Never Been Kissed Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A 25-year-old goes back to high school and nearly dates her teacher who thought she was underage, but it’s okay because she’s actually an adult… mostly.

🍿 Never Been Kissed: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Josie’s Undercover Assignment

Josie Geller, a 25-year-old copy editor, gets her big break as an undercover reporter, tasked with infiltrating a high school. This provides her a chance to relive her traumatic high school experience. Her initial attempts to fit in result in awkward and humorous situations, highlighting the challenges of revisiting adolescence as an adult.

Brotherly Assistance and Social Climbing

To aid Josie’s quest for popularity, her brother Rob enrolls in the same high school. He quickly becomes popular, helping Josie navigate the treacherous social dynamics. This leads to both comedic moments and ethical dilemmas as Josie struggles to balance her assignment with her growing desire for acceptance. Rob helps Josie gain popularity through outlandish antics that capture the attention of the student body.

Romantic Complications

Josie develops feelings for her English teacher, Sam Coulson, further complicating her mission. The film explores the ethical implications of their connection given her false identity. Josie’s feelings for Sam become a central conflict, forcing her to confront her own insecurities and the lies she’s constructed.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Josie Geller (Drew Barrymore): A 25-year-old copy editor who goes undercover as a high school student to write a story, confronting her past and finding unexpected romance.
• Sam Coulson (Michael Vartan): The sensitive and intellectual English teacher who unknowingly develops feelings for Josie while she’s undercover.
• Rob Geller (David Arquette): Josie’s supportive and comical brother who also goes undercover at the high school to help her navigate the social scene.
• Anita (Molly Shannon): Josie’s promiscuous co-worker who initially mocks her but ultimately supports her journey of self-discovery.
• Gus (John C. Reilly): Josie’s supportive but initially skeptical boss who assigns her the undercover high school story.
• Aldys (Leelee Sobieski): A kind and intelligent high school student who befriends Josie, representing genuine connection amidst superficiality.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Josie Geller: “That thing, that moment, when you kiss someone and everything around becomes hazy and the only thing in focus is you and this person and you realize that that person is the only person that you’re supposed to kiss for the rest of your life, and for one moment you get this amazing gift and you want to laugh and you want to cry because you feel so lucky that you found it and so scared that that it will go away all at the same time.” – Josie describes her ideal first kiss, expressing the hope and vulnerability she feels about finding true love.
• Josie Geller: “I’m not a kid. I’m a reporter.” – Josie declares her true identity at the prom, marking a turning point in her undercover assignment.
• Rob Geller: “I got in! I got into college! Josie, I’m going to be somebody!” – Rob expresses his excitement after Josie helps him pass as a high school student and secure a spot in college.
• Sam Coulson: “I can never look at you the same.” – Sam says this to Josie at prom after she reveals she is not a student.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $25,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $55,474,756
• Worldwide Gross: $84,565,230

💥 Never Been Kissed Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this as a teenager and thinking it was the ultimate rom-com. Rewatching it now, the teacher-student dynamic is a bit icky, but Drew Barrymore’s performance is still endearing. I loved the scenes where she’s trying so hard to fit in, especially the part with the hash brownie! It’s a fluffy, nostalgic movie, perfect for a cozy night in, but maybe not the most progressive choice.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Drew Barrymore”
  • “Viewers who enjoy romantic comedies”
  • “Those interested in stories about high school experiences”
  • “Anyone who enjoys light-hearted, feel-good movies”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Suggestive humor”
  • “Some drug references”
  • “Thematic elements involving deception”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Despite some predictable elements, Barrymore’s charm carries the film. It’s a feel-good movie with lighthearted fun, though some of the plot points involving relationships are questionable.
• RogerEbert.com: “Roger Ebert stated that it has an appealing cast but the movie has serious problems with the plot and believability. While Barrymore delivers, the storyline can be a bit too contrived. This movie could be a fun film for teens to watch.

Audience Reactions

Barrymore’s performance makes the movie worth watching.: Many viewers loved the light-hearted feel and the 90’s nostalgia.

Overall Consensus: A lighthearted rom-com that relies heavily on Drew Barrymore’s charm, although some plot points may be considered problematic by modern viewers.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Drew Barrymore’s first film produced by her own company, Flower Films.”
• “The closing credits feature school photos of the cast and crew, adding a personal touch.”
• “Several cast members, including Drew Barrymore, Molly Shannon, and Garry Marshall, have backgrounds in comedy, contributing to the film’s lighthearted tone.”

🖥️ How to Watch Never Been Kissed?

Never Been Kissed is available for streaming on platforms such as Hulu, Paramount+, and for purchase or rental on Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for broadcast availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Never Been Kissed, you might like these similar films:

• 10 Things I Hate About You (1999): Similar late 90s teen romantic comedy with a smart, witty female lead navigating high school social dynamics.
• She’s All That (1999): A popular jock tries to transform an outcast into the prom queen.
• Mean Girls (2004): A teen comedy focusing on the social hierarchy and cliques within a high school.
• Clueless (1995): A Beverly Hills teen learns to navigate life, love, and friendship while discovering her own identity.

🛒 Never Been Kissed Related Products

• Never Been Kissed (DVD): Own the nostalgic rom-com on DVD and relive the 90s high school experience with Drew Barrymore.
• Drew Barrymore Signed Autograph Photo: A rare collectible featuring Drew Barrymore’s autograph, ideal for fans and collectors alike.
• Vintage 90s Inspired Outfit: Dress like Josie in high school! Get oversized sweaters, mom jeans, and chokers for a 90s-inspired look.
• Never Been Kissed Movie Poster: Classic poster of the movie ‘Never Been Kissed’, perfect for fans of the film.

🎧 Soundtrack

Never Been Kissed features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Peppy rock song” – performed by Bif Naked
• “Catch a Falling Star” – performed by Block

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Michael Vartan Admits He Ended THAT Kissing Scene with Drew Early After Wardrobe Malfunction

Ever wondered what happened behind the scenes of that iconic kissing scene in “Never Been Kissed”? Michael Vartan spills the beans on The Drew Barrymore Show, revealing a hilarious wardrobe malfunction that made things a bit awkward. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this funny and candid interview!

Grown adults dated minors in Never Been Kissed with Drew Barrymore #90s #romcom #90smovies

Attention all 90s rom-com fans! Rob Anderson takes a hilarious and insightful look at “Never Been Kissed” through the lens of modern dating norms. Get ready to laugh and cringe as he dissects the age gaps and relationships that would definitely raise eyebrows today. It’s a must-watch for anyone who loves the movie or is interested in the evolution of romantic comedies!

✨ Rate