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Kissing Jessica Stein (2001) More at IMDbPro »

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179 comments in total

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30 out of 37 people found the following comment useful :-
Excellent Movie, 27 April 2004
Author: loopyluly (loopyluly@hotmail.com) from oakland

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!!

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29 out of 36 people found the following comment useful :-
Elegant Hoydens, 18 July 2003

Author: jeanroman

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.

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29 out of 39 people found the following comment useful :-
A Risky Plot That Plays Beautifully-A Glorious Winner, 16 March 2002

Author: Ralph Michael Stein (riglltesobxs@mailinator.com) from New York, N.Y.

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.

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25 out of 33 people found the following comment useful :-
A smart, funny, mold-breaking romantic comedy, 19 September 2002

Author: JasonJayDelmonico from Tx.

Final Score (cumulative average of various classic cinematic qualities):

9.2 (out of 10)

Ok, your an attractive woman (or man, doesn't matter). You've got a good job, good friends, good family base, and nice place (complete with gorgeous spiral staircase). You're happy. You're contributing to society. But you're single so everybody around you - who themselves are now dating, engaged, married or pregnant- is telling you that you aren't actually happy because you're not just like them. Never mind that 43% of the population is single and 48% have never been in a successful relationship. Couples are fascist and in the movie world being alone is a fate worse than death.

That's where we pick up with Jessica Stein (cute beyond words Jennifer Westfeldt) being constantly hounded by her hyperbolically obsessed mother to hurry up and "find someone" like her brother. The first few minutes of "Kissing Jessica Stein" are pretty routine. It features the feisty grandma and a "all-men-are-losers" montage straight out of a Meg Ryan movie. But you've got to know the mold in order to break it. A few minutes in the movie takes a 180 degree turn at the moment when at a dinner Jessica complains about the lack of decent guys in the city and her boss and former boyfriend Josh shoots back, evicerating her. The monologue is brilliant, but never mind what he says it's a testament to the film, it's intelligence and sheer scope that he was allowed to speak up at all.

As the plot kicks in, Stein becomes intrigued by a personal ad placed by another women, Helen - free spirited bi-sexual seeking her first lesbian experience. The two slowly but surely the two begin to date and form a relationship hampered by Jessica's own neurosis and, well, let's be honest- biological sexuality. Things get complicated from there. To call "Kissing Jessica Stein" a lesbian or same-sex romance is a little to boxed-in for me. While "KJS" could be viewed as many things, it is most accurately one of those "free spirit helps straight-laced person break out of his/her shell" movie. There are many points during the first viewing of this movie where I didn't like it- afraid of where it was ultimately going. Much to my delightful surprise, Stein's lesbian experience isn't ultimately to get her to reject men and find love, but to free her- from her own neurosis and perfectionism. The movie doesn't show women's lesbian tendencies in the casual way of, say, Chasing Amy, but explores the sheer oddity of it as a novelty plot gimmick. One of the best scenes in the film is Helen's gay friend voicing offense to the unfair way she seems to choose her sexuality whenever it's convenient for her. The movie starts out seemingly filled with stereotypes (male, gay, Jewish, ect.) but before the end everyone gets their say and the true characters come out. The ending is set up the entire movie in the many parallels between Helen and Josh. It is perfect.

Did I mention the movie was funny? It is probably the funniest movie -written by and made for women- that I have ever seen. It's subtly funny. One of those movies where you nudge your neighbor to see if they got the joke too. The dialogue is delicious- jam packed with wit, honesty and quotable lines. It's a comedy of ideas. The music is great. If there's one thing in this low budget indie flick that is cinematically brilliant it's the audio visual montages. The subtle way it plays with the background music and on-screen action. In one of the more subtle examples Jessica walks up her spiral staircase- her steps exactly in time with a recurring piano note in the song. Finally, I'm a guy and I never got the whole lesbian-chic thing. Seems like overcompensation from a bunch of homophobic men who don't realize that if all the women get together there won't be anyone for them.

