Never Been Kissed

Never Been Kissed is a delightful romantic comedy from 1999 that explores the thrill of first love and the pang of teenage awkwardness. This heartfelt motion picture tells the heartwarming and hilarious story of a twenty-five-year-old journalist, Josie Geller, portrayed by the versatile Drew Barrymore.

Barrymore's character, Josie, is an over-achieving yet still under-confident writer for the Chicago Sun-Times who's never experienced a real romantic connection. In contrast to her successful professional life, her personal life is yet to blossom. With her lack of suitor experience and the title 'world's oldest living teenager', she is anxious to mature beyond high school memories of being a geeky outsider. In a delightful twist of fate, her eccentric boss assigns her an undercover reporting job at a local high school to tap into teen culture of the late '90s.

However, stemming from her own less than stellar high school experience, Josie is mortified by the thought of going back. During her first high school stint, she was branded 'Josie Grossie' for her unpopular, nerdy persona, which she has unsuccessfully tried to overcome in her adult life. With this second chance, she sees an opportunity to relive her youth in a bolder and more confident way.

Adding to this comic mix is David Arquette, who convincingly plays Rob Geller, Josie's easy-going, fun-loving older brother. When he learns of Josie's assignment, Rob decides to re-enroll too, largely to relive his glory days as a high school baseball star. Surprisingly, Rob crosses paths with the school’s 'in-crowd,' becoming a popular student while helping Josie navigate the choppy waters of high school society.

Michael Vartan gives a commendable performance as Sam Coulson, the charming English Literature teacher who steals hearts with his intellectual charisma and compassionate demeanor. Sam and Josie's worlds collide in various ways, adding a unique dimension to the captivating storyline.

Never Been Kissed cleverly encapsulates the insecurities and challenges faced by teenagers, providing uproarious moments as it explores complex themes such as acceptance, identity, and the courage to be oneself. The movie does a great job of capturing the spirit of high school dynamics, featuring moments of funny misunderstandings, complex friendships, intimidating bullies, and passionate crushes.

In Josie, the audience finds a relatable protagonist who makes mistakes, learns from them and, above all, discovers herself in the most unexpected manner. Barrymore's perfect comedic timing coupled with her undeniable charm makes her performance quite delightful and engaging. Her metamorphosis from an awkward newspaper copy editor to a vivacious, confident woman, underlines the transformative power of self-acceptance and love.

Arquette, too, impresses with his portrayal of Rob, who despite his initial motivations, emerges as a loving, protective brother who pushes Josie out of her comfort zone. His goofy antics contrasted with moments of emotional depth add richness to this multifaceted character.

Never Been Kissed not only unearths high school's nostalgic memories but also beautifully explores the idea of getting a second chance to make things right. The high-energy soundtrack, filled with pop hits from late ‘90s, enhances the overall appeal.

As her journey culminates, Josie discovers that 'fitting in' is less important than being true to oneself. The film presents comedy and sentimentality in equal measure, leading the audience on an emotional roller coaster. It’s a lighthearted celluloid adventure that is poignant, reverberating with powerful subtexts. Perfect for fans of romantic comedies, Never Been Kissed strikes a chord with its sincere depiction of insecurities, the essence of first love, and the transformative power of self-acceptance.