200 reviews
Elegant Hoydens
There are so few lesbian genre films "OUT" there. And for those lesbian genre films that do exist most have characters that are either disturbed psychopaths (my favorite- Heavenly Creatures) or cardboard cutout prototypes that have no place in my world. As result, unfortunately most lesbians are starved for good lesbian genre films. The best lesbian roles have usually been played out in supporting role characters within the main stream. To appease the appetite, `gaydar' commands an ever watchful eye to find those precious tidbits.
However, thank heavens for the charming wit and refreshingly real characters in "Kissing Jessica Stein". "Kissing Jessica Stein" goes beyond the stereotypical to explore individual characters for who they are and what they are going through in their lives. The film is a positive reinforcement on the value of relationships to an individual's personal growth and spiritual evolution.
"Kissing Jessica Stein" is a highly intelligent romantic comedy that goes deep to explore emotional relationships: Not only between Jessica and Helen but also between Jessica and her Mother, Jessica and Josh, other co-workers and all of their friends. The film highlights the importance of discovering yourself and of letting those that love and care about you know who and what makes you happy. Ultimately anyone that truly loves you wants you to be happy. Jessica and Helen's continued deep friendship after their breakup is testament to this. Jessica's painting, Josh's true love for writing and Helen's continued enjoyment of a lesbian sexual relationship is also testament.
All is true to the spiritual core of the writers intent. There is no definitive end to ongoing life. The writers cleverly leave us to "marinate" within our own imaginations.
However, thank heavens for the charming wit and refreshingly real characters in "Kissing Jessica Stein". "Kissing Jessica Stein" goes beyond the stereotypical to explore individual characters for who they are and what they are going through in their lives. The film is a positive reinforcement on the value of relationships to an individual's personal growth and spiritual evolution.
"Kissing Jessica Stein" is a highly intelligent romantic comedy that goes deep to explore emotional relationships: Not only between Jessica and Helen but also between Jessica and her Mother, Jessica and Josh, other co-workers and all of their friends. The film highlights the importance of discovering yourself and of letting those that love and care about you know who and what makes you happy. Ultimately anyone that truly loves you wants you to be happy. Jessica and Helen's continued deep friendship after their breakup is testament to this. Jessica's painting, Josh's true love for writing and Helen's continued enjoyment of a lesbian sexual relationship is also testament.
All is true to the spiritual core of the writers intent. There is no definitive end to ongoing life. The writers cleverly leave us to "marinate" within our own imaginations.
Captivating performances
I've wanted to watch this movie for a long time, but time has passed and I've always pushed for later. Well, it finally happened, and I'm glad it did.
Basically what I have to say, trying to avoid spoilers, is that the script (more specifically the dialogues) and the work of the actors are really incredible, two very talented actresses and little known to me until then, the direction is very competent, the soundtrack is quite pleasant, only the story itself is silly and forgettable, as well as the plot has some flaws and an ending with no guts in my opinion (to say that the ending has no guts is a spoiler?). So, basically, it's a movie that is worthwhile for the pleasantness of the dialogues and scenes and for the work of interpretation than for the inane story itself.
I even went to get more information about the actresses' work after this film, but one of them almost didn't work anymore and the other one only did some second-rate work. I don't know if somehow there was some prejudice with the theme of "Kissing Jessica Stein" that prevented them from taking off professionally, which would be really a shame, because they did a beautiful job here.
Overall a cute movie, 6.5 out of 10.
Basically what I have to say, trying to avoid spoilers, is that the script (more specifically the dialogues) and the work of the actors are really incredible, two very talented actresses and little known to me until then, the direction is very competent, the soundtrack is quite pleasant, only the story itself is silly and forgettable, as well as the plot has some flaws and an ending with no guts in my opinion (to say that the ending has no guts is a spoiler?). So, basically, it's a movie that is worthwhile for the pleasantness of the dialogues and scenes and for the work of interpretation than for the inane story itself.
I even went to get more information about the actresses' work after this film, but one of them almost didn't work anymore and the other one only did some second-rate work. I don't know if somehow there was some prejudice with the theme of "Kissing Jessica Stein" that prevented them from taking off professionally, which would be really a shame, because they did a beautiful job here.
Overall a cute movie, 6.5 out of 10.
