Rating: 
Summary: Hilarious and Resonant, A Wonderful Film
Review: Kissing Jessica Stein follows the trials and tribulations of Jessica Stein, (Jennifer Westfeldt) a copy editor in Manhattan. Bleakly high standards and a string of loser dates compel Jessica to seek other options in the form of a woman-seeking-woman personal ad by sexy art gallery hipster Helen (Heather Juergenson). The two meet and sparks fly, despite previously held heterosexual identities. They bring out each's qualities and have a chemistry, both friendly and erotic. The movie becomes resonant as it explores this relationship's implications personally and societally. This movie wouldn't work without exceptional central performances. And Heather Juergenson and Jennifer Westfeldt more than live up to the challenge. They deftly capture the pathos yet pure comedy of their characters. There's something undeniably tender (their love and respect for each other) yet hilarious (the nervous energy they generate) about the two discovering sex and romantic love. Jessica Westfeldt proves to be a real rennaissance woman: likable, desirable, intelligent, and hysterically funny all at once. She captures every facet of her character's existence, so that we're watching a thinking breathing force onscreen. Similarly, Heather Juergenson brings a visceral energy and immediacy to her portrayal of the wily and sexually adventurous Helen. Because of their sensitive skilled portrayals, I grew to care about Helen and Jessica. I wanted them to be happy; whether it would be with each other, I wasn't sure. Though essentially about women, the movie never sells its male characters short. Jessica's snarky yet more carnally attractive boss, Josh is a full-bodied, interesting character. I wanted him to be happy too. Not because he, or anyone in this movie, is an idealistically "good person," in the way that people in movies are, but because he seemed like a real individual with plausible desires. I identified with Josh as much as Jessica and Helen. The movie as a whole measures up to its significant parts in a brilliant ending which has evoked, much to my surprise, controversy for its supposed offbeatness. This was the only logical, emotional, and spiritual way to end the movie, and I commend Jennifer Westfeldt and Heather Juergenson for never copping out in their script. In summation, it is rare to find a film this sharply entertaining with this much to say about something so vital as our identities and our sexualities. I genuinely loved Kissing Jessica Stein and would recommend it to anyone interested.
Rating:
Summary: A lightheated story about a woman to woman romance
Review: Written by the Jennifer Westfelt, (who plays Jessica) and Heather Jurgensen (who plays Helen), this romantic comedy explores a romantic relationship between two women. Both are typical New York urbanites, both are young and pretty and both have had their share of men. But then, on a whim, Helen puts an ad in the newspaper seeking a woman. Also on a whim, Jessica answers. The results are both real and funny and I found myself laughing out loud as they awkwardly get to know each other and ultimately fall in love. There are complications of course. Jessica's Jewish mother (Tovah Feldshuh) keeps trying to play matchmaker with a wide variety of men, her boss and former boyfriend (Scott Cohen) is still interested in her, and her brother's wedding is coming up to which she is reluctant to invite Helen. I totally enjoyed this film. It was the New York I know with the exception of the downtown skyline, which I understand, was purposely avoided because of the 9/11 tragedy. The characters were individuals, not stereotypes and the humor was really funny. The director, Charles Herman-Wurmfeld, was able bring the humor to every scene and kept the tone lighthearted and real. I'm not so sure I liked the ending, but there are hints throughout and certain inevitability to it. Don't miss this small gem. You'll not only come away smiling, but you'll get a bit of insight into a heretofore very lightly explored world. Recommended.
Rating: 
Summary: BEST IN AWHILE
Review: 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!
Rating:
Summary: Why aren't Jennifer Westfeldt and Heather Jurgeson famous?
