Today’s quick review: Just Getting Started. Duke Diver (Morgan Freeman), the smooth-talking manager of a Palm Springs resort, faces competition when Leo McKay (Tommy Lee Jones), a wealthy businessman, pays the resort a visit. While the two battle for the top spot in the resort’s social hierarchy, Suzie Quince (Rene Russo), the resort chain’s regional director, comes to audit Duke’s work and determine whether he should remain in charge.
Just Getting Started is a crime comedy starring Morgan Freeman, Tommy Lee Jones, and Rene Russo. The movie weaves together three major plot threads: Duke’s rivalry with Leo, his clash with Suzie over his freewheeling management style, and an unknown enemy’s attempts to have Duke killed. Just Getting Started benefits from a talented cast and a relaxed tone. However, its splotchy plot and subdued comedy make it an easy movie to miss.
Just Getting Started is fairly tame as far as comedies go. The driving conflict is a low-stakes rivalry between two competitive men, fighting for the adoration of a group of wealthy retirees. The assassin who is after Duke gives Just Getting Started a touch of mystery, but the movie never does much with the premise. Duke’s anonymous foe dips in and out of the plot at random, and when the resolution finally comes, it is muted.
In spite of these limitations, Just Getting Started makes for a pleasant watch. The cast is talented and clearly having a good time, the petty rivalry between Duke and Leo is amusing, and the assassination subplot give the audience something to guess at. Ultimately, Just Getting Started lags behind other comedies in terms of vision, humor, and story. But for viewers who are in the mood for something easygoing, it’s a decent pick.
For a more energetic crime comedy starring Morgan Freeman, try Going in Style. For a elaborate black comedy about a man in Witness Protection, try The Family. For a more heartfelt movie starring Morgan Freeman as a retiree, try The Bucket List.
[4.5 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5721088/). I give it a 6.0 to 6.5 for light charm but not much substance.