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Just Getting Started

Just Getting Started is a 2017 American action comedy film written and directed by Ron Shelton, his first feature film since Hollywood Homicide (2003).) The story centers on Duke Diver, a charismatic ex-mob lawyer living under witness protection as the manager of the luxurious Palm Springs retirement community Villa Capri, where he enjoys a carefree life filled with golf, parties, and flirtations. When an ex-FBI agent named Leo arrives and begins competing with Duke for the affections of a visiting woman named Suzie, their rivalry escalates, but it is interrupted by threats from Duke's criminal past, forcing the two men to collaborate to survive a mob assassination attempt. Starring Morgan Freeman as Duke, Tommy Lee Jones as Leo, and Rene Russo as Suzie, the film also features supporting performances by Joe Pantoliano, Jane Seymour, and George Wallace. Released in theaters on December 8, 2017, by Broad Green Pictures, it blends elements of romantic comedy and crime thriller but was met with widespread critical disapproval for its formulaic script and underutilized cast.

Plot

Just Getting Started is set at the Villa Capri, a luxurious retirement resort in Palm Springs, California, where Duke Diver serves as the charismatic and freewheeling manager, overseeing the daily activities and enjoying a laid-back lifestyle among the elderly residents. Duke's routine is disrupted by the arrival of Leo, an ex-FBI agent who checks into the resort and quickly establishes himself as a rival, particularly through their shared interest in Suzie, a regional director evaluating the resort. The initial tension between and blossoms into a full-fledged buddy-comedy rivalry, marked by a series of competitive challenges that test their skills and egos, including golf matches, poker games, chess duels, ping-pong tournaments, and even a limbo contest. These escapades highlight the contrasting personalities of the two men—Duke's suave charm against Leo's no-nonsense demeanor—while fostering an underlying camaraderie amid the resort's vibrant social scene. Complications arise when elements of Duke's hidden past as a former mob lawyer under witness protection resurface, drawing dangerous assassins to the resort intent on settling old scores. Faced with this mafia threat, Duke and Leo are compelled to set aside their differences and form an unlikely alliance, combining their respective experiences—Leo's tactical background and Duke's street smarts—to protect themselves and the resort community. The central conflict reaches its peak during the Villa Capri's annual party, where high-stakes action sequences unfold as confronts the intruders in a blend of humor and tension. In the resolution, chooses to relocate for safety, entrusting the management of the resort to new leadership and reflecting on the bonds formed through adversity.

Cast

Main cast

Morgan Freeman stars as Duke Diver, the charismatic manager of a luxury Palm Springs resort who harbors a hidden past as a lawyer in the Program. Freeman's performance embodies suave charm and unwavering confidence, channeling an alpha-male persona with Hefner-esque charisma that anchors the film's central dynamics. Tommy Lee Jones portrays Leo McKay, a gruff ex-FBI agent whose arrival at the resort immediately challenges Duke's authority and sparks a . Jones infuses the with deadpan intensity and competitive edge, delivering a bold, cowboy-flavored presence that heightens the interpersonal tensions. Renée Russo plays Suzie Quinces, the 's activity director who serves as the romantic interest caught between the competing leads. Russo's portrayal emphasizes the character's alluring mystery and resilient strength, contributing to the film's core romantic and rivalrous dynamics.

Supporting cast

as Joey, one of Duke's poker buddies and a resort resident who participates in the community's activities. His role introduces tension to the otherwise lighthearted community setting, bridging Duke's hidden history with the present-day action. Glenne Headly plays Margarite, an eccentric resident deeply involved in the resort's social activities and part of Duke's circle of close companions. Headly's performance adds warmth and whimsy to the ensemble dynamics, though she passed away from complications of a in June 2017, shortly after filming wrapped. Sheryl Lee Ralph embodies Roberta, a vibrant and social resident who enthusiastically participates in the community's competitions and events. Her character contributes to the film's comedic energy through lively interactions that highlight the resort's competitive spirit. Elizabeth Ashley appears as Lily, a feisty resident who brings sharp wit and assertiveness to the group's scenes. Along with Margarite and , Lily forms part of Duke's informal trio of romantic interests, enhancing the film's exploration of relationships in the setting. Other notable supporting players include as , a enthusiast whose hobbies underscore the resort's leisurely pursuits; as Burt, adding depth to the background ; as Oscar Bruno, the mob assassin pursuing Duke; and as , contributing to the colorful array of personalities. The supporting collectively fosters an atmosphere, infusing group scenes with humor through their quirky portrayals of life and aiding the transition from comedy to thriller elements.

