Kissing Jessica Stein (2001)

User Rating:

6.8/10   

Director:

Charles Herman-Wurmfeld

Writers (WGA):

Heather Juergensen (written by) &
Jennifer Westfeldt (written by)

Release Date:

21 June 2002 (UK)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

Tagline:

When it comes to love, sometimes she just can't think straight.

Plot:

Jessica Stein is a single, straight, successful, journalist, part of a bonded Jewish family living in New York City...

Plot Keywords:

Jewish | New York City | Personal Ad | Malaprop | Wedding

Awards:

8 wins & 3 nominations

Cast

Jennifer Westfeldt	...	Jessica Stein
Tovah Feldshuh	...	Judy Stein
Esther Wurmfeld	...	Grandma Esther
Hillel Friedman	...	Rabbi
Ben Feldman	...	Himself
Robert Ari	...	Sidney Stein
David Aaron Baker	...	Dan Stein
Jennifer Carta	...	Rachel - Dan's Fiancée
Ben Weber	...	Larry
Brian Stepanek	...	Peter
Nick Corley	...	Howard
Jackie Hoffman	...	Joan
John Cariani	...	Chuck
Scott Cohen	...	Josh Meyers
Christopher Berger	...	Malaprops Guy

Also Known As:

Seeking Same (USA) (working title)

MPAA:

Rated R for sexual content and language.

Runtime:

97 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Finland:K-11 | Iceland:L | South Korea:18 | Philippines:R-18 | USA:TV-MA (cable rating) | Greece:K-13 | USA:R | UK:15 | Canada:18A | Canada:13+ (Quebec)

Filming Locations:

Guilford, Connecticut, USA

Company:

Fox Searchlight Pictures

Trivia:

Some background shots were removed from the film prior to its release because they showed the World Trade Center.

Goofs:

Continuity: The coffee mug in Joan's right hand and the position of Joan's arms switch repeatedly between shots when she is talking to Jessica in the office hallway.

Quotes:

Josh: [after confessing his feelings to Jessica, he kisses her] So I guess I'd like to know if you have some sort of reaction to this. More specifically, do you want to have dinner with me tomorrow night?
[she doesn't respond at first, and Josh adopts a look of defeat and embarrassment]
Josh: Well, if you'll excuse me, I definitely need another drink.
Jessica: [she stops him] No, wait. I'd love to have dinner with you, but I can't.
Josh: What? Not the season?
Jessica: [laughs nervously] No. I mean I cant have dinner with you because I'm with Helen.
Josh: Oh, you're having dinner with Helen?
Jessica: No. I mean I'm *with* Helen.
Josh: [he looks at her in disbelief] Like *with* with Helen?
Jessica: Right *with* with.
[...]

Movie Connections:

Featured in Totally Gay! (2003) (TV)

Soundtrack:

Blue Circles

Smart Romantic Comedy

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.