Customer Reviews

Kissing Jessica Stein (Widescreen)

5 star:		(41)
4 star:		(26)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(10)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

KISSING JESSICA STEIN (2002)

Kissing Jessica Stein is a low budget romantic comedy about a neurotic New York journalist who, after a series of bad dates, decides to answer a personal ad that catches her eye, the only problem is that it's in the "women seeking women" section----and she's straight.

Thankfully "Kissing Jessica Stein" was able to live up to its catchy concept, resulting in one of the best and most original romantic comedies I've seen in quite some time. It's sort of like a same sex version of "When Harry Met Sally," in fact you could even call it "When Sally Met Sally." Jennifer Westfeldt and Heather Juergensen, who star as Jessica and Helen, also wrote the wonderfully clever script. I must say these two real life best friends have a lot of talent, not only do they give two very natural and charming performances, but they also wrote this gem of a film. The character of Jessica could have been semi-annoying if she were played by anyone else, but Westfeldt gives Jessica the right amount of charm and cuteness to make us love her. Westfeldt, who is like a cross between Jennifer Aniston and Helent Hunt, and Juergensen, who is like a younger Janeane Garofalo, are definitely quite a find. They were able to take a controversial topic and create a light and fun film that can be enjoyed by almost anyone. Now that's not to say that it doesn't have its serious moments, one particular scene involving Jessica and her mother, Judy (Tovah Feldshuh), was quite touching. I loved how the simple line "I think she's a very nice girl" was able to make such an unbelievably huge impact.

I think anyone, male/female or gay/straight, will be able to relate to "Kissing Jessica Stein" in one way or another. It's not easy finding someone you can "click" with and it can seem hopeless sometimes, like you will never find "the one." So when you actually do find someone you "click" with, it's a great feeling. In "Kissing Jessica Stein" Jessica is shocked when her date with Helen ends up being one of the best dates she's ever been on. She finds herself confused because she has finally found someone she "clicks" with, except it's not a man, and she's not a lesbian. Jessica, not sure what to do, pursues a relationship with Helen. This leads to a number of funny moments with Jessica trying to be turned on by Helen and trying to find herself by experimenting, at one point she even breaks out the how-to books on lesbianism.

Another thing I really enjoyed about "Kissing Jessica Stein" was the music. I usually don't like Jazz but the songs went perfect with the film, especially the very fun and catchy "When The Special Girlfriend" by Ute Lemper.

Overall, I really appreciated the originality of this film. I hope the Academy remembers it come Oscar time because it deserves to at least be nominated, especially for "Best Original Screenplay," which it deserves to win. I also must say for such a small budget the film looked great, director Charles Herman-Wurmfeld did a top notch job. It had the feel of a Woody Allen movie, although it was better than any Woody Allen movie I've ever seen. It delivered everything it promised and more. I didn't even mind the ending, which a lot of people seem to have a problem with. At first I was disappointed when it started going in that direction because there's a spot where it could have ended perfectly (you'll see what I mean when you see it), but in the end I thought they pulled it off really well. It ended realistically and on a happy note. I can see why some people wouldn't like the ending, but for me it wasn't enough to keep "Kissing Jessica Stein" from being a classic romantic comedy.

Grade: 9/10 or A- or ****1/2 of *****

i found this movie very entertaining it's a very well written,witty
romantic comedy,with bit of a twist.the two romantic leads are
women.this premise has been done before,with the same supporting
character types that usually populate this genre.but the performances
are what breath new life into this movie,plus the the characters are
all likable,which certainly helps.there are no drop dead funny
moments,but there a lot of amusing scenes.the movie is also well
paced.however,it's not for everyone.in fact some may find it
offensive,due to the subject matter,as well as some strong adult
language.but if you go in with an open mind,you should enjoy yourself
for 90 minutes or so.for me,Kissing Jessica Stein is a 3.5/5

Not exactly the coming out movie it promissed. I was expecting more a cat and mouse game betweent he main characters. The plot was tame, and more depth into each of the women could have been explored.

This movie presented me a nice view of two ladies of New York: they are single, having a career, and seeking for true love. In their life there were odd moments, some of which became somewhat embarrassing when guys envolved. But finally they met each other and started unexpected journey. This movie is absolutely intellegent and funny.

A film by Charles Herman-Wurmfeld

I hope that this movie does not get dismissed or categorized as "that cute lesbian movie" because "Kissing Jessica Stein" is much better than that. Jessica Stein (Jennifer Westfeldt) seems to be channeling Woody Allen (in his "Annie Hall" days), as a neurotic, Jewish, single woman who is not having much success dating. Feeling depressed about her dating life, she decides to answer a personal ad...but this is a "female seeking same" personal ad and Jessica is not a lesbian.

The woman who placed the ad is Helen Cooper (Heather Jurgensen), who when Jessica tries to get out of the "date" is able to talk into staying. This begins a friendship that quickly moves into an awkward relationship. Jessica is interested in Helen, but has to move very slowly in becoming physical because of her inhibitions and fears. "Kissing Jessica Stein" is a romantic comedy that just happens to be about two women rather than a man and a woman.

