Average Rating: 
Rating: - Why aren't Jennifer Westfeldt and Heather Jurgeson famous?
This is the romantic comedy I have been looking for. Lately I have found this genre to be lacking in both humor and romance (the dud "Life or Something Like It" springs to mind). I rented it on a whim without ever hearing any commentary on the film--positive or negative. The idea sounded intriguing. Fed up with her unsuccessful attempts at the dating scene, high-strung, neurotic and heterosexual Jessica Stein impulsively answers a personal ad placed by a low-key, free-spirited, nurturing bisexual woman, Helen. Though at first Jessica is troubled by the entire idea of having a lesbian relationship, the movie follows her and Helen as they become friends, then lovers. Jessica's busybody but ultimately loving mother is a wonderful addition to the superb cast of characters. I loved the characters of both Jessica and Helen. They are both funny in different ways, and both dealing with the reality of an unconventional love affair differently. This movie requires no deep thoughts, no personal revelations--it is just a sweet romantic comedy with great acting and which happens to feature a same-sex couple rather than a heterosexual one. The dialogue is witty, the characters are likable, and the ending is a happy one if not entirely unexpected. After watching this movie, I am wondering why I haven't seen either of the two co-writers and stars of this movie in other projects. Watch this movie with your partner. People of either gender, and people of all sexual orientations, will find something to love about the film.
Rating:  - A MUST SEE MOVIE
This film had something for everyone: a loving view into a Jewish family, including a beautiful Shabbat ceremony we rarely get to see on-screen; a relationship between two women, each of whom wants to find the right someone who "gets" her; and a theme about having the courage to go after the things you want the most. Scott Cohen is gorgeous and appealing as Josh Meyers, Jessica Stein's difficult boss, ex-boyfriend and friend of her brother. Cohen moves Josh from bitter and judgmental through a significant journey, especially when he sees Jessica summon the courage to be happy and seek her dreams. He shows off his unique ability to bring complexity and heart to otherwise difficult characters. He sings beautifully, too! Tovah Feldshuh is brilliant and touching as the Jewish mother with a true understanding of her daughter. This is no caricature here: she has one of the most touching scenes in the entire film. Jackie Hoffman was fun and funny as Jessica's best friend and coworker Joan, who lives vicariously through Jessica and Helen's adventures. Jennifer Westfeldt (Jessica Stein) and Heather Juergensen (Helen Cooper) wrote, produced and starred in this wonderful, touching, funny view of single life in New York today. In fact, New York itself was a character in this film, providing both opportunities and barriers to the relationships among the characters. The writing and performances are fast and brilliant, and the characters are drawn very well. It's sometimes hard to hear this fast-paced film because the audience is laughing so much. I highly recommend it!
Rating: - A lightheated story about a woman to woman romance
Written by the Jennifer Westfelt, (who plays Jessica) and Heather Jurgensen (who plays Helen), this romantic comedy explores a romantic relationship between two women. Both are typical New York urbanites, both are young and pretty and both have had their share of men. But then, on a whim, Helen puts an ad in the newspaper seeking a woman. Also on a whim, Jessica answers. The results are both real and funny and I found myself laughing out loud as they awkwardly get to know each other and ultimately fall in love. There are complications of course. Jessica's Jewish mother (Tovah Feldshuh) keeps trying to play matchmaker with a wide variety of men, her boss and former boyfriend (Scott Cohen) is still interested in her, and her brother's wedding is coming up to which she is reluctant to invite Helen. I totally enjoyed this film. It was the New York I know with the exception of the downtown skyline, which I understand, was purposely avoided because of the 9/11 tragedy. The characters were individuals, not stereotypes and the humor was really funny. The director, Charles Herman-Wurmfeld, was able bring the humor to every scene and kept the tone lighthearted and real. I'm not so sure I liked the ending, but there are hints throughout and certain inevitability to it. Don't miss this small gem. You'll not only come away smiling, but you'll get a bit of insight into a heretofore very lightly explored world. Recommended.
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