★★★★★ Rewatched 30 Jun 2008
Starting in the late 90’s, Drew Barrymore became the queen of romantic comedies and to this day, she is still one of the favorites. Never Been Kissed is the perfect romantic comedy. It has all the ingredients for a classic. Not only does this movie make you happy, but it makes you cry.
In Never Been Kissed, Drew plays a reporter that has to enroll back into high school for a news story. When her boss asks if she could play the part and play it cool to be one of the “cool kids”, Drew ultimately says yes. What we find is that while she was in high school, she was a nerd that never fit in. Still a nerd, she tries a little too hard to be one of the cool students. And again, becomes an outcast for the second time.
You really do feel for Drew’s character, especially if you were one of those kids in high school that never really fit in. I connected. I was Josie Geller. A little flashy to make people notice me, but ultimately became an outcast like Josie did in the film.
I loved how this film didn’t take it seriously too. Drew uglied herself for this high school flashback, was cute when she needed to be, and the chemistry between Josie and her new high school best friend, Aldys, felt real. Casting Michael Vartan as the love interest was a good choice too. He’s adorable without being overly, hot.
It’s funny, sad, and heart-warming. Again, the correct ratios for the perfect romantic comedy. Five stars for Never Been Kissed.