Review: This is the romantic comedy I have been looking for. Lately I have found this genre to be lacking in both humor and romance (the dud "Life or Something Like It" springs to mind). I rented it on a whim without ever hearing any commentary on the film--positive or negative. The idea sounded intriguing. Fed up with her unsuccessful attempts at the dating scene, high-strung, neurotic and heterosexual Jessica Stein impulsively answers a personal ad placed by a low-key, free-spirited, nurturing bisexual woman, Helen. Though at first Jessica is troubled by the entire idea of having a lesbian relationship, the movie follows her and Helen as they become friends, then lovers. Jessica's busybody but ultimately loving mother is a wonderful addition to the superb cast of characters. I loved the characters of both Jessica and Helen. They are both funny in different ways, and both dealing with the reality of an unconventional love affair differently. This movie requires no deep thoughts, no personal revelations--it is just a sweet romantic comedy with great acting and which happens to feature a same-sex couple rather than a heterosexual one. The dialogue is witty, the characters are likable, and the ending is a happy one if not entirely unexpected. After watching this movie, I am wondering why I haven't seen either of the two co-writers and stars of this movie in other projects. Watch this movie with your partner. People of either gender, and people of all sexual orientations, will find something to love about the film.
Rating:
Summary: Very cute, very funny, totally enjoyable
Review: This is a cute movie that is a fresh take on the subject of sex and the single girl. Jessica Stein, a slightly neurotic, but sensitive, witty and smart single NY woman is at wits end when it comes to dating. All of her past boyfriends and blind dates have been nightmares (but very funny to watch on screen). One day, by chance, she comes across a personal ad that she immediately connects with. Only problem - it's in the "women seeking women" section. Acting out of the box, she decides to answer the ad and meets funky Helen Cooper for drinks. To her surprise, they click. The scenes that lead up to their first kiss are great and the relationship between the two women is real - this is a modern romantic comedy that did not end the way I thought it would (which was a nice surprise). Don't dismiss it because of the subject matter - it's not what you think - just go see it and enjoy watching an entertaining movie.
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: Pucker up for "Jessica"!
Review: "Kissing Jessica Stein," directed by Charles Herman-Wurmfeld, tells the story of a young, single, Jewish professional woman in New York City (the Jessica of the title, played by Jennifer Westfeldt). She's fed up with men after a series of bad experiences. Intrigued by a "woman-seeks-woman" personal ad, Jessic decides to give lesbianism a try. The object of her often clumsy affection is Helen (Heather Juergensen), a sexy art gallery manager. This movie hooked me from its outrageous opening scene, in which Jessica, her mother, and her grandmother bicker and gossip about men during a Day of Atonement service. "Jessica" is a wonderfully funny and sweet film, filled with witty dialogue and some genuinely touching moments. The ensemble cast is superb. Westfeldt and Juergensen shine in the lead roles. Westfeldt, who looks remarkably like Lisa Kudrow, is reminiscent of a young female Woody Allen in this quirky, neurotic role. Juergensen brings an irreverent sensuality to her role. The two are delicious together. Although the whole supporting cast is great, I was particularly moved by Tovah Feldshuh as Jessica's loving mother. I'm sure people will be tempted to pigeonhole "Jessica" as a "lesbian" movie, a "New York" movie, and/or a "Jewish" movie. It's certainly all of these, but its charm and universality also transcend all categories. It's about love, family ties, friendship, self-knowledge, and other issues that are relevant to everybody. And the film is populated with a wonderful group of characters -- male and female, Jewish and gentile, straight, gay, and "bi-curious" -- who are treated with affection and respect by the filmmakers. My advice: whatever your own preferences, prepare to kiss "Jessica" and love it.
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant Acting, Sharp Writing, Funny and Touching
Review: This film had something for everyone: a loving view into a Jewish family, including a beautiful Shabbat ceremony we rarely get to see on-screen; a relationship between two women, each of whom wants to find the right someone who "gets" her; and a theme about having the courage to go after the things you want the most. Scott Cohen is gorgeous and appealing as Josh Meyers, Jessica Stein's difficult boss, ex-boyfriend and friend of her brother. Cohen moves Josh from bitter and judgmental through a significant journey, especially when he sees Jessica summon the courage to be happy and seek her dreams. He shows off his unique ability to bring complexity and heart to otherwise difficult characters. He sings beautifully, too! Tovah Feldshuh is brilliant and touching as the Jewish mother with a true understanding of her daughter. This is 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. The writing and performances are fast and brilliant, and the characters are drawn very well. It's sometimes hard to hear this fast-paced film because the audience is laughing so much. I highly recommend it!
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: BEST IN AWHILE
Review: 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!
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