Movie- Kissing Jessica Stein

Rated #5 Jewish Comedy

Profile Came out in 2002
Rated R
Running time of 1 hour and 36 minutes
Available on VHS and DVD
Directed by Charles Herman-Wurmfeld
Written by Jennifer Westfeldt and Heather Juergensen (based on their play of the same name)
Main Stars: Jennifer Westfeldt, Heather Juergensen, Tovah Feldshuh

What's it all about:
Jessica Stein is a young, conservative Jewish girl who lives on the Upper West Side of Manhattan and works for a hip newspaper. While Jessica seems successful at work, her social life is another story. Her matchmaker-like mother and some of her friends try to constantly set her up on dates that never seem to work out. Fed up with the disastrous dating scene, Jessica boldly answers an appealing personal ad in the "women seeking women" section placed by an art gallery owner. The two women embark on a romance filled with numerous challenges as they try to make their relationship work.

Why I Recommend It:
1 - The film raises an interesting idea in regards to finding that special someone (it may not be from the opposite sex). While the film may not be for everyone, the premise is fresh for romantic comedies and reflects the openness of the new millenium.
2 - The openness of Jessica's family and friends in accepting her relationship with Helen. Despite Jessica's fear that the others in her life will have a negative reaction to her relationship, she is surprised to find support and acceptance, especially from her mother.

Distinguishing Jewish Appeal: 1 - The movie depicts the trysts of a modern, young Jewish female and the problems she has in the dating scene.
2 - The depiction of the importance of the Sabbath dinner as a means to gather family and friends together and celebrate the ritual.
3 - The film also shows the acceptance of Jessica's family and friends in regards to her relationship with Helen. In particular, Jessica's very Jewish mother displays an open acceptance of her daughter's decision to date Helen since she sees that Helen makes her daughter happy. This is a refreshing view, since many that are in same-sex relationships find the other reaction to be true.
4 - The film depicts an interfaith relationship. Similar to Keeping the Faith, Helen, the non-Jew, is open to experiencing the various Jewish celebrations and rituals.

Added: January 1st 2003
Reviewer: Sandy Chertok
Score:
Related Link: Buy it at Amazon
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Language: english