Kissing Jessica Stein

REVIEW
Copy editor Jessica Stein has high expectations with every guy she attempts to date. Jaded by constant disappointment with men, she answers a singles ad under the "women seeking women" section. She meets art dealer Helen Cooper, who is equally tired of her mundane routine in which she has a different gent for various sexual needs. What happens when these two formidable women get together forms the core of a most charming romantic comedy, complete with well-rounded characters brought to life by a talented ensemble who go a long way to help identify and define the complexity all relationships have. Writer-directors Westfeldt and Juergensen's first-date comedy nicely captures the awkwardness everyone at one time or another has experienced, a clumsiness that somehow (and sadistically) continues through dating, as evidenced by Jessica and Helen’s tentative courting rituals. Romance in the new millenium isn’t made any easier for Jessica as she must contend with her overzealous Jewish mother (Feldshuh in a marvelous performance), helpful friends and coworkers all the while wanting to take her newfound relationship slowly with the patient yet horny Helen. Look beyond its feel-good sentimentality and Kissing Jessica Stein is a witty and smart confection that’s as good-humored and personable as Jessica herself.