Rated: R
Running Time: 1:34
Tabitha's Rating: *****/5
Synopsis: A straight woman, fed up with all the male freaks she's been set up with, answers a women seeking women ad and finds herself in a relationship with a woman.
The question isn't what did I like about this movie, but rather, what DIDNT I like about it. The answer? Nothing that I can think of. I am sure this is not a perfect film, but it comes pretty damn close, at least in it's genre, which is romantic comedy.
This film starts two very talented women, Heather Jurgensen and Jennifer Westfeldt, who not only wrote the script but also gave awesome performances as the two leading ladies. In a world where any halfass film like Dude, Where's My Car is given the title of comedy, it is so refreshing to see truly intelligent humor in Kissing Jessica Stein. There is no talking with asses or fart jokes, only clever wit and as a result I laughed my ass off. I am not slamming all gross out comedies; American Pie and even the South Park movie are a riot. It's just that gross out movies are so common these days, and many of them are so forgettable, that this kind of rare humor makes the film even more enjoyable.
Despite obvious controversy in the films subject, on both sides of the court actually, the movie remains light hearted and fun. The characters are all well acted and well developed. In fact there was not one character that I did not like. The loving mother, the excitable and curious best friend, and the ex-boyfriend (played by Max from Gilmore Girls who did a notably fantastic job) are all great supporting characters who really add Jessica's story.
As for the lesbian part of the story, it probably sits well best with those who have no qualms about the controversy either way. Those who get squemish seeing homosexual sexuality, and those homosexuals who get angry at the fact that the movie is about two straight women choosing to be in a gay relationship, might not like the movie as much. However I think even most of you will enjpy the film. I have been watching a lot of independant films lately, and, tied with Memento, this is my favorite indie film thus far.
Bottomline: If you have never seen an independant film, this is the one to start with. And if you have, maybe this will be a new favorite.
