In Never Been Kissed, Drew Barrymore plays Josie Geller, a dowdy 25-year-old newspaper copy editor with dreams of investigative journalism. Her big break involves going undercover at a local high school to get the scoop on today’s teens. But infiltrating the “in crowd” is no easy task for Josie, still as socially inept as she was during her own nightmarish adolescence.
At once pitiful and charming, the virginal Josie also longs to find true love. Not sex, but lifelong monogamy. In fact, she believes even kisses are worth saving for “the only person you’re supposed to kiss for the rest of your life.” Wow! In addition, Never Been Kissed urges teens to rise above cliquishness, keep the high school years in perspective and live up to their potential. At the fore is a kind, selfless heroine ready to defend the weak and seek forgiveness from others. She’d sooner hurt her career than hurt her friends.
Moderate profanity and sexual humor (including anatomical slang and sex ed students clumsily putting condoms on bananas) make this film less than a complete joy. Also, Josie unwittingly eats a brownie laced with marijuana. Too bad. There’s an overwhelming desire to root for such a good-hearted tale. After all, when was the last time a movie not only respected, but romanticized sexual restraint?
During a time when hormonally driven “teensploitation” flicks seem to be Hollywood’s hottest commodity, Never Been Kissed arrives like a Hallmark card during a bad day. Unfortunately, there’s postage due. A few too many caveats sully NBK‘s noble themes.
