While "Kissing Jessica Stein" will be viewed by some as a "lesbian" movie, that unfairly narrows its scope. It addresses
issues of sexuality, yes, but it's also an extremely funny story about dating in the modern world, the pressure to conform to society, and the differences between a friendship and a relationship. It was written by Heather Juergensen and Jennifer Westfeldt, who also are its stars, Helen Cooper and Jessica Stein. Helen runs an art gallery in the Chelsea district of Manhattan and is bored with the dating scene. Jessica is a newspaper copy editor who finds men increasingly tiresome. Deciding to give lesbianism a try -- and guided by her gay friends at the gallery -- Helen places a personals ad in the Village Voice. On a whim, Jessica answers it. They hit it off, become friends, and develop a romantic relationship -- far too slowly for Helen's tastes, but only as quickly as Jessica can deal with it.
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