Smart Romantic Comedy
Kissing Jessica Stein is the smartest romantic comedy that I've seen post 1990. The writing is funny and witty. Also, the characters are genuine. I especially enjoyed watching the chemistry between Jennifer Westfeldt and Heather Juergensen. You don't need to read more comments from more people; just go out and see this movie. Heck, see it again; it's like reading a book for the second time (like I said, it's smart and witty). You too can see why I call KJS a very smart romantic comedy.
Excellent Movie
Kissing Jessica Stein is supremely wonderful. It is the best romantic comedy I have ever seen. The movie made me laugh, it made me cry, it was everything you could ever want in a movie. I would recommend it to anyone. The characters are hilarious, but three dimensional and the sense of humor that the movie carries is phenomenal.
The scenes in New York and beautifully shot, also and the Jewish family is very much like my own. Though some characters might be called stereotypical, I would have to thoroughly disagree and say that I thought every character had their our twists and turns. Lastly, I thought the chemistry between Helen and Jessica was so perfect for the movie. At first Jessica was uncomfortable, but by the end of their relationship Jessica was dependent on Helen.
Beautiful, beautiful movie!!
The scenes in New York and beautifully shot, also and the Jewish family is very much like my own. Though some characters might be called stereotypical, I would have to thoroughly disagree and say that I thought every character had their our twists and turns. Lastly, I thought the chemistry between Helen and Jessica was so perfect for the movie. At first Jessica was uncomfortable, but by the end of their relationship Jessica was dependent on Helen.
Beautiful, beautiful movie!!
When it comes to love, sometimes she just can't think straight.
- Lady_Targaryen
- Nov 18, 2005
- Permalink
Good until the end
I really enjoyed this movie. It was hilarious, and very familiar at some degree. Everything in the movie went well until the end. I honeslty wish it would have turned out a little differnet then it did, but otherwise, it was funny, and very touching.
- shortqt326
- May 13, 2003
- Permalink
Daring and original portrayal of romance
This movie is often described as 'When Sally met Sally...', and that is an accurate portrayal of what this movie is. It's a love story like any other, but this story is different. We have the normal 'two people meet and fall in love' scenario, but the difference here is that these two characters are the same sex, and that's what sets the film apart from it's counterparts. The central character is the lady from the title; Jessica Stein. Jessica is caught in a New York metropolis; populated by shallow people, people that are more interested in setting dates up with their friends and learning the dictionary cover to cover than they are in forming proper relations with people. This is the reason that Jessica can't find herself a man, she isn't happy to settle for second best and she wants more from a relationship than any man she knows can give her. So, after being told why she can't find herself a man by her big-headed colleague, Josh Myers; Jessica decides to step outside of her box a little and answers an ad in the 'women seeking women' section of the newspaper.
Enter Helen Cooper; the lady that placed the ad, and seasoned bi-sexual. She's sexy, quirky, funny and all together lovable; as Jessica says at one point; "Who wouldn't want to have sex with you?", and that is my thoughts entirely. At first, Jessica is cautious, she is predominantly straight at the end of the day and she's in over her head at first. However, the two hit it off almost immediately, and we get to watch their romance blossom. The fact that lesbianism (or homosexuality in general) is taboo is always apparent throughout this film. Helen is more of a free spirit, and the only friends of hers that we see are gay anyway, so she is always open about it. It's not the same story for Jessica, however; she's always been straight, so being open about such a relationship isn't so easy for her. That's the second half of this story; not only is it a comedy; it's also a social commentary, and it rings true not just for this subject; but just about anything that people do that isn't of the norm.
The two leads are played very well by Jennifer Westfeldt (Jessica) and Heather Juergensen (Helen). These two not only do the acting, but they also wrote the film. It is evident that women wrote it, as it has a very feminine feel throughout. There is no sex in the movie, which might disappoint some viewers and instead the movie focuses on the relationship between the women and the impact that it has on their lives. This is a very good thing, as what could have been lost in a myriad of nudity and sexual innuendo, actually comes off as a very personal study of a taboo relationship. The film is also very funny. The humour on offer isn't overly blatant, and is mostly very dry; but it's definitely there and certain moments of the film literally had me in stitches.
