Kissing Jessica Stein

Rating:
Summary: a nice romantic comedy that happens to be about two women
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: I adored this hilarious and touching film!
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Loved the movie, despised the ending
Review: "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.