Search - The Flamingo Kid on DVD

"Dad, how many potatoes do you think you'll eat b4 u die?"

andrew i. chaplowitz | springfield, nj United States | 11/29/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I fell on the floor with above line by Matt Dillon, to his father, perfectly played by Hector Elizando. And many other lines as well.Dillon is a young impressionable kid from working-class Brooklyn who is in awe of the part played by Richard Crenna, a charming charlton. Dillon's character is swept up by wealth and the beautiful people and Crenna's character undoubtedly likes the attention. So Jeffrey hangs on to every word and goes home at night and repeats them. It doesnt take long for his true-to-his word father to catch on and call him on it.The differences in class and values come to a head when Elizando and Crenna meet.Funny and very entertaining."

Summer Flies By

J-Train | 07/07/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Another classic that doesn't really get the attention it deserves. This is a fun movie, a summer movie. Matt Dillon plays Jeff, a young kid who has just started his last summer before college. His dad wants him to work in an office for the summer but he wants to work at an upscale beach resort called The Flamingo. He grew up in lower class Brooklyn, but his job takes him to the ritzy shores of Long Island where he is quickly making money, moving up the ladder and making solid connections with the wealthy. His friendship with Mr. Brody (The King) begins to change Jeff's ideas about his future, much to the dismay of Jeff's father. Surrounded by wealthy people all day long, Jeff begins to dream of following in Mr. Brody's footsteps and becoming a sports car salesman. When Jeff finds out that Mr. Brody is just a cheater filled with a lot of hot air he takes him on in a marathon game of Gin. This is a great coming of age story and Matt Dillon is perfect in the role. All of the acting is great, it looks beautiful and is an easy movie to watch. The moral of the story for me: don't be fooled by those who preach the easy life, life is more rewarding when you take the hard road."

Happy Days

Randy Keehn | Williston, ND United States | 05/18/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

""The Flamingo Kid" turned out to be a real "sleeper" for me. I enjoyed it from beginning to end and most everything in between. This is a "feel good" movie that gives us a young man looking to make his start in the world. His rich buddies introduce him to a Rockaway (NY) resort where he is offered a job. His father had other ideas and their ensuing relationship is one of the major focusses of the film. In the meantime there are a variety of characters and events that keep the movie moving along. In the end, our hero, Matt Dillon, learns a lot of valuable lessons in life.

I think of TV when I think of the director Gary Marshall. His hit series "Happy Days" has to be measured along with the questionable "Laverne and Shirley". I found "The Flamingo Kids" to be a professionally done movie. Perhaps a little more lightly done than some but certainly comparable to the film-making of its' time. This is a FUN movie."

Matt Dillon's summer as a cabana boy at a private beach club

- Durrkk | Ohio/PA border USA | 01/13/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"At first glance, 1984's "The Flamingo Kid" looks like a coming-of-age beach flick. What occasionally attracts me to these types of films is their youthful energy and fun spirit, as well as the babes. It brings one back in time to the carefree time of his/her coming-of-age years. What surprised me is that "The Flamingo Kid" is more than just a youth beach flick.

The story takes place in the early 60s where 18-year-old Matt Dillon, a plumber's son from Brooklyn, gets a summer job at a private beach club. This was his final summer of carefree fun before going off to college, but his experiences at the beach club change his plans. He makes loads of money on tips, meets a beautiful blond and becomes fascintated by a new mentor, fast-talking businessman and cardshark Richard Crenna.

Crenna convinces Dillon that there are easier, faster (i.e. dishonest) ways to make loads of money than going off to college for years on end. When Dillon moves out of his house and cancels his college plans it naturally creates some serious friction with his father. Will Dillon go on to become the next generation's fast-talking businessman/cardshark in the mold of Crenna or will he see the error of such an enticing lifestyle?

Almost the entire film was shot on location at an Atantic beach club with loads of gorgeous females on hand, including Dillon's girlfriend in the story, Janet Jones. Cutie Marisa Tomei even has a cameo.

The bottom line is that "The Flamingo Kid" offers everything you'd want in such a film and more, including a truly interesting story in which you care about the outcome. And, thankfully, there's NO RAUNCH. In addition the soundtrack includes numerous early 60's hits like "Runaround Sue," etc. What's not to like?

Runtime: 100 minutes

PERSONAL GRADE: A-"