Production

Development

Ron Shelton wrote the screenplay and directed Just Getting Started, marking his return to feature films after a 14-year absence since Hollywood Homicide in 2003. The project originated as Shelton's original concept, drawing inspiration from buddy comedy dynamics and the vibrancy of retirement communities, where residents seek reinvention rather than decline. He developed the story while stuck in traffic, completing three drafts before securing commitments from key talent. On May 14, 2016, announced their co-financing and U.S. distribution deal for the film, then titled Villa Capri, in partnership with ; the package already included and as leads. The production budget totaled $22 million. In September 2017, the title was retitled Just Getting Started to better reflect its themes of ongoing vitality.

Casting

The principal casting for Just Getting Started was announced on June 9, 2016, with , , and attached to the lead roles. Freeman portrayed Duke, the suave director of a Palm Springs ; Jones played Leo, a gruff retired man; and Russo took on Suzie, a savvy businesswoman who serves as the romantic pivot between the two protagonists. Supporting roles were cast throughout the summer of 2016, including as the mob-connected Joey, as the flirtatious Marguerite, as Roberta, and as Lily. Headly's appearance marked her final film role, as she died of complications from a in June 2017, five months before the movie's release. The casting process proceeded without major controversies, focusing instead on assembling a roster of seasoned performers to authentically convey the film's themes of rivalry, reinvention, and aging. Director prioritized established stars like , Jones, and Russo to anchor the comedy-action hybrid, leveraging their dramatic pedigrees for comedic timing and emotional depth in portraying senior protagonists. Russo's attachment, in particular, stemmed from her prior collaboration with Shelton on (1996), allowing her to embody a strong, independent female lead.

Filming

Principal photography for Just Getting Started commenced on August 15, 2016, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where the production stood in for the film's Palm Springs, California, setting. The crew utilized Albuquerque and its surrounding areas to capture resort scenes, leveraging local facilities to portray the luxury retirement community of Villa Capri. Additional establishing shots were filmed in Palm Springs on November 3 and 4, 2016, to enhance the California aesthetic. Shooting wrapped in late 2016, with no major delays reported during the process. The primary challenge involved adapting the arid deserts to evoke the vibrant, palm-lined vibe of Palm Springs, achieved through and set design that transformed local venues into upscale retirement amenities.

Music

The original score for Just Getting Started was composed by Alex Wurman, a frequent collaborator with director Ron Shelton on previous films such as Tin Cup and Hollywood Homicide. Wurman's music blends lighthearted orchestral elements with playful motifs to support the film's buddy-comedy dynamics in a retirement community setting. The official soundtrack album, Just Getting Started (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), was released digitally on December 8, 2017, by Filmtrax and features 22 tracks totaling approximately 36 minutes. It opens with the holiday song "Don't Forget To Remember Christmas" performed by Susan Werner, followed by original score pieces including "Opening!" (2:11) and "Leo Arrives On Campus" (2:05), which introduce the protagonist's arrival and initial interactions. Other notable score tracks, such as "Charlie’s Challenge" (1:31), "The Boys Bet" (1:22), and "The Boys Raid" (1:36), underscore the escalating rivalry between the lead characters through tense yet humorous cues. Featured songs in the film include Johnny Mathis's rendition of the classic "Winter Wonderland," performed live in a cameo during the Christmas party climax that highlights the community's festive spirit. The score's holiday-infused arrangements, combined with these vocal performances, reinforce the film's themes of camaraderie and seasonal cheer amid interpersonal conflicts. The soundtrack received no major awards or nominations.

