Average Rating: 
Rating: - Why aren't Jennifer Westfeldt and Heather Jurgeson famous?
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:  - Pucker up for "Jessica"!
"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: - A MUST SEE MOVIE
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!
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