Kissing Jessica Stein
User Score
8.2 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 18 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 18
  3. Negative: 1 out of 18

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  1. WilliamM.
    Apr 14, 2002
    9
    Excellent film. Probably the most honest ending you could expect, but Heather J. was incredible in her role! I really hope we see more of her in upcoming films.
  2. JudithS.
    May 10, 2002
    9
    I thought it was delightful and very very funny. The acting at times was a little false, but generally the film enchants.
  3. JoelB.
    Dec 20, 2003
    10
    Kissing Jessica Stein is a virtually perfect movie. Any flaws it may have are miniscule compared to its many strenths. The script brings to life three-dimensional characters facing difficult dilemas in belieble ways. The dialogue is pitch perfect and often hilarious. The acting is strong. The pacing of the movie, helped by the editing, gives us a chance to relax after some tense scenes and leads us from offbeat humor back to drama. The finest compliment I can give is that the movie can be enjoyed over and over without blemishes being discovered after much viewing. There are no such blemishes. The DVD helped me to appreciate all that went into making this fine movie. … Expand
  4. NikK.
    Jul 6, 2004
    10
    I adored this movie! It is very well played and very well written and it captures an image of lesbianism more close to the truth than the other films I saw. Very funny and it leaves a bittersweet taste at the end.
  5. JessicaA.
    Mar 22, 2002
    9
    This movie rocks. Funny, touching, creative. So much better than most of the crap that comes out week to week. Loved it.
  6. ChadS.
    Mar 7, 2005
    9
    It's hard to think of a funnier moment in any film of recent vintage than the scene in which Jessica tells her pregnant co-worker about Helen. Conversely, "Kissing Jessica Stein" also has one of the best scenes that shows unconditional parental love for a child. The filmmaker doesn't make a running joke out of a mother's cluelessness. Even though the film undermines its wonderful mother-daughter front porch heart to heart in the final act, "Kissing Jessica Stein" has too many big laughs for this betrayal of premise to do any irreparable damage on our pleasure centers.… Expand
  7. JudyG.
    Mar 15, 2002
    10
    Funny, real New York movie. Looking for more. Loved Helen.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
72 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 36 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 36
  3. Negative: 0 out of 36
  1. Rolling Stone
    Reviewed by: Peter Travers
    80
    Westfeldt and Juergensen are smart, sexy knockouts, finding just the right mix of fun and tenderness in their writing and performances.
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  2. Baltimore Sun
    Reviewed by: Michael Sragow
    88
    This movie is about the survival of the open-minded. As far as current American independents go, it's the fastest and the funniest.
  3. Christian Science Monitor
    Reviewed by: David Sterritt
    75
    While this slightly edgy comedy has moments of offbeat charm, it would carry more conviction if the acting were richer and the characters focused on more sophisticated attitudes and ambitions.
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