Despite all that I've so far, however; this movie isn't perfect. The character of Jessica, although obviously born of the social-conscious New York atmosphere, and therefore it is to be expected, sometimes goes over the top and can come across as being very annoying. Aside from that, the film features far too much music. It's practically saturated in it, and it's always that sad women's elevator music that I hate. The film also loses steam in it's third act, and never regains the humour and pace of the first two. Like (too) many romance films, Kissing Jessica Stein features an ambiguous ending. Call me old fashioned, but I like a film to end properly and therefore I don't like ambiguous endings, so that was a turn-off for me. However, Kissing Jessica Stein is an underrated gem and is most definitely romantic comedy at the top of it's game. See it, you won't regret it.
Enter Helen Cooper; the lady that placed the ad, and seasoned bi-sexual. She's sexy, quirky, funny and all together lovable; as Jessica says at one point; "Who wouldn't want to have sex with you?", and that is my thoughts entirely. At first, Jessica is cautious, she is predominantly straight at the end of the day and she's in over her head at first. However, the two hit it off almost immediately, and we get to watch their romance blossom. The fact that lesbianism (or homosexuality in general) is taboo is always apparent throughout this film. Helen is more of a free spirit, and the only friends of hers that we see are gay anyway, so she is always open about it. It's not the same story for Jessica, however; she's always been straight, so being open about such a relationship isn't so easy for her. That's the second half of this story; not only is it a comedy; it's also a social commentary, and it rings true not just for this subject; but just about anything that people do that isn't of the norm.
The two leads are played very well by Jennifer Westfeldt (Jessica) and Heather Juergensen (Helen). These two not only do the acting, but they also wrote the film. It is evident that women wrote it, as it has a very feminine feel throughout. There is no sex in the movie, which might disappoint some viewers and instead the movie focuses on the relationship between the women and the impact that it has on their lives. This is a very good thing, as what could have been lost in a myriad of nudity and sexual innuendo, actually comes off as a very personal study of a taboo relationship. The film is also very funny. The humour on offer isn't overly blatant, and is mostly very dry; but it's definitely there and certain moments of the film literally had me in stitches.
Despite all that I've so far, however; this movie isn't perfect. The character of Jessica, although obviously born of the social-conscious New York atmosphere, and therefore it is to be expected, sometimes goes over the top and can come across as being very annoying. Aside from that, the film features far too much music. It's practically saturated in it, and it's always that sad women's elevator music that I hate. The film also loses steam in it's third act, and never regains the humour and pace of the first two. Like (too) many romance films, Kissing Jessica Stein features an ambiguous ending. Call me old fashioned, but I like a film to end properly and therefore I don't like ambiguous endings, so that was a turn-off for me. However, Kissing Jessica Stein is an underrated gem and is most definitely romantic comedy at the top of it's game. See it, you won't regret it.
Indie romcom gem
It's a romantic comedy, a friendship comedy, a brand new take on the single girl in Manhattan and a groundbreaking queer love story all at the same time! An exploration of the different kinds of love and connection people need. I dare you not to relate to hopelessly single Jessica Stein who decides to finally do what fed-up straight women have been threatening to do for ages: just switch to girls! Add in a handful of Jewish guilt and **young Jon Hamm** and you've got an absolutely adorable film. I've seen it many times and it never loses its charm!
- amandafronds-69103
- Jul 11, 2018
- Permalink
A Risky Plot That Plays Beautifully-A Glorious Winner
The mantra of the successful and single career woman in New York City, and undoubtedly elsewhere, seems to have evolved to "All the good men are either married or gay." But still, through singles ads and avocation-based meeting places and just hope they persevere. Few decide that answering an ad in The Village Voice placed by a lesbian or bisexual woman is an antidote to the scarce-available-man dilemma.
That's just what copy editor and hopeful painter "Jessica" (Jennifer Westfeldt) does in "Kissing Jessica Stein" leading to an awkward first encounter, then a close friendship and ultimately an intimate relationship with a stunning, smart and funny art gallery manager, "Helen" (Heather Jurgenson). The film tracks their relationships with each other and with the people in their lives - family, friends, co-workers.
The story could easily have sunk to the level of a zany, fluffy, sex comedy or, perhaps, strived to be a "message" drama. It does neither. What makes it wonderful is that all the characters have whole lives which they live in confusion and compassion, pathos and passion. Superficially, they are familiar Manhattan, affluent stereotypes. In reality, they have all the longings and frailties - and strengths - of people everywhere. The character development is real and affecting without being cloy, cynicism is at a minimum. Helen and Jessica haven't stepped out of a Woody Allen take on Manhattan life.
