In the Mood

This film is so wonderfully quirky, it could be British. In fact, I was sure it was the work of a British filmmaker until I saw it was written and directed by Phil Alden Robinson, who then went on to make Field of Dreams and Sneakers.

It's nothing at all like those bigger, more "Hollywood" style movies. This is charming, low-key, and, well, goofy. It's played for oddness and smiles instead of big laughs. It's also smart and completely won us over. And it's a true story.

Definitely one of my very favorite sleepers.

I rated this movie.."FG"..for "Feel Good". It moves along rapidly, the storyline and the soundtrack are the key. Great period music, including Jennifer Holiday's version of the title track, is terrific background for this 15 yr. old kid who somehow learns to treat women(older and married always) exactly the way they want to be treated. The fact that this is a true story takes the "yeh sure, this could never happen" out of the mouths of pragmatists.

Dempsey is terrific in these type roles(see: Can't Buy Me Love). Talia Balsam and Beverly D'Angelo are also excellent. But it's the subtle words and facial expressions of Michael Constantine,who plays the father, that give the film that added panache.

If you're looking for a fun and fairly brainless movie to rent for an evening I'd recommend this one.

In these days of headlines about women abusing boys for their own emotional and sexual needs, this movie definitely is a creepy idea. Even though it is generally thought that boys and men will get "it" wherever they can, the truth is, inappropriate relationships cause psychological damage to all concerned. A 15-year old boy has an unformed character, the same as a 15-year old girl, has an unformed personality, not yet strong enough to withstand the impact of a sexual relationship and emerge unscathed. And a woman who would enter into such a relationship obviously is already damaged goods.

Patrick Dempsey himself did apparently have an appreciation for older women and went on to marry a woman who played a character on a train in the movie. He was 21 at the time and she was 48.

I must have watched this film close to ten times by now and I've enjoyed it every time. The script is charming, the acting great, the direction masterful and the sense of time and place very convincing. To top it off, it's even a true story. I love this film and I wish they'd bring it out on DVD.

In 1944, `Sonny' Wisecarver (Patrick Dempsey) is a fifteen years old teenager having very weird and depressive parents. He gets closer to his neighbor Judy Cusimano (Talia Balsam), a twenty-one years old woman living with a brutal man, Carlo (Tony Longo). His sensitive and delicate way of treating her makes Judy falls in love with him. They decide to escape to get married in a nearby town. A few days later, Carlo calls the police and the couple is arrested. The cases gets publicity, and the tender words of Judy about `Sonny' makes him famous as a heart-breaker. This is the beginning of a nice and funny movie, with Patrick Dempsey in the beginning of his career performing a character who really knows how women are to be treated. A good entertainment, recommended for those who likes comedy. My vote is seven.