In the Mood

  • 1987
  • PG-13
  • 98m
movieMx RATING
5.5
18
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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In the Mood Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict

Last updated: May 12, 2026

movieMx Editorial
📅 Updated: May 12, 2026 🎟️ Verified Screening

Movie Overview: In the Mood

MovieIn the Mood
Release Year1987
DirectorPhil Alden Robinson
GenreComedy / Romance
Runtime98 minutes (1h 38m)
LanguageEN

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is In the Mood (1987) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.

🎭 Cast & Character Study

The performances in In the Mood are led by Patrick Dempsey . The supporting cast, including Beverly D'Angelo and Talia Balsam , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.

💡 movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?

After analyzing the verified data, our assessment of In the Mood (1987) is mixed. It has its moments but fails to leave a lasting impression. With a platform rating of 5.5/10, it currently stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our database.

What Works in the Movie

While In the Mood does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Comedy films.

  • Interesting concept or premise
  • Some entertaining scenes
  • Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights

What Doesn't Work

Despite its strengths, In the Mood has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.

  • Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
  • Some predictable plot developments
  • May not appeal to audiences outside the Comedy fanbase

Story & Plot Summary: In the Mood

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1987, In the Mood is a Comedy, Romance film directed by Phil Alden Robinson, written by Phil Alden Robinson. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Patrick Dempsey as Ellsworth "Sonny" Wisecarver.

Ending Explained: In the Mood

In the Mood Ending Explained: When 15-year-old Sonny Wisecarver has an affair with his older neighbor Francine and then runs off to marry her, a stern judge has the union annulled. Directed by Phil Alden Robinson, this 1987 comedy film stars Patrick Dempsey (Ellsworth "Sonny" Wisecarver), alongside Beverly D'Angelo as Francine Glatt, Talia Balsam as Judy Cusimano, Michael Constantine as Mr. Wisecarver. Rated 5.5/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.

What Happens at the End of In the Mood?

When 15-year-old Sonny Wisecarver has an affair with his older neighbor Francine and then runs off to marry her, a stern judge has the union annulled. Then, when Sonny finds himself before the same judge after getting involved with another woman in her 20s, the publicity from this case makes him the object of affection for millions of young women

Phil Alden Robinson's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Patrick Dempsey (Ellsworth "Sonny" Wisecarver)'s journey. Then, when Sonny finds himself before the same judge after getting involved with another woman in her 20s, the publicity from this case makes him the object of affection for millions of young women.

How Does Patrick Dempsey (Ellsworth "Sonny" Wisecarver)'s Story End?

  • Patrick Dempsey: Patrick Dempsey's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
  • Beverly D'Angelo (Francine Glatt): Beverly D'Angelo's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
  • Talia Balsam (Judy Cusimano): Talia Balsam's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of In the Mood Mean?

The ending of In the Mood brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Patrick Dempsey's story may not satisfy all audiences.

In the Mood Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?

Is In the Mood Based on a True Story?

No, In the Mood is a work of fiction. While the comedy, romance film directed by Phil Alden Robinson and starring Patrick Dempsey may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.

Who Should Watch In the Mood?

Age Advisory: Rated PG-13.

Consider Watching If:

  • You're a completist for Comedy films
  • You're curious despite mixed reviews
  • You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Where to Watch In the Mood Online?

Streaming Hub

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In the Mood Parents Guide & Age Rating

1987 Advisory
PG-13

Official Age Rating

Wondering about In the Mood age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

In the Mood is rated PG-13. Parents should be aware that it contains romantic content. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of In the Mood (1987) is 98 minutes (1h 38m). Directed by Phil Alden Robinson, the film runs for 98 minutes in its complete theatrical version.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.5/10, and global performance metrics, In the Mood is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1987 cinematic calendar.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for In the Mood. Rating: 5.5/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is In the Mood worth watching?

In the Mood is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 5.5/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find In the Mood parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for In the Mood identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the runtime of In the Mood (1987)?

The runtime of In the Mood (1987) is 98 minutes (approximately 1h 38m).

🛡️

movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 5.5
In the Mood
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