Is Jessica really coming out for life as a lesbian or is she trolling in unfamiliar waters out of desperation for a friendship that includes intimacy? Has Helen given up myriad lovers of both sexes to settle into a domesticated gay relationship? Are the answers there? Should they be?
If a Lifetime Achievement Oscar for portraying the Jewish mother-in-law is ever awarded Tovah Feldshuh will get it. In this film she hovers dangerously close to a familiar caricature while projecting a warmth and wisdom deeper than the conventional portrait of the hectoring, always worried Jewish mom. The opening scene at a Day of Atonement synagogue service is priceless.
"Kissing Jessica Stein" is an Indie production based on the two leading actresses' collaboration in writing "Lipstick," their 1997 play. These are two very smart and insightful women: I hope more comes from their fertile and caring understanding of human, not just female but human, needs.
This film is very New York with scenes from a number of neighborhoods. I have mixed feelings about the post-11 September premiere decision to delete shots of the World Trade Center and replace them with the midtown skyline. A reviewer noted that audiences at the premiere were distracted by the WTC-dominated panoramas.
In a largely full theater with a number of clearly lesbian couples along with many more single people and (probably) heterosexual couples it was really nice to be part of an audience that burst into frequent laughter not based on sexual orientation but rather together as people enjoying a really clever, funny-and-serious, good film.
That's just what copy editor and hopeful painter "Jessica" (Jennifer Westfeldt) does in "Kissing Jessica Stein" leading to an awkward first encounter, then a close friendship and ultimately an intimate relationship with a stunning, smart and funny art gallery manager, "Helen" (Heather Jurgenson). The film tracks their relationships with each other and with the people in their lives - family, friends, co-workers.
The story could easily have sunk to the level of a zany, fluffy, sex comedy or, perhaps, strived to be a "message" drama. It does neither. What makes it wonderful is that all the characters have whole lives which they live in confusion and compassion, pathos and passion. Superficially, they are familiar Manhattan, affluent stereotypes. In reality, they have all the longings and frailties - and strengths - of people everywhere. The character development is real and affecting without being cloy, cynicism is at a minimum. Helen and Jessica haven't stepped out of a Woody Allen take on Manhattan life.
Is Jessica really coming out for life as a lesbian or is she trolling in unfamiliar waters out of desperation for a friendship that includes intimacy? Has Helen given up myriad lovers of both sexes to settle into a domesticated gay relationship? Are the answers there? Should they be?
If a Lifetime Achievement Oscar for portraying the Jewish mother-in-law is ever awarded Tovah Feldshuh will get it. In this film she hovers dangerously close to a familiar caricature while projecting a warmth and wisdom deeper than the conventional portrait of the hectoring, always worried Jewish mom. The opening scene at a Day of Atonement synagogue service is priceless.
"Kissing Jessica Stein" is an Indie production based on the two leading actresses' collaboration in writing "Lipstick," their 1997 play. These are two very smart and insightful women: I hope more comes from their fertile and caring understanding of human, not just female but human, needs.
This film is very New York with scenes from a number of neighborhoods. I have mixed feelings about the post-11 September premiere decision to delete shots of the World Trade Center and replace them with the midtown skyline. A reviewer noted that audiences at the premiere were distracted by the WTC-dominated panoramas.
In a largely full theater with a number of clearly lesbian couples along with many more single people and (probably) heterosexual couples it was really nice to be part of an audience that burst into frequent laughter not based on sexual orientation but rather together as people enjoying a really clever, funny-and-serious, good film.
Cute but not more
Jessica Stein (Jennifer Westfeldt) is a hopelessly single gal in the city. Her Jewish mother Judy (Tovah Feldshuh) is very concern. Everybody is getting married and moving on. She has nothing but bad dates. She thinks she's getting set up with Charles (Jon Hamm) but he's actually taken. At the group diner date, co-worker Josh Meyers (Scott Cohen) insults her with biting insights and cruelty. Helen Cooper (Heather Juergensen) is a bisexual art gallery assistant who places an intriguing personal ad. Jessica decides to answer it.
Westfeldt is playing the neurotic city girl. It's her goto move. It's cute. It's awkward. It has some fun. It's not particularly profound. It feels like a straight person's vision of a gay relationship. Everybody's life is different. I can buy into this relationship. It just pushes too hard with too many cute moments with cute awkward Westfeldt. It feels too light weight when the material keeps begging to be darker. It feels too much like a TV sitcom for too long.
