In the Mood [The Woo Woo Kid] **** (1987, Patrick Dempsey, Talia Balsam, Beverly D’Angelo) – Classic Movie Review 10,432

Writer-director Phil Alden Robinson’s smart and quirky romantic comedy 1987 In the Mood [The Woo Woo Kid] stars Patrick Dempsey, who enjoys one of his best roles as the real life ‘Woo Woo Kid’ of the 1940s, the teenage casanova Sonny Wisecarver, who at 15 had a common law relationship with an older woman, 21-year old Judy (Talia Balsam), and had two children, and then made off with a soldier’s wife, 25-year old Francine (Beverly D’Angelo), whose husband was away at war.

A witty script, Dempsey’s attractive performance, a fine cast and a jolly score (by Ralph Burns) all join forces to propel a charming comedy, full of bright comic moments.

Michael Constantine, Betty Jinnette and Kathleen Freeman are notable in support as Sonny’s father and mother, and Mrs Marver, the Landlady.

Phil Alden Robinson’s screenplay is based on the story by David Steven Simon, Robert Kosberg and Phil Alden Robinson.

Also in the cast are Peter Hobbs, Brian McNamara, Edith Fellows, Tony Longo, Douglas Rowe and Kim Myers.

Phil Alden Robinson went on to make Field of Dreams, Sneakers and The Sum of All Fears (2002).

In the Mood [The Woo Woo Kid] is directed by Phil Alden Robinson, runs 98 minutes, is made by Kings Road Entertainment and Lorimar Motion Pictures is released by Lorimar Motion Pictures (1987) (US) and Guild Film Distribution (1987) (UK), is written by Phil Alden Robinson, based on the story by David Steven Simon, Robert Kosberg and Phil Alden Robinson, is shot by John Lindley, is produced by Gary Adelson and Karen Mack, and is scored by Ralph Burns.

© Derek Winnert 2020 Classic Movie Review 10,432

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