Never Been Kissed follows Josie Geller, portrayed by Drew Barrymore, who works as a copy editor but dreams of becoming a reporter. An unexpected opportunity arises when she’s chosen for an undercover assignment at a high school. The catch is that she has to pretend to be seventeen again, which dredges up painful memories from her own adolescence—times when she felt friendless, was the target of ridicule, and unnoticed by boys (all shown through some seriously awkward flashbacks). The film delivers plenty of laughs as Josie, who’s actually twenty-five, attempts to convince everyone she's a teenager while also trying to connect with young people whose culture has evolved significantly since her own school days. Her brother Rob, played by David Arquette, steps in to help, and their interactions are genuinely funny and well-written. There's also the expected romantic interest, which gets complicated when it involves Josie’s teacher, Sam (played by a very attractive Michael Vartan). Sam finds himself grappling with feelings that lead him into what he perceives as questionable territory... This movie is undeniably lighthearted; it might even be considered one of the quintessential 90s "chick flicks." However, I have to say—and I’m speaking as someone middle-aged—the humor really hits the mark, and the film is genuinely heartwarming. Drew Barrymore delivers a truly remarkable performance that could elevate even the most lackluster comedy. It's a layered portrayal of her character with considerable charm. She receives strong support from Arquette, while John C Reilly, Molly Shannon, and Leelee Sobieski also provide memorable performances. Those who look closely will notice future Green Goblin James Franco and Jessica Alba, among the younger cast members. It doesn’t break any new ground, but for some truly funny moments, a strong sense of optimism, an excellent soundtrack, and Barrymore's performance alone, this is definitely worth watching when you need a pick-me-up. 7.5/10
On October 1, 2026
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