"Kissing Jessica Stein" is a charming, witty, romantic comedy and is a rather cute movie. The acting is excellent and Jennifer Westfeldt turns in a better Woody Allen performance than Woody has done in more than a decade, and she is cuter and sweeter than Woody. Jessica's neurosis is toned down, but we do see that her choices have something to do with how her dating life has turned out. But, it is in the relationship between Jessica and Helen that this movie is really strong. The film captures their frustrations and the building of their relationship very well that it feels real and not forced. This is a film about their relationship and because of this (and the performances), it works.

I absolutely adored this film - for its real life messiness, for its honest performances, for the eye it turns toward the unexpected nature of life and love. When mousy, perfectionist copyeditor Jessica (Jennifer Westfeldt) answers a personal ad for "women seeking women" on a whim - she is, and always has been, heterosexual - she meets Helen (Heather Juergenson), a sexy, confident bisexual who works in an art gallery. The two women click on a deep soul-mate level. As Jessica begins to find the happiness that has eluded her for so long, her high spirits are contagious - except to dark but lovable Josh (Scott Cohen), who is perplexed by his own feelings for the newly liberated, but still closeted, Jessica. Westfeldt and Juergenson, who also co-wrote the screenplay, provide so much depth to their characterizations and situations that the viewer must wrestle with his own expectations. Jessica's awkward and sometimes outrageously funny exploration of what it means to love another woman never takes the easy way out.

The chemistry between Westfeldt and Juergenson is so phenomenal that even the most prudish viewer will want them to find happiness together. Tovah Feldshuh plays Jessica's mother with energy and deep sensitivity; her powerful performance in one scene provides the pivot upon which the entire film turns. And how can one not like angst-filled, love-stricken Josh the way Cohen plays him? Even the supporting actors turn in memorable performances.

"Kissing Jessica Stein" is an off-beat romantic comedy that has far more hilarity than its more tired and traditional siblings. The story unfolds with a naturalness that deserves to be admired. The views of New York from Hoboken, as well as shots of Hoboken itself, provide an excellent backdrop to a story that blends progressive ideas with the old-fashioned, just as Hoboken itself does.

I loved it.

Out of all the more depressing lesbian flicks I've seen this has by far been the best. I don't believe I have laughed so many times. The script is great. It makes you giggle, and think "are there really people like that" I love the way she is so off the wall crazy, and nervous, and just seriously racked.
Kissing Jessica Stein is a great movie that tickles the funny bone every now and then. I LOVED IT!

"Kissing Jessica Stein" is one of the best movies I've ever seen, and contains perhaps the most touching, heartfelt, and believable romances in modern film. Frustrated single girl Jessica Stein decides to try something different (to put it mildly) and answer a lesbian personal ad in the paper; never did she expect to meet Helen. The two lead actresses are also the writers and producers of the is fine movie, and they are FANTASTIC. Westfeldt (Jessica) and Juergensen (Helen) are both radiant and adorable, and share rare, utterly convincing chemistry. The movie is hilarious, wildly romantic, touching, and poignant, all blended into one bittersweet milkshake. Jessica and Helen just make the most adorable and gorgeous couple ever. It's difficult to choose a favourite, since both girls are so beautiful and likeable. Women and romantic straight men should greatly enjoy this movie. And special mention must go to Tovah Feldshuh, who played Jessica's mother and was in the most heartwrenching and touching scene in the movie. You'll know what I'm talking about when you go see it.

That said, I found the ending greatly unappealing. I felt like cheated by the ending, like a cop-out. In the DVD commentary, Juergensen and Westfeldt defend their decision for the nature of the ending, and I can see where they're coming from, but personally I don't agree. I just feel that the tone and events of the ending are incongruous with evidence from the rest of the movie, and that it should not have occurred. It did not seem to me that this was the ending we were headed towards, and I felt the ending we did get was forced and artificial. My apologies for the vagueness, but I'm trying not to give too much away. Other than that, prepare for a rare treat of a movie.

This is one of the best movies I have seen in a long time. It is funny, and not stupid dumbed down funny, smart and intelligent funny. It is a bold film, that really makes you question day to day relationships. I am adding it to my personal collection.

Bound to make women a little angry on all sides of the lesbian/bisexual issue, Kissing Jessica Stein will also make them laugh, cry, puzzle about the human thing called love, and have a thoroughly enjoyable evening with this video. Sophisticated in its acting, filming, direction, and setting (New York), Kissing JS follows indecisive, confused, and somewhat neurotic Jessica as she tries to sort out her own sexuality. Best of all perhaps is Jessica's overbearing but infinitely loving mother, played by Tovah Feldshuh.
Don't miss it. You might even want to watch it twice, once for laughs, and once for all the thought-provoking stuff it brings up.