Customer Reviews

In the Mood [VHS]

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

It is impossible for me to objectivley look at any other 80's teeny-bopper movies without thinking of how terribly they faulter in comparison to this movie. Jack Dempsey is just such a lovable guy that it's easy to see why all the older women go for him. Sure, I'll admit, it's definatley a "chick flick" but I really just can't help in saying this movie is all around great. I was in such a good mood after seeing it. So if you are ever in the video store and you happen to stumble upon this awesome movie (with an even better soundtrack than I thought humanly possible) you might want to try picking this one up for a little variety. It will make you want to fall in love... *sigh*

The true story of Elsworth "Sonny" Wisecarver, aka the "Woo Woo Kid," a 15-year-old who had his 15 minutes of fame for running off with two much older women during World War II, and became a national obsession.

One of my all-time favorite movies, an example of how awesome movies are when everything clicks -- writing, directing, casting, acting, and score (including a nearly all-Glenn Miller soundtrack in addition to the theme song of the title).

Patrick Dempsey gives one of his best and most charming performances in the lead role and Talia Balsam is perfectly cast as his first older woman. But Beverly D'Angelo steals the show in her brief turn as Sonny's second love interest, from the moment she "appears" (offscreen, voice only). She also sings two of the songs in the soundtrack and does a great job.

The whole cast is absolutely perfect, with lots of familiar faces.

I couldn't believe WB didn't release this on DVD years ago, and apparently now they're making them up out of their archive as ordered.

The good news is they digitized an apparently fresh print with very few flaws and great color registration for the DVD (only, no bluray) format disc. Bad news is, no special features at all, not even the 10-minute mini-doc featuring an interview with the real-life Woo Woo Kid that graces the VHS version.

This film is still a treasure and very much worth owning. I guess I should make a habit of becoming obsessed with more mainstream fare lol

This is a cute movie that exemplifies the trials and tribulations of teenhood. Adding to the fact that it is based on a true story, is the light mood and comedic take-off of stressful situations. It will tug at your heartstrings if you are seeking the love of your life. The main character tries to fight his optomistic side, and loses. "Everything will be great!" is his motto. Yes, it is kind of a 'chick-flick' but it also is a good example to men as to exactly what women are looking for.

I've known a few guys who have lived the life of The Woo Woo Kid. The key to this film is that this is a young man who is just looking for ONE permanent girlfriend! But, he just loves the girls! And, they love him back! It's fun, romantic and one of the most interesting coming-of-age films. It ain't 16 candles, but it's just as fun!

I own IN THE MOOD on LASER DISC,,'tis a Rare and Hard to Find,I'm waitin' 'til It Comes Out on dvd,Very great Romantic Movie,You won't regret addin' it to your Collection ;)

This movie will remind you of Woody Allen's comedies. Even the narration sounds like Woody did in "Radio Days". Some great one-liners here. In a time when comedy movies are all smart-mouth and attitude, this 1987 film is like breath of fresh air. I laughed a LOT! Although alive, well and aged 57 when this movie was made, the real "Woo Woo Kid" died in 2005 from lung cancer aged 76. The dvd has no extras whatsoever but it is a fun ride. Grab it while you still can.

Here's a different story: funny and appealing for awhile. I say "awhile" because on the third viewing of this, I must have gotten "righteous" because I did not appreciate adultery, pre-marital sex and sex with minors as something to be glamorized. It was in this film, sad to say.

Still, it is a fun movie to watch if you've never seen it before. The bright colors in here, the 1940s mood and atmosphere, a great '40s soundtrack and some genuinely funny moment and scenes all are pluses. The only question is: where's the DVD?

Apparently based on a true-life story of a kid called Ellsworth ""Sonny" Wisecarver, Patrick Dempsey plays the 15-year-old kid who married two adult women in the 1940s, causing scandals. In this movie, Wisecarveer is made out to be a lovable, naive, romantic and sympathetic figure despite the fact he is an immoral idiot!

The first woman he's involved with, "Judy Cusimano," is played by a pretty actress with whom I am not familiar: Talia Balsam. She reminded me of Lea Thompson. According to her filmography, she's done mostly TV work since this movie. Anyway, "Judy" and "Sonny" certainly make a strange pair. There are some funny lines between them, but she's as morally bankrupt as him.

After those two are quickly discovered and the marriage dissolved, Sonny is now the attraction of older women everywhere. It doesn't take long for Beverly D'Angelo enters the picture as "Francine Glatt" being second important adult woman in Sonny''s odd life. I'll leave it there!

I have IN THE MOOD ON LASERDISC,,'tis one of Patrick Dempsey's greatest movies back in the 80's...You won't regret it :)

The DVD took a long time to arrive. I know I purchased a Used DVD but it will not work. I tried it in 3 different DVD players. I guess it is just a chance we take.

New York Post readers, this film is looking at you. You who engage in outright intolerance, but dress it up like harmless gang mentality. You who are simultaneously repulsed by and obsessed with sex. In this film you play the villains. Sure, you support all the things that The Man supports: war, abstinence, hard work, God. You support those things oblivious to the fact that they are there only to keep you out of The Man's hair; fed, entertained and stupid from cradle to grave. And our hero in this film, Sonny (Patrick Dempsey) makes a realization I made a long time ago, that if being grown up means acting like you then he'll pass.

Unfortunately, while the film has its heart in the right place, it's still not that good. There seems to be no urgency in the storytelling or the directing. It is also one of those beasts that are far too prevalent in Hollywood: the comedy without any comedy. The dialogue is cutesy but never sharp. The jokes consist of clean sexual innuendo and slapstick. At one point during Sonny's trial the judge orders that his manhood be measured, you know, for the sake of the trial. This is their idea of comic gold, but for me it doesn't even qualify as rust. In fact, I had a really tough time trying to figure out who the intended audience of this film was. Nowadays studios make comedies only for frat boys and children, but neither of those groups would enjoy this. My best guess is pre-teen girls who could swoon over a young Dr. McDreamy doing his best Sean Penn impersonation, all the while feeling a little naughty about watching a film that revolves around sex.

It is also worth pointing out that this is based on a true story that took place during World War II. The media finds out about Sonny fraternizing with older women and start a witch hunt (because sex is bad). He tries to avoid them; they try to throw him in jail. That is the premise of this film. Of course to hear it from us we were the liberators during that war, fighting for freedom. This film shows what a preposterous idea that is. How can a country be liberated if it throws people in jail for having sex? For meeting their bodies second strongest drive? It is surely no coincidence that rabbits, with their notorious sex drives, play a role. Sonny refuses to take a job that would require him to kill rabbits (representing America's desire to kill sex), and instead sets them all free. My sentiments exactly. The film's only reason for existence today is Dempsey's newly refound fame, and that director Phil Alden Robinson also made "Field of Dreams." "In the Mood" is a drag to watch, and you'll soon understand why it is not yet out on DVD. Still, it wasn't time wasted, as it very bluntly made the point that while we humans view ourselves as oh so sophisticated, we have nothing on those rabbits who don't judge each other for enjoying God's gifts. **3/4