Westfeldt is playing the neurotic city girl. It's her goto move. It's cute. It's awkward. It has some fun. It's not particularly profound. It feels like a straight person's vision of a gay relationship. Everybody's life is different. I can buy into this relationship. It just pushes too hard with too many cute moments with cute awkward Westfeldt. It feels too light weight when the material keeps begging to be darker. It feels too much like a TV sitcom for too long.
- SnoopyStyle
- Jul 11, 2014
- Permalink
Irritating and Insulting
- sophia2206
- Jan 17, 2006
- Permalink
Brilliant Acting, Sharp Writing, Funny and Touching
This film had something for everyone: a loving view into a Jewish family, including religious practices we rarely get to see on screen; a relationship between two women who are trying to find the right someone who "gets" them; and having the courage to go after the things you want the most. Scott Cohen is gorgeous and appealing as Josh Meyer, Jessica Stein's boss, ex-boyfriend and friend of her brother. He convincingly moves from bitter and judgmental through his own emotional journey when he sees Jessica summon the courage to be happy and seek her dreams. He sings beautifully in Hebrew, too!
Tovah Feldshuh was brilliant and touching as the Jewish mother with a true understanding of her daughter. No caricature here: she has one of the most touching scenes in the entire film. Jackie Hoffman was fun and funny as Jessica's best friend and coworker Joan, who lives vicariously through Jessica and Helen's adventures.
Jennifer Westfeldt (Jessica Stein) and Heather Juergensen (Helen Cooper) wrote, produced and starred in this wonderful, touching, funny view of single life in New York today. In fact, New York itself was a character in this film, providing both opportunities and barriers to the relationships among the characters. I highly recommend it!
Tovah Feldshuh was brilliant and touching as the Jewish mother with a true understanding of her daughter. No caricature here: she has one of the most touching scenes in the entire film. Jackie Hoffman was fun and funny as Jessica's best friend and coworker Joan, who lives vicariously through Jessica and Helen's adventures.
Jennifer Westfeldt (Jessica Stein) and Heather Juergensen (Helen Cooper) wrote, produced and starred in this wonderful, touching, funny view of single life in New York today. In fact, New York itself was a character in this film, providing both opportunities and barriers to the relationships among the characters. I highly recommend it!
By No Means A Classic -Pleasant
An enjoyable, yet flawed film
Startled from her delusions by a kiss.
Superficially, one could easily be deceived into mistaking this as a story about non-conventional relationships, or for that matter, that it is a film about "women's" issues. But aside from the fact that the principal characters are women, it is about the all too common problem of relationships. Jessica is very neurotic, expecting rather too much from each relationship while yet giving too little, with the result that no relationship is ever quite "perfect" enough for her, and mostly she ends up feeling lonely. It's not that she doesn't "like" males, but that she can always find something wrong with them. Then she meets Helen, a hedonist, bored with males for different reasons, and they become launched on a journey of discovery together following an awakening in the form of a kiss.
If the film limited its scope to growth through discovery and self- realization, such that Jessica overcame her neurotic perfectionism and Helen surpassed her hedonism, it would have been a much better movie. Unfortunately, it is far too self-conscious and desultory, like Jessica herself, expecting to accomplish too much while delivering too little, wondering over far too much time, and ending without adequately addressing the relationship issues it began with. Indeed, while it "pretends" to question conventional relationship values, it actually promotes them, after a brief detour which mostly begs the question. No doubt it was intended to provoke, but like Jessica, mostly it's just a tease.
If the film limited its scope to growth through discovery and self- realization, such that Jessica overcame her neurotic perfectionism and Helen surpassed her hedonism, it would have been a much better movie. Unfortunately, it is far too self-conscious and desultory, like Jessica herself, expecting to accomplish too much while delivering too little, wondering over far too much time, and ending without adequately addressing the relationship issues it began with. Indeed, while it "pretends" to question conventional relationship values, it actually promotes them, after a brief detour which mostly begs the question. No doubt it was intended to provoke, but like Jessica, mostly it's just a tease.