Release

Marketing and promotion

The marketing campaign for Just Getting Started centered on leveraging the star power of and to appeal to audiences seeking lighthearted comedy about retirement life. Broad Green Pictures released the first official trailer on September 18, 2017, which showcased the film's humorous rivalry between the two leads at a luxury Springs retirement , while highlighting comedic set pieces and the supporting cast including . Additional promotional clips, such as the "Chivalry" and "Legend" TV spots, followed in the lead-up to release, further emphasizing themes of camaraderie and adventure among seniors. Promotional posters featured prominent images of and Jones in playful confrontations, underscoring their on-screen competition, with the primary tagline " meets " playing on the film's title and central dynamic. The first poster debuted on September 28, 2017, designed to evoke the buddy-comedy vibe reminiscent of earlier Shelton films like . Promotion included a limited press junket in early December 2017, where cast members participated in interviews to discuss the film's themes of aging and reinvention; for instance, spoke about her role and collaboration with Shelton during a sit-down on December 13.

Theatrical release

Just Getting Started was released theatrically in the United States on December 8, 2017, distributed by . The film received a PG-13 rating from the of America for some violence, action, and language. The movie opened in 2,161 theaters domestically. Internationally, it received limited distribution in select markets, including the on December 1, on December 7, on December 8, and on December 14. Just Getting Started did not premiere at any major film festival and proceeded directly to commercial theaters without prior screening events. The early December release date was strategically timed for the holiday season, allowing the film to leverage its Christmas-themed narrative set at a festive in Springs.

Home media

The home media release of Just Getting Started followed its limited theatrical run, making the film available in physical and formats starting in early 2018. issued the film on DVD and Blu-ray in a combo pack format on February 27, 2018, which included both discs alongside a code. The release featured the theatrical cut in with 5.1 audio and in English and Spanish, but contained no special features such as behind-the-scenes content or a . Digital availability began concurrently with the physical release on February 27, 2018, through platforms like Amazon Video and . As of November 2025, the film was streaming on services including , , and , as well as free ad-supported platforms such as , , and . It was also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, , and Fandango At Home. Home video sales remained limited, reflecting the film's poor critical and commercial reception during its theatrical engagement.

Reception

Critical response

"Just Getting Started" received overwhelmingly negative reviews from critics, earning a 5% approval on based on 22 reviews, with the site's consensus describing it as "a thoroughly unfunny misfire" that wastes its talented cast. On , the film holds a weighted average score of 21 out of 100, indicating "generally unfavorable" reception based on 10 critic reviews. Among the few points of praise, reviewers highlighted the on-screen chemistry between and , marking their first collaboration as a highlight despite the film's shortcomings; noted it was "not unpleasant to see these two Oscar winners together." Rene Russo's performance also drew compliments for its charm, with observing the "charm and discipline of the stars" even amid the surrounding mediocrity. Critics primarily lambasted the film's weak script, unfunny comedy, and aimless plot, with many pointing to Ron Shelton's inability to recapture his earlier spark after a 14-year . awarded it 1 out of 4 stars, calling it a "boomer-bait romp" that fails to deliver laughs and devolves into awkward genre shifts like dreary car chases. critiqued Shelton's return to familiar themes of male rivalry in romance and sports, but lamented the lack of humor, stating the jokes "misfire and the scenes creak and stumble." described the narrative as incoherent, citing unresolved elements such as wild camels unleashed during a key scene that are never addressed again. The film superficially explores themes of aging, , and within a setting, but reviewers found these treatments lacking depth and conviction, often reducing complex ideas to clichéd, underdeveloped tropes that prioritize lazy pandering over meaningful insight.

Box office

Just Getting Started opened in tenth place at the North American on December 8, 2017, earning $3.2 million from 2,161 theaters during its debut weekend. The film ultimately grossed $6.1 million domestically and $0.7 million from limited international markets, for a worldwide total of $6.8 million. With a of $22 million, Just Getting Started failed to recover its costs and was considered a . Its underwhelming performance was influenced by intense competition during the holiday season from films like Coco and The Disaster Artist, as well as poor reviews that negatively affected word-of-mouth.

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