The Flamingo Kid

Filmmaker Garry Marshall's class-conscious 1984 coming-of-age dramedy boasts pitch-perfect acting and writing. Set in 1963, the story centers on Brooklyn teen Jeffrey (Matt Dillon), who enjoys a sweet summer romance with Carla (Janet Jones), who hails from an affluent Long Island family. Jeffrey is equally smitten with the flashy poolside lifestyle of Carla's slick car-salesman father (Richard Crenna)—so different from his own blue-collar roots and plumber dad (Hector Elizondo). Jones is an alluring screen goddess, but the viewer's interest eventually shifts to the moral question of which father-figure Jeffrey will select as his role model. Despite critical praise, The Flamingo Kid enjoyed only mild audience success (especially compared to Marshall's hit Pretty Woman), but it gained popularity later in HBO reruns. Extras include audio commentary by actor/filmmaker Pat Healy and his brother, film curator Jim Healy, who share stories about Marshall. Highly recommended. (C. Cassady)