Kissing Jessica Stein
It's mid-March, and just as moviegoers were wondering if a good film would ever be released to the theaters this year, the first must-see film of 2002 - and a surefire contender for the year's best romantic comedy - has arrived. At first glance, Kissing Jessica Stein might seem an unlikely candidate to break 2002's losing streak. It features no major (or even minor) stars, a low budget (about $1 million), and a taboo topic (same-sex dating). But the film, which never would have been made without the perseverance of screenwriters and co-stars Heather Juergensen and Jennifer Westfeldt, is a refreshing mix of quirky indie spirit and classic romantic-comedy sentiment.
Westfeldt plays Jessica Stein, a neurotic New York copy editor who's fed up with the dating game. If having her overprotective Jewish mother set her up with undesirable suitors wasn't bad enough, she also has to deal with one bad date after another, not to mention working for her ex-boyfriend (a solid Scott Cohen).
The movie gets off to a somewhat rocky star, with the humor coming across as forced and the scenarios boasting a been-there-seen-that feel.
Fortunately, when Jessica decides to answer a personal ad in the "Women Seeking Women" section, the film takes off. The first date between Jessica and Helen Cooper (Heather Juergensen), a downtown hipster with bisexual preferences, is beautifully written and acted. Jessica's gradual transition from feeling awkward to being intrigued is completely believable.
From then on out, with the exception of a few minor lapses, Kissing Jessica Stein is a fresh and funny romantic comedy that explores the ups and downs of the blossoming relationship between Jessica and Helen. Juergensen and Westfeldt, aided by a solid supporting cast, deliver plenty of laughs. Case in point: a highly amusing scene in which Jessica and Helen prod two unknowing, would-be male suitors into telling them why two women together are so sexy.
But Kissing Jessica Stein isn't all light laughs. With the help of director Charles Herman-Wurmfeld, Juergensen and Westfeldt dig into some highly effective dramatic scenes that round out the characters and give the film a little more depth. A nicely shot scene in which the two quarrel about Jessica's unwillingness to tell her family and friends about their lesbian relationship packs a powerful emotional wallop. Ditto a heartfelt exchange between Jessica and her mom late in the film.
While director Herman-Wurmfeld does a fine job of making this low-budget pic look like its budget is much larger, he wisely leaves the focus on the actors and the film's excellent script. Westfeldt, who brings to mind an indie Lisa Kudrow, digs beyond sitcom superficiality to find the longing beneath Jessica's perfectionist leanings. The charismatic Juergensen, tough yet vulnerable, is superb as Helen - keep your eye on this promising actress.
It's a kick to see two talented young women sticking it to the male-dominated movie scene and creating a top-notch film through their perseverance and talent. Anyone who enjoys a good romantic comedy and understands how rarely they come along won't want to miss Kissing Jessica Stein.
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A little wine would be a fine accompaniment to this film. Also, watch for actor Scott Cohen as he provides some lessons in chugging during a scene in which he pounds some cocktails to help work up the nerve to profess his love.
This girl-meets-girl twist on the classic romantic comedy formula is a top-notch date flick.
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