Never Been Kissed (1999)
Synopsis:
Never Been Kissed follows Josie Geller, a 25-year-old copy editor at a Chicago newspaper, who gets her first undercover reporting assignment. She must enroll in high school to report on the lives of teenagers. Josie, who was unpopular in her own high school days, struggles to fit in with the current students. Her brother, Rob, decides to help her by enrolling as well, quickly becoming popular. As Josie navigates the social scene, she befriends a group of popular girls and develops a crush on her English teacher, Sam Coulson. Meanwhile, her boss pressures her to find a juicy story. Josie must balance her professional responsibilities with her personal experiences, all while keeping her true identity a secret. The movie explores Josie's journey through high school life, leading to unexpected challenges and discoveries.
Where To Watch: Never Been Kissed
Parental Feedback
"Never Been Kissed" is a romantic comedy released in 1999, aimed at teens with a PG-13 rating. The film blends humor and romance, following a young journalist who goes undercover at a high school. Parents generally appreciate its lighthearted tone and the positive messages about self-discovery and acceptance, though some express concerns about certain mature themes.
Why Teens Should Watch Never Been Kissed
The movie is praised for its engaging storyline and relatable themes.
- Promotes self-acceptance and the importance of being true to oneself.
- Features a strong character arc where the protagonist learns valuable life lessons.
- Offers a nostalgic high school setting that teens find visually appealing.
- Includes humorous moments that provide comic relief.
Why Teens Shouldn’t Watch Never Been Kissed
Some parents are concerned about the film's handling of certain mature themes.
- Explores themes of deception and identity that may be complex for younger teens.
- Contains scenes that involve romantic relationships between adults and teens, which could be problematic.
- Some humor may be considered inappropriate or confusing.
Verdict: Case-by-Case
Verdict: Case-by-Case
Parents are split, and it largely depends on your teen’s maturity level due to the film's handling of romantic relationships and identity themes.
What Parents Should Know About Never Been Kissed
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie explore topics that require emotional maturity or guidance? | The film explores themes of identity and deception, particularly through the protagonist's undercover role. |
| Does this movie portray risky behaviors that go unchecked or without consequences? | There are scenes where the protagonist's deception is not critically addressed, which may require discussion. |
| Does the main character show growth or learning across the story? | The protagonist evolves from being insecure to embracing her true self, highlighted in the film's climax. |
| Are gender roles, relationships, or family dynamics portrayed in thoughtful or outdated ways? | Some relationships in the film may reflect outdated dynamics, particularly in the context of adult-teen interactions. |
| Will this movie prompt important conversations with my teen? | The film's exploration of identity and self-acceptance can lead to meaningful discussions about personal growth. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Parents appreciate "Never Been Kissed" for its positive messages about self-discovery and the comedic elements that make it entertaining for teens. However, the film's handling of certain mature themes may require parental guidance. Engaging in discussions about the film's portrayal of relationships and identity can enhance the viewing experience. For those seeking similar themes with a more modern approach, consider exploring other teen comedies that address these topics thoughtfully.
Official Never Been Kissed Trailer
The Core Values Learned From Never Been Kissed
Never Been Kissed's most common core values include Being yourself, Friendship, and Emotional growth. Teens can relate to Josie's journey as she takes on the challenge of re-entering high school. She experiences the importance of being true to herself, even when trying to fit in with the popular crowd. As she navigates her way through high school, Josie learns about the power of friendships, forming connections with both students and teachers. Through her experiences, she also grows emotionally, discovering more about herself and what truly matters.
These values shine through in different parts of the movie. For instance, being yourself is highlighted when Josie finally decides to embrace who she really is instead of pretending to be someone else. A memorable moment of friendship is when Josie's brother, Rob, helps her get in with the cool kids, showing support and camaderie. Emotional growth is clear as Josie faces challenges and learns to trust her instincts, even when it's hard. The story gives a picture of the ups and downs of high school life, teaching viewers about the significance of staying true to oneself and the value of having good friends.
Other Core Values Explored: Bravery | Honesty | Self-discovery | Standing up for what's right | Trying new things
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From Never Been Kissed
Being True to Yourself: Josie's journey underscores the importance of embracing who you are. Despite the pressure to fit in, she learns that authenticity is more rewarding than pretending to be someone she's not.
Believing in Yourself: Josie begins to trust her abilities as a journalist and as a person, which helps her grow both professionally and personally. Her confidence inspires those around her.
Supporting Your Friends: Josie's brother, Rob, and her friendship with her classmates highlight the significance of having a supportive network. Their encouragement helps Josie navigate the complex social landscape of high school.
Valuing Inner Beauty: As Josie integrates with the popular crowd, she realizes that true beauty lies within and that the allure of popularity is often superficial.
Learning from Mistakes: Josie's undercover assignment leads to mistakes that teach her valuable lessons. These experiences guide her toward self-discovery and professional growth.
Other Lessons Learned: Embracing Differences | Overcoming Failure
Why Kids Love Never Been Kissed
Never Been Kissed invites teens into a realm of high school drama and comical mishaps, where every day is a chance for something unexpected to happen. Teens gravitate towards the awkward situations that Josie often finds herself in, providing plenty of laughs and relatable moments. Picture Josie trying to fit in while navigating the tricky world of cliques, cafeteria politics, and the looming presence of mean girls. Add her clumsy efforts to blend in while also keeping her secret and you've got a recipe for hilarious and cringe-worthy scenarios that teens love. It's all about those surprising, sometimes embarrassing twists that make high school both terrifying and amusing.
Teens are drawn to how Josie discovers who her true friends are amongst unexpected friendships and alliances. From quirky classmates to a charming teacher, the orbit of colorful characters around Josie fills each scene with excitement and charm. Outsmarting adults becomes a thrilling game of cat and mouse, as Josie maneuvers through the highs and lows of teenage life without revealing her true identity. This adventure is a mix of self-expression and quick wit, creating a world where standing out and being unique is celebrated as an entertaining quest. The entire experience keeps teens engaged with its humorous take on fitting in and proving oneself in the unpredictable landscape of high school.