I originally scored "KJS" in the late 8's. But the more it turned over, marinated in my head the better it got. When I went back and re-scored it with the complete picture in my head it shimmied it's way into the 9's (this is equivalent to 4-stars). Hopefully, this isn't the last we've seen of these two talented women. "Kissing Jessica Stein" is a great movie. An endearing and invigorating people story. I hated to take it back to the video store.

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12 out of 16 people found the following comment useful :-
Brilliant Acting, Sharp Writing, Funny and Touching, 22 April 2001

Author: AMcElvain from San Diego, California

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!

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14 out of 21 people found the following comment useful :-
A rare find in romantic comedy, 30 March 2006

Author: MJStylo from United States

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.

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5 out of 5 people found the following comment useful :-
Singular point of the movie (SPOILER), 15 July 2002

Author: Grant Floyd (grant_floyd@yahoo.com) from Wokingham, England

*** This comment may contain spoilers ***

SPOILER

The simple message of this movie is nothing to do with lesbian or sexual preferences but that by taking a chance with a socially dangerous love. Hence Josh and Jessica were released from the creative insomnia they had been gripped by. Josh by seeing Jessica attempt something, and Jessica by accepting that her 'prefect or nothing' intellectual approach was hurting her emotionally. Possibly both were released by the art gallery director Helen's openness(?). This is a nice point and something more subtle and powerful than the very bland overarching sexual relationship in the movie.

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8 out of 12 people found the following comment useful :-
Smart Romantic Comedy, 5 April 2002

Author: x24050 (x24050@usma.edu) from New York

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.

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4 out of 5 people found the following comment useful :-
Slapping Jessica stein..., 24 July 2003

Author: dogsrus-1 from usa

*** This comment may contain spoilers ***

cause thats what I wanted to do!!!(I'll take Helen any day!) This movie was still WAY better then I thought it would be. And for a romantic comedy it was OK. I'd give it 3 stars outta 5(unless I think about it too much, then it would be 2 outta 5).It was fast paced and hardly stupid sappy. But I could not deal with Ms.Stein's wimpy,dithering icky-ness! And whats up with her mouth!?

And**SPOILER**SPOILER** Whats up with saying Helen dumped her cause she wasn't GAY ENOUGH!!?? How about Helen dumped me cause... "I'm a cold fish" or "I was lying to myself about my sexuality" or "I'm a huge loser as a real person"!! Not gay enough...ugh! Shoot! I've thought about it too much now...2 stars out of 5 is the real deal.

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3 out of 4 people found the following comment useful :-
This movie had so much promise, but........., 6 August 2003
Author: mpskye2001 from Queens, New York

God, what happened???When I first heard about this movie, I eagerly anticipated seeing it. It sounded like a wonderful story with some very real characters. Well, I just had a chance to watch it and when it was over, I was dumbstruck. The plot is as follows: Jessica Stein is a neurotic perfectionist who is unable to sustain a normal heterosexual relationship due to her anal retentiveness and constant criticism when DUM DUM DUM........... She decides to answer an ad under women seeking women. Sound familiar ladies?? Well, it is all down hill from there. The relationship is inevitably doomed due to Jessica's fear of committing herself to a LESBIAN relationship, not to mention that she is as cold as the iceberg that sunk the Titanic. The biggest letdown of them all was that horrible ending, although not surprising to say the least. So, while the story was real and heartwarming, the movie was boring and trite with a host of cliches that made me want to gag. There was nothing remotely redeemable or likable about Jessica at all which left me disappointed. She was annoying, whiny, cold, and emotionally unstable. I would think that you would want to have one likable trait in a lead character of a movie other than looking good in a short skirt and that she did, but I digress. Or at least, something that allows people to connect to the character in some way. All I wanted to do is jump through my tv and smack this whiny chick in the head.

With all its flaws and cliches I will say that the saving grace in the film was the compassionate and open-minded mother played by Tovah Feldshuh. Heather Juergensen was also quite good as the character of Helen.

While it was not the worst movie I have ever seen, it was a real let down considering how much potential it had. I would highly recommend movies like High Art, Better than Chocolate or Treading Water if you are looking for good stories about lesbian relationships.

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