Just Getting Started

Just Getting Started is a 2017 action comedy film that stars an ensemble cast of Hollywood heavyweights including Morgan Freeman, Tommy Lee Jones, and Rene Russo. Directed by powerhouse Ron Shelton, famous for his sports-themed films such as Bull Durham and Tin Cup; this is a comical tale of rivalry, new bonds and resurrected pasts.

In the movie, Freeman plays Duke Diver, a charismatic manager of the Villa Capri, a luxury resort community in Palm Springs, California. With a magnetic presence and suave charm, Duke is quite popular among the Villa Capri residents, particularly with the women. Not only is he the life of every party, but he also fends off all the troubles that come in the way of Villa Capri's fun-loving and retired residents. This comfortable existence comes to a sudden halt with the arrival of a new resident, Leo (played by Tommy Lee Jones), a rugged and mysterious ex-military man with a flair of his own.

The plot starts to thicken from here. Jones' character, Leo, is a man of few words but intense action. He becomes the new favourite among the residents, much to Duke's dismay. The love and competition between the two bloom into a full-blown rivalry. They constantly try to outdo each other whether it be on the golf course, in the poker room, or for the Christmas decoration competition.

As if Duke didn't have enough on his plate with the arrival of Leo, there's more trouble brewing when charming Suzie (played by Rene Russo), enters the scene as the new regional director for the Villa Capri resort. Her presence adds another dimension to the duo's rivalry as they both attempt to impress and woo her in their unique ways.

But per the rules of storytelling, there are levels beneath the surface rivalry and hilarious one-upmanship. The plot takes an interesting turn when Duke's shady past catches up with him. As the movie progresses, we, the audience, are introduced to Duke's former life as a lawyer from Brooklyn, who was put into witness protection after testifying against some dangerous men.

Leo, despite their rivalry, turns out to be the unlikely savior. A former federal agent, he offers to help Duke out of this messy situation. The rest of the film then builds on their unlikely team-up as they band together to combat Duke's past, all while employing clever tricks, stunts, and lots of humour.

The movie is full of the usual charisma, sass, and wisecracks one may expect with these leading actors involved. Their performances deliver the laugh-out-loud moments while still addressing some serious issues in the mix.

Director Ron Shelton adds elements of thrill and action seamlessly interspersed with humour. The complex backgrounds of the characters add a flavor of mysteriousness to the narrative, maintaining the intrigue from beginning to end. The script is laden with sharply written dialogue that is deftly delivered by the esteemed cast.

The persona of Morgan Freeman and Tommy Lee Jones and their on-screen chemistry adds to the enjoyment of watching this movie. The addition of Rene Russo adds an extra layer of charm and appeal to the narrative.

The Palm Springs setting further enhances the movie's appeal – the blue skies, palm trees, and warm sunlight serve as a perfect backdrop for this engaging rivalry-comradery story. The cinematography is Hollywood at its best, capturing the fun-filled lives of the retirement home residents, featuring extravagant parties and endless games, all under the beautiful California sun.

Even though Just Getting Started primarily falls under the comedy genre, it deals with themes of friendship, trust, and learning to leave the past behind. While providing amusement and a lot of laughs along the way, it also satisfies viewers with emotional depth and great character development.

In summary, Just Getting Started is a delightful action-comedy that perfectly balances humor and action. It’s a fascinating rivalry story that morphs into a tale of camaraderie and overcoming the past, featuring the stellar performances of Hollywood stalwarts. The movie offers plenty of laughs, suspense, and heartwarming moments making it a thoroughly enjoyable watch.