MovieChat Forums > The Flamingo Kid (1984) Discussion > This film is perfectly constructed and t...

This film is perfectly constructed and thoroughly watchable.

posted 16 years ago by Anideos
6 replies | jump to latest

This film should be required viewing for any film student who wants to learn something about how to put together a good film. Each scene is the right length. The film introduces every character perfectly, and develops the main characters beautifully. Popular music is used to the best possible effect. The film feels both fresh and nostalgic, which is what makes it timeless. The writing is top notch. It is very funny without appearing to try too hard for laughs. It is perfectly cast. It is a lot of fun but it is also has some universal themes and some real artistry and craftsmanship. It is one of my all-time personal favorites. See it with a group of friends because nobody can dislike this film.

[–] carrera_cabriolet-1 15 years ago

I haven't seen this movie in many years...maybe 15, but I remember thoroughly enjoying it and am looking to see it on DVD.

It's Dillon at his best. A lot of early Dillon films have the young girl draw, but for a young guy, many of these films show Dillon living the young, single guy's dream.

This guy isn't a 007. He isn't the star football player, and if you've got the mug, and a talent, and you're just a bit of a ruffian, you could be this guy.

It's Cocktail with an indie edge. There is some big Hollywood grease that gets all over films like Cocktail that prevent it from being Dillon fare.

I don't know exactly what it is. I guess with films like Flamingo Kid, Drugstore Cowboy, My Bodyguard, Dillon just shines, but it's difficult to articulate exactly what it is about the actor that complete the picture, so I'm not even going to try.

In any case, I'm looking to see it again.

[–] 15 years ago

[deleted]

[–] jpkmets 13 years ago

good writeup.

It's a very solid, solid and entertaining film.

Such an underrated film and it is really bulletproof when anyone wants to break it down. From acting, to character to plot to wardrobe to the heavenly soundtrack -- there's not much anyone can legit say in order to knock this down.

Ages superbly as well -- watched it last night on DVD and think it would be a smash if released today.

Even the secondary characters like Fortune (who's so secondary he's tertiary) have substance. We know he's headed to ND, is on a hoops scholarship and is trying to develop his left hand. Just made the Arlo Hanover at Yonkers subplot carry much more weight -- and Dillon's actions at the end had real weight -- it wasn't just sentimentality.

It was a great movie about a young man who got everything he ever wanted, all at once, and still had the strength of character not to forget who he was, (even if he turned away from it momentarily).

I'll always love this film, and for all of the wonderful work that Matt Dillon has done and will do, he'll always be Jeffrey, the Cabana boy who hums while he eats and rules at gin to me!

[–] stickley85 13 years ago

This is a little gem of a masterpiece to me.It still holds up almost 27 years later.

[–] Woodyanders 12 years ago

Agreed. This film is quite enjoyable and ingratiating, with terrific lead performances by Matt Dillon and Richard Crenna.

I'm a totally bitchin' bio writer from Mars!

[–] Der_Schnibbler 11 years ago

This film should be required viewing for any film student who wants to learn something about how to put together a good film.

Thanks, now I know why film students never turn out anything good.

This film is Hollywood claptrap pandering to the middle class fantasy that poor means honest and rich means crooked. Just another ointment for the masses to help keep them in their place. It's easier to feel superior than bust your back to make some money.

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"Den Gleichen Gleiches, den Ungleichen Ungleiches."