Worth Winning

Worth Winning is a romantic comedy film released in 1989 and directed by Will Mackenzie. The film, based on the novel of the same name by Dan Lewandowski, starres Mark Harmon, Madeleine Stowe, and Lesley Ann Warren. It revolves around a charming weatherman Taylor Worth (Mark Harmon), who is admired by all and loves his carefree bachelor life. Worth is well-known in Philadelphia for his effortless charisma and capability to charm anyone he meets, but his life takes an unusual turn when he accepts an audacious bet.

The storyline of Worth Winning is built around a bet posed to Taylor Worth by his co-worker Ned Broudy (Alan Blumenfeld) and his boss, Thad Holcolm (Mark Blum). The friends challenge Taylor to get engaged to three different women simultaneously within a three-month period. The wager isn't just about winning for Taylor; it's about proving a point and satisfying his ego. Thus, commences Taylor's chaotic and amusing journey into the world of romance, courtship and engagement.

The leading women who become the focus of the bet are three incomparable and beautiful ladies who are nothing alike. Veronica Briskow, played by Madeleine Stowe, is a refined concert pianist with a tight-knit family who are wary of strangers and potential suitors. Lesley Ann Warren plays Eleanor Larimore, a slightly older, affluent woman already engaged to a rather pompous man. The third woman, Erin Cooper (Maria Holvoe), is a liberated young woman, who is an attractive and vehement sports instructor.

Taylor displays his natural charm and cunning to woo each woman, utilizing his knowledge about their likes, dislikes, and personalities, which often leads to a number of hilarious situations. Between pretending to be a sophisticated art lover, a sports enthusiast, and dutifully portraying an 'ideal man,' Taylor has his work cut out for him. Intricate plot threads are woven as Taylor juggles his time and lies between these women to keep them from discovering his bet.

As the movie progresses, the comedic elements are seamlessly blended with emotional subplots. We see the depths of these characters' personalities, their vulnerabilities, and their true desires. We also watch Taylor's transformation from a noncommittal bachelor to a man starting to appreciate the value of a deep, meaningful relationship.

Mark Harmon delivers a commendable performance, with his natural charm coming in handy as the suave, skilled manipulator that the role requires. Madeleine Stowe, Lesley Ann Warren, and Maria Holvoe contribute equally compelling performances, doing justice to their respective characters and making the narrative engaging with their diverse character arches and powerful on-screen presence.

The direction by Will Mackenzie brings out the light-hearted nature of the plot, while also balancing the more heartfelt moments effectively. Subtle humor, affable protagonists, classic romantic confusion, and quintessential 80s' ambiance make Worth Winning a classic romance-comedy that's enjoyable and memorable.

The screenplay by Josann McGibbon and Sara Parriott is witty, full of humor and maintains a speedy pace, which accentuates the comedic side of the narrative without compromising the development of the characters. Cinematography, courtesy of Jan Kiesser, captures the panache and style synonymous with the 80s and complements the tone of the narrative.

Worth Winning is more than just your run-of-the-mill romantic comedy; it is an intriguing take on romance, with its unconventional plot, quirky characters, and ironic humor. It explores themes like the frivolousness of bets, the irony of love, and the perplexity of emotions. The movie, with its beautifully tangled narrative garnished with comedy, and topped with unexpected twists, is an entertaining watch from start to finish.

This film is highly recommended to anyone fond of classic rom-coms. It offers the charm of harmonious character chemistry, laughter at every other turn and a perfect closure that leaves viewers satisfied. Overall, Worth Winning is an enjoyable blend of humor, romance, and life lessons, spun together into an engaging narrative.