Interesting Urban Comedy
Jessica Stein (Jennifer Westfeldt) is a fastidious, uptight, 28-year-old copy editor at a Manhattan publishing company. There is no sex in Jessica's city, but only an endless stream of substandard mating possibilities hoisted on Jessica by her mother. In an uncharacteristic rash moment Jessica answers a 'women seeking women' personals ad, not because she is intrigued by the woman's description, but because she quoted Rilke. Helen, the woman who placed the ad, is quite the opposite of the reserved, anal retentive Jessica. But as they say, opposites attract, and so begins the courtship of Jessica.
"Kissing Jessica Stein" is very New York, intellectual, and verbal. This is a comedy of manners, of conversations, of well tended, well turned phrases. Or so it attempts, and mostly succeeds. This is not your aw-shucks Meg Ryan/Sandra Bullock romantic comedy and is closer in style to Woody Allen. But it works, I enjoyed it, and if this is the type of movie you're in the mood for, it will work.
"Kissing Jessica Stein" is very New York, intellectual, and verbal. This is a comedy of manners, of conversations, of well tended, well turned phrases. Or so it attempts, and mostly succeeds. This is not your aw-shucks Meg Ryan/Sandra Bullock romantic comedy and is closer in style to Woody Allen. But it works, I enjoyed it, and if this is the type of movie you're in the mood for, it will work.
Kissing a "blond-ish" perfectionist
Seeing the trailer, I really did not think this was going to be a favorite. I thought it's gonna be a feel-good flick about "coming out" or maybe "sexual identity confusion" which would eventually be another romantic I-saw-that-already. Though admittedly there were some clichés and bad acting left noticed, what caught me sticking was the intensity in most scenes and dialogues--delivered naturally and wickedly satirical and funny! Also, I think that the way the cinematography payed attention to the small details around a particular character is exquisite (e.g. like how Jessica, for all her intellect, still has a dumb side -- maybe because her facial features are quite of a blonde's? Well, she's a Jew so I don't know ^_^ )
Conflicted
I was very conflicted with this film. Although, I found the movie itself, as an interesting take on LGBQT relationships, it rubbed me the wrong way. I can't explain exactly how it did. You might have to watch it yourself and come to your own conclusion.
- kelly-gaudreau
- Feb 13, 2022
- Permalink
Ultimately disappointing
Kissing Jessica Stein has the makings of a fine romantic comedy - it starts out quite funny, and continues in a quirky, funny vein through much of the film.
But ultimately, this movie was disappointing. The fun started to disappear around half way through, and the last quarter of the movie became somewhat annoying, with unexpected and unwanted plot twists. Worst of all, it became, well, boring.
It was still worth watching, but it could have been much better.
But ultimately, this movie was disappointing. The fun started to disappear around half way through, and the last quarter of the movie became somewhat annoying, with unexpected and unwanted plot twists. Worst of all, it became, well, boring.
It was still worth watching, but it could have been much better.
A rare find in romantic comedy
I don't know how any one could reduce the characters in this film to, 'shallow' or 'board'. This was a rare film in the romantic comedy genre which didn't follow the tired old formulas. Yet it still has a classic feel to it (great music and a beautiful aesthetic). It is a story about the validity of sexual experimentation. Some people may feel like we are born one way or the other and if we are unsure, or perhaps want to experiment then we are 'stupid' or 'frivoulous' those assumptions are what this movie is trying to combat. It isn't about being gay or straight, it's about opening up yourself to possibilities whether they are fruitful in the end or not, the experience alone can make you a better, more compassionate person, who knows what it is to be honestly seeking happiness in whatever form it may come. Bravo to the two writers and actresses in this film, it is one of the rare film's that I have enjoyed from start to finish and one that I can watch over and over and continually take joy in.
I believe no movie is right for everyone, some people won't take from this film what I have. I recommend this film mainly to women from 18 to 35, straight, gay or bi. Men don't seem to be able to connect to this film on the level that women seem to, also it's politics and presumptions may be too radical for conservatives and too conservative for radicals. If you didn't like it that's okay, but its themes will speak to many people. Well written, acted, and directed.
I believe no movie is right for everyone, some people won't take from this film what I have. I recommend this film mainly to women from 18 to 35, straight, gay or bi. Men don't seem to be able to connect to this film on the level that women seem to, also it's politics and presumptions may be too radical for conservatives and too conservative for radicals. If you didn't like it that's okay, but its themes will speak to many people. Well written, acted, and directed.
