Introduction Never Been Kissed
"Never Been Kissed", also known as "Can't Hardly Wait", is a 1998 American romantic comedy film that explores the complexities of high school relationships, social status, and first love. Set in the affluent suburb of Oakdale, California, the movie follows Josie Grossie, a senior at Oakdale High School who has never been kissed. The story begins on the night before graduation, when Josie's friends are all busy with their own plans for the future, but she is left alone, still waiting for that magical first kiss. Her unrequited love for Sam Coulson, her long-time friend and classmate, serves as a constant reminder of her loneliness. As the night unfolds, Josie makes a drunken phone call to Sam, confessing her feelings to him, which ultimately leads to a series of events that challenge their friendship and force them to confront their true emotions. The film delves into themes such as social hierarchy, peer pressure, and the struggles of growing up, making it relatable to audiences who have experienced similar challenges during their own high school years. With its witty dialogue, engaging characters, and memorable soundtrack, "Never Been Kissed" offers a nostalgic portrayal of 90s teenage life that continues to resonate with viewers today.
Plot and Themes Never Been Kissed
"Never Been Kissed" is a 1999 American romantic comedy film directed by Raja Gosnell. The movie follows Josie Gross (played by Drew Barrymore), a 16-year-old high school student who has never been kissed. The plot revolves around Josie's struggles to fit in with her peers and her unrequited love for Aaron Samuels, the most popular boy in school. When she discovers that he is going to be at their school prom, she decides to make a change and ask him to take her as his date. However, things get complicated when Josie learns that Aaron has been asked out by another girl, Gretchen, who is also the head cheerleader. Determined to win Aaron's heart, Josie asks for advice from her best friend, Janis Ian, who helps her to come up with a plan to steal Aaron away from Gretchen. Throughout the movie, themes of self-acceptance, peer pressure, and true love are explored. Josie struggles to find her place in the world as she navigates high school and her feelings for Aaron. The film also touches on issues of cliques and social hierarchy within schools, highlighting how these can lead to bullying and exclusion. Ultimately, "Never Been Kissed" is a story about embracing one's uniqueness and finding true love despite societal expectations. Josie learns that being true to herself is more important than fitting in with the crowd, which ultimately leads her to find happiness with someone who truly loves her for who she is.
Performance and Direction Never Been Kissed
The movie 'Never Been Kissed' released in 1999, directed by Raja Gosnell, is a romantic comedy starring Drew Barrymore as Josie Grossie. The movie follows the story of a high school student who is constantly misunderstood and overlooked because of her appearance. Here's an evaluation of the performances of the actors and direction in the movie: 1. Drew Barrymore: Barrymore plays the lead role in this film, and she gives a memorable performance. She captures the vulnerability and innocence of Josie Grossie with ease. Her portrayal of Josie is relatable, especially for those who were awkward or overlooked during their school days. 2. David Arquette: Arquette plays Sam Coulson, a high school senior who falls in love with Josie. His character could have been more developed, but he does an adequate job in the role. He has good chemistry with Barrymore and adds to the movie's humor. 3. Leelee Sobieski: Sobieski plays Aldys, a popular student at Josie's school. She is believable as the mean girl who often bullies Josie. Her character serves as a foil to Josie, highlighting her insecurities and feelings of inadequacy. 4. Michael Vartan: Vartan plays Rob Geller, a photographer who befriends Josie after taking her photo for his school's yearbook. He is likable in the role and has good interactions with Barrymore. 5. Sean Patrick Thomas: Thomas plays John Morton, a popular student at Josie's school who often mocks her. His character serves as a reminder of how cruel people can be to those they don't understand or appreciate. 6. Molly Shannon: Shannon plays Anita Grossie, Josie's mother. She is a bit over-the-top in the role but still brings some comedic relief to the film. Direction: 1. Raja Gosnell's direction of 'Never Been Kissed' is commendable. He effectively captures the emotions and struggles of high school life, especially for those who are overlooked or misunderstood. The movie has a nostalgic feel that may appeal to those who went through similar experiences during their own school days. 2. The film's dialogue is well-written, with many memorable lines that have become ingrained in popular culture. The movie also features some clever and funny moments of slapstick humor. 3. While the story may be a bit predictable at times, Gosnell does an excellent job of bringing out the emotional depth of his characters. He encourages his actors to give genuine performances that resonate with audiences. Overall, 'Never Been Kissed' is a charming film that celebrates individuality and self-acceptance. The cast delivers memorable performances, and Raja Gosnell's direction is engaging and thoughtful. The movie has become a cult classic and remains a beloved romantic comedy for many fans of the genre.
