villa Capri in Palm Springs, California. His new life is a stark contrast to his previous high-stakes career.

Villa Capri, Palm Springs
2

The Rivalry Begins

The arrival of former FBI agent Leo disrupts Duke's routine as he claims Duke's parking spot. This moment marks the beginning of a competitive rivalry between the two men.

Villa Capri
3

Delilah's Revenge

In New Jersey, Delilah sees an advertisement for Villa Capri featuring Duke, who is actually William Dupree, the man she blames for her husband's imprisonment. Infuriated, she plots to bring him down, setting a dangerous chain of events in motion.

New Jersey
4

Leo's Arrival

As Leo settles into the resort, he competes against Duke for the affection of various female guests. Duke takes note of Leo's charm, especially as he challenges Duke's former title of the resort's 'Casanova.'

Villa Capri
5

The Poker Game

Duke invites Leo to a poker game after learning that Leo paid for his stay in cash. In a twist of fate, Leo reveals a fabricated backstory and unexpectedly wins all of Duke’s poker chips, marking a significant defeat for Duke.

Villa Capri
6

Christmas Preparations

With the Christmas season approaching, Duke is determined to create a festive atmosphere at the resort. However, complications arise when a new camel supplier threatens to disrupt his plans for a nativity scene.

Christmas season Villa Capri
7

Golf Match Gone Wrong

Duke challenges Leo to a game of golf, which quickly descends into chaos when a rattlesnake is discovered in Duke’s golf bag. The incident underscores their escalating rivalry as comedic mishaps unfold.

Villa Capri Golf Course
8

Corporate Santa's Arrival

Corporate sends a Santa Claus to evaluate Duke’s management skills. A humorous fight breaks out between Duke and Santa, creating an unexpected alliance between Duke and Leo as they navigate the situation together.

Christmas season Villa Capri
9

Johnny Mathis at the Resort

During the Christmas festivities, Duke performs with his friend Johnny Mathis, bringing a festive spirit to the event. Meanwhile, Leo grows closer to Suzie, leading to a display of jealousy from Duke.

Christmas festivities Villa Capri
10

The Return of Duke's Past

Duke's dangerous history as a mob lawyer resurfaces when a hitman, the son of a mob boss, targets him. This revelation catches both Duke and Leo off guard, forcing them into a precarious situation.

Villa Capri
11

Suzie's Kidnapping

The situation escalates when Suzie is kidnapped by the mob boss's son, Oscar. Duke and Leo realize they must put aside their rivalry and work together to save her from this perilous predicament.

Villa Capri
12

Duke and Leo's Alliance

Facing the threat posed by Oscar, Duke and Leo form an alliance to rescue Suzie. Their combined efforts highlight the growth of their friendship amid the chaos surrounding them.

Villa Capri
13

New Beginnings

After successfully rescuing Suzie, Duke receives a new identity and is assigned to manage a resort in Florida. This marks a fresh start for him, while Leo and Suzie blossom romantically, leaving the tumultuous past behind.

Florida

Last Updated: October 27, 2024 at 22:36

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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.

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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.

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.

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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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Just Getting Started Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Just Getting Started

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Just Getting Started

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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