A Cute Performance from Westfeldt
This charming, lightweight comedy about sexual orientation and experimentation stars the adorable, funny Jennifer Westfeldt as a good Jewish girl who decides that maybe the whole heterosexual dating thing isn't working for her, so she's going to play for the other team for a while. She begins a timid "romance" with a girl in much the same boat, with the exception that Westfeldt never really takes to lesbianism and the other girl does. Though the lesson she learns -- the problem in connecting with men lies in her own inability to sustain an intimate connection with another human being, not in any hidden homosexual tendencies -- is obvious, it's well told, and the director manages to keep the film from seeming glib or trendy. Westfeldt is a lovable actress, and she navigates the iffy terrain between cute and annoying very well.
Grade: B+
Grade: B+
- evanston_dad
- Sep 10, 2006
- Permalink
Slapping Jessica stein...
Female Woody Allen
Ive used 'marinade' as a verb - so I was bound to like this one.
Highly enjoyable, honest, witty and refreshing. As good a movie as gets made these days. Finally a film driven by likable, intelligent characters and their relationships, not guns, explosions and two dimensional stereotypes and plots by (and for) 8 years olds.
KJS has a dash of fantasy from time to time, a cracking sound track, and although I wouldnt have called it a comedy - it's funny when it needs to be. But I think it was the honesty of the writing that I particularly took to - that and the moments that surprise. As many have noted - the scene with the mother on the veranda is a bit special.
If you like Woody Allen then this is one for you. If you look forward to the next Van Diesel effort, then I doubt you will stay beyond the credits...
ps Was the dedication 'For our parents' at the end of the film ironic? Watching this film with your parents could quite possibly be the single most embarrassing experience of your life.....if they are anything like mine that is....
Highly enjoyable, honest, witty and refreshing. As good a movie as gets made these days. Finally a film driven by likable, intelligent characters and their relationships, not guns, explosions and two dimensional stereotypes and plots by (and for) 8 years olds.
KJS has a dash of fantasy from time to time, a cracking sound track, and although I wouldnt have called it a comedy - it's funny when it needs to be. But I think it was the honesty of the writing that I particularly took to - that and the moments that surprise. As many have noted - the scene with the mother on the veranda is a bit special.
If you like Woody Allen then this is one for you. If you look forward to the next Van Diesel effort, then I doubt you will stay beyond the credits...
ps Was the dedication 'For our parents' at the end of the film ironic? Watching this film with your parents could quite possibly be the single most embarrassing experience of your life.....if they are anything like mine that is....
Irritating. Kind of.
My reason for not liking this movie so much is kind of a paradox. Jennifer Westfeldt who plays the character of Jessica Stein does her job so well it ruined the film for me.
Mixed up? Understandable. Jessica you see is a conservative New Yorker from a Jewish family who in perfect Woody Allen style is completely neurotic. Whereas Woody does neurotic in a funny ironic way Ms. Westfeldt does it in a completely real "I'm a pain in the ass" way. She's actually too believable. There wasn't a scene with her in it when I didn't feel like catching her by the head and screaming at her "wake up to life".
Despite this obvious setback the movie succeeds in parts to be genuinely funny and smart. The best line of the movie coming when Jessica is asked if she discusses her lesbian adventure with her therapist. I'll leave the punch line for you.
It also avoids thankfully the general lesbian stereotypes which in itself is a breath of fresh air.
If you are the kind of person who thinks Hare Krishnas (you'll see) are freaks you may enjoy this flick a little more than I, otherwise you better have a strong stomach.
Mixed up? Understandable. Jessica you see is a conservative New Yorker from a Jewish family who in perfect Woody Allen style is completely neurotic. Whereas Woody does neurotic in a funny ironic way Ms. Westfeldt does it in a completely real "I'm a pain in the ass" way. She's actually too believable. There wasn't a scene with her in it when I didn't feel like catching her by the head and screaming at her "wake up to life".
Despite this obvious setback the movie succeeds in parts to be genuinely funny and smart. The best line of the movie coming when Jessica is asked if she discusses her lesbian adventure with her therapist. I'll leave the punch line for you.
It also avoids thankfully the general lesbian stereotypes which in itself is a breath of fresh air.
If you are the kind of person who thinks Hare Krishnas (you'll see) are freaks you may enjoy this flick a little more than I, otherwise you better have a strong stomach.
- DeviousMrBlonde
- Nov 5, 2002
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Made an account just for this...
- bonnie_pickel
- Sep 9, 2018
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