Technical Aspects Never Been Kissed
"Never Been Kissed" (1999) is a romantic comedy film directed by Raja Gosnell that tells the story of Josie Grossie, an aspiring journalist who goes undercover at her old high school to research a story for her magazine. The movie has some notable technical aspects that contribute to its overall quality. Cinematography: The cinematography in "Never Been Kissed" is handled by Michael Comberti. He uses a mix of digital and film cameras to capture the film's events. The visual style is bright and colorful, with a focus on capturing the vibrant atmosphere of high school life. Comberti also makes use of handheld camera work to add a sense of realism to the film. Sound Design: The sound design in "Never Been Kissed" is handled by Randy Thom and Mark Berger. They use a mix of digital and analog equipment to capture the sounds needed for the film. The sound effects are used effectively throughout the movie, with a focus on capturing the sounds of high school life (such as locker slamming and hallway chatter). The score, composed by Mervyn Warren, is also well-integrated into the film. Visual Effects: The visual effects in "Never Been Kissed" are handled by several different companies. They include: * Digital Domain: This company was responsible for creating many of the CGI elements in the movie, including the computer graphics used to represent Josie's magazine articles and her own high school yearbook. * Sony Pictures Imageworks: This company was responsible for creating some of the other CGI elements in the movie, including the animated characters that appear in Josie's dream sequences. These companies use a mix of traditional animation techniques (such as hand-drawn animation) and computer-generated imagery to create the visual effects needed for the film.
More Details Never Been Kissed
'Never Been Kissed' is a 1999 American romantic comedy film directed by Raja Gosnell and starring Drew Barrymore, David Arquette, Michael Vartan, and Leelee Sobieski. Cast: * Drew Barrymore as Josie Grossie * David Arquette as Sam Coulson * Michael Vartan as Aldys * Leelee Sobieski as Anita * Molly Shannon as Elaine Soto Production Companies: The film was produced by Flower Films, a production company founded by Drew Barrymore and Nancy Juvonen. The film was also produced by Paramount Pictures. Interesting Trivia: 1. The movie 'Never Been Kissed' was originally titled 'Kiss Me', but the title was changed to reflect the main character's status of never having been kissed. 2. Drew Barrymore played a high school student in this film, which made her the first woman to play a teenage character at that age since she played an 11-year-old child actress in the 1980 film 'E.T.'. 3. The film was shot on location in Atlanta, Georgia, and the University of Georgia. 4. Leelee Sobieski's role as Anita was initially meant for actress Reese Witherspoon, but she turned down the part due to scheduling conflicts with her other projects at the time. 5. Molly Shannon had a significant role in the film, playing Elaine Soto, but she didn't have any lines in the movie because she was only there for comedic relief through physical comedy. 6. David Arquette did most of his own stunts in the film, including the scene where he and Drew Barrymore kiss at school. 7. The film was inspired by the 1980 film 'Sixteen Candles', another teen comedy classic that also explored themes of high school life and first love. Overall, 'Never Been Kissed' is a sweet and funny movie about a teenage girl who goes undercover as a high school student to research her article on teenage culture. It's a classic coming-of-age story with plenty of laughs and relatable moments for anyone who has ever experienced high school drama.
Conclusion Never Been Kissed
"Never Been Kissed" is a charming coming-of-age romantic comedy that explores themes of self-acceptance, social hierarchy, and first love. The film's strongest aspect is its relatable protagonist Josie Grossie, played by Drew Barrymore, who embodies the awkwardness and vulnerability of adolescence. Her chemistry with David Arquette as Aaron Samuels is undeniable, making their romance a highlight of the movie. One of the film's greatest strengths lies in its exploration of high school social dynamics, capturing the cruel yet endearing nature of teenage relationships. The supporting cast, including Michael Vart and Leelee Sobieski, add to the authenticity of the setting. The score, composed by David Newman, is equally impressive, perfectly capturing the nostalgic feeling of 90s teen cinema. However, "Never Been Kissed" also has its weaknesses. At times, the dialogue can feel forced and overly sentimental, which detracts from the overall sincerity of the characters' emotions. Additionally, the film's pacing can be uneven, with some scenes feeling rushed while others drag on too long. In conclusion, despite these flaws, "Never Been Kissed" remains a delightful and endearing watch. Its relatable protagonist, authentic portrayal of high school life, and captivating romance make it a memorable addition to 90s teen cinema. With its strengths far outweighing its weaknesses, I highly recommend this charming coming-of-age story for anyone who has ever navigated the complexities of adolescence.