The Flamingo Kid Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A Brooklyn teen spends his summer at a fancy beach club, learns that rich people cheat at cards and that family is more important than a hot blonde from California, all while wearing really short shorts.

🍿 The Flamingo Kid: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Summer Job at the Flamingo

Jeffrey Willis, a bright 18-year-old from Brooklyn, gets a summer job at the exclusive El Flamingo beach club in Long Island in 1963. He’s initially planning to attend college in the fall, but the allure of the club’s luxurious lifestyle begins to sway him. Jeffrey quickly becomes enamored with the wealthy members and the easy money he makes from tips.

Meeting Phil Brody

At the club, Jeffrey meets Phil Brody, a charismatic car dealer and gin rummy master. Brody embodies the success and charm that Jeffrey craves. Brody takes Jeffrey under his wing, offering him advice on how to get ahead in life and a potential job in his car dealership.

Tensions with his Father

Jeffrey’s fascination with Brody and the beach club lifestyle creates a rift between him and his father, Arthur, a hardworking plumber. Arthur values education and is disappointed that Jeffrey is considering abandoning his college plans. The tension escalates as Jeffrey embraces Brody’s materialistic values and dismisses his father’s blue-collar work ethic.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jeffrey Willis (Matt Dillon): A bright, young Brooklynite who gets a summer job at a posh beach club and is tempted by a different lifestyle.
• Arthur Willis (Hector Elizondo): Jeffrey’s hardworking and principled father, a plumber who wants his son to have a better life through education.
• Phil Brody (Richard Crenna): A charismatic and successful car dealer who becomes a mentor to Jeffrey, embodying the allure of wealth and easy living.
• Carla Samson (Janet Jones): A beautiful and kind California girl who Jeffrey meets at the beach club, representing a romantic ideal.
• Phyllis Brody (Jessica Walter): Phil’s snobby and dissatisfied wife, who is disdainful of those she considers beneath her.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Phil Brody: “See, Jeffrey my boy, God put certain people on the earth to give you money. And your responsibility in life is to go out there and take it.” – Phil explains his philosophy on wealth and success to Jeffrey.
• Arthur Willis: “I remember my father telling me there are two important things in life. He said, finding out what you do well, and finding out what makes you happy. And if God is smiling on you, they’re both the same thing.” – Arthur shares his life philosophy with Jeffrey, highlighting the importance of passion and skill.
• Arthur Willis: “Now he knows Kings!” – Arthur exclaims this after Jeffrey wins a hand of Gin Rummy against Phil Brody

💰Box Office

• Budget: $10,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $23,859,382
• Worldwide Gross: $23,859,382

💥 The Flamingo Kid Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely love ‘The Flamingo Kid’! It’s such a feel-good movie with a great soundtrack. Matt Dillon is fantastic, and I always enjoy watching Hector Elizondo. The beach club scenes made me wish I could go back in time. The scene where Jeffrey stands up to Phil was super rewarding. This movie is a gem! I could watch this movie on repeat.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of 80s coming-of-age movies”
  • “Viewers interested in nostalgic period pieces”
  • “Those who enjoy family-friendly dramas with a touch of comedy”
  • “Fans of Matt Dillon, Richard Crenna, and Hector Elizondo”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Brief sexual content”
  • “Themes of family conflict”

Professional Reviews

• JoBlo.com: “A coming-of-age tale with a strong ensemble cast and a feel-good vibe. Dillon shines as the impressionable teen, while Crenna delivers a nuanced performance as the charismatic, yet flawed mentor. A pleasant and memorable film.
• ScreenRant: “The movie balances comedy and drama effectively. Hector Elizondo stands out as Dillon’s father, providing a grounded counterpoint to Crenna’s flashier character. Great movie that stands the test of time.

Audience Reactions

The film’s charm and nostalgia really resonated with viewers.: Most people appreciated the movie’s heartfelt story and the performances of the cast, especially Dillon and Elizondo.

Overall Consensus: ‘The Flamingo Kid’ is a well-liked coming-of-age film that offers a nostalgic look at the 1960s and explores themes of family, ambition, and integrity. It’s considered a charming and enjoyable watch for its strong performances and feel-good atmosphere.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “This was the very first film to be given a PG-13 rating, but it was shelved for five months, making Red Dawn (1984) the first film to be *released* with the PG-13 rating.”
• “Much of the film was shot on location at a Queens’ beach club.”
• “Marisa Tomei has a brief, uncredited cameo appearance.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Flamingo Kid?

Currently, “The Flamingo Kid” is available for rent or purchase on various platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability on cable or satellite services. You can also often find DVD and Blu-ray copies available for purchase online or in stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Flamingo Kid, you might like these similar films:

• A Bronx Tale (1993): Similar coming-of-age story set in New York, where a young man is torn between his working-class father and a charismatic gangster figure.
• Diner (1982): Captures the essence of male friendship and the uncertainty of early adulthood in a nostalgic setting.
• Adventureland (2009): A coming-of-age story where a summer job alters a young man’s perspective and life choices, with a similar blend of comedy and drama.

🛒 The Flamingo Kid Related Products

• The Flamingo Kid [Blu-ray]: Experience the classic 80s coming-of-age story in stunning high definition. Includes behind-the-scenes content and interviews with the cast.
• The Flamingo Kid – Movie Poster Print: High-quality print of the original movie poster. Perfect for decorating a home theater or adding a touch of 80s nostalgia to any room.
• Gin Rummy Card Game Set: A high-quality deck of cards and gin rummy instructions. Learn to play like Phil Brody!
• Inspired Vintage Retro 60’s Summer Beach Club T-Shirt: Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Flamingo Kid features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Breakaway” – performed by Jesse Frederick

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Sexy Janet Jones from the Flamingo Kid-pool/bathing suit scene

Remember that iconic pool scene with Janet Jones in The Flamingo Kid? This clip perfectly captures the summer vibe and Matt Dillon’s reaction is priceless!

✨ Rate