And Never Been Kissed? The Untold Story Of Drew Barrymore's Cult Classic
And never been kissed—a phrase that instantly evokes a very specific, very 90s image: a nerdy reporter with a headband, a high school hallway, and the promise of a first kiss under the stadium lights. But behind that simple, relatable premise lies a fascinating story of Hollywood rebellion, career reinvention, and a film that defied expectations to become a beloved classic. This is the comprehensive look at Never Been Kissed, the 1999 romantic comedy that wasn't just a movie—it was a statement.
The Film That Launched a Production Revolution
Before we dive into the plot, let's establish the foundational facts. Never Been Kissed is a 1999 American romantic comedy film directed by Raja Gosnell, and starring Drew Barrymore, Jessica Alba, David Arquette, Michael Vartan, Leelee Sobieski, Jeremy Jordan, Molly Shannon, Garry Marshall, and John C. Reilly. This wasn't just another studio-assigned project. It was the inaugural production from Drew Barrymore's own company, Flower Films, which she started specifically to develop original scripts outside the traditional Hollywood system. The first project she chose to produce was this very film—a romantic comedy written by USC grads Abby Kohn and Mark Silverstein about a nerdy, virginal woman who returns to high school as an undercover reporter. This move signaled a powerful shift: an A-list actress taking control of her narrative, literally.
The film was theatrically released on April 9, 1999, by 20th Century Fox. Its core ensemble, featuring Drew Barrymore, David Arquette, Michael Vartan, and Molly Shannon, created a dynamic blend of comedic timing and heartfelt charm that defined the movie's tone. But the journey from script to screen was a deliberate act of creative independence, setting the stage for the empowerment era in Hollywood.
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The Mastermind: Drew Barrymore's Bio & Career Pivot
To understand Never Been Kissed, you must understand Drew Barrymore at that precise moment. She was transitioning from child star (E.T.) to a respected adult actress, but she wanted more than acting roles—she wanted agency.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Drew Blythe Barrymore |
| Born | February 22, 1975 (Los Angeles, California) |
| Breakthrough Role | Gertie in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) |
| Key 90s Roles | Poison Ivy (1992), Boys on the Side (1995), Everyone Says I Love You (1996) |
| Flower Films Founded | 1995 (with Nancy Juvonen) |
| Never Been Kissed Significance | First major production from Flower Films; cemented her as a producer and bankable star. |
| Post-1999 Trajectory | Produced hits like Charlie's Angels (2000), Donnie Darko (2001), and Whip It (2009). |
This table highlights her strategic career move. By 1999, Barrymore wasn't just an actress; she was a businesswoman and creative visionary. Never Been Kissed was her proof of concept.
Plot Unlocked: The Relatable Quest for a First Kiss
So, what is the film actually about? In a nutshell: A newspaper reporter enrolls in high school as part of research for a story. But that simple logline expands into a poignant, funny, and surprisingly deep journey.
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Josie Geller (Drew Barrymore) is a brilliant but socially awkward copy editor for the Chicago Sun-Times. Her dream is to become a reporter. When a sensational story about a pregnant teen falls into her lap, her editor (a brilliantly cast Garry Marshall) gives her a shot—but with a humiliating catch. She must go undercover as a high school senior to investigate the "pregnancy epidemic." For Josie, this is a nightmare: she must relive her agonizing adolescence, a time she barely survived the first time.
The genius of the plot is its dual narrative. Externally, it's a classic undercover comedy. Internally, it's a raw exploration of bullying, social hierarchy, and the lasting scars of teenage trauma. Josie's mission becomes about more than a story; it's about reclaiming her own missed adolescence and, ultimately, finding her first real love.
Infiltrating the Inner Circle: A Strategic Mission
With the help of her brother, Rob (David Arquette), Josie infiltrates the inner circle of the most popular clique on campus. Rob, a former high school burnout turned successful businessman, becomes her unlikely guide and coach. His mission: transform his geeky sister into "cool."
This subplot is where the film's heart and much of its humor reside. Arquette is phenomenal as the loving, slightly clueless brother who teaches Josie how to walk, talk, and flirt. Their scenes together provide the emotional backbone, grounding the high school satire in genuine sibling affection. Josie's transformation from a nervous, cardigan-clad outsider to someone who can command a room (while still being authentically herself) is the film's core character arc.
Critical Reception & Lasting Legacy: Rotten Tomatoes & Beyond
Upon release, the film received a mixed-to-positive response. Today, its legacy is secure. Discover reviews, ratings, and trailers for Never Been Kissed on Rotten Tomatoes.Stay updated with critic and audience scores today! (As of this writing, it holds a 58% critic score and a 76% audience score). The gap between critics and fans is telling—critics sometimes found the plot contrived, while audiences connected deeply with Josie's vulnerability and triumph.
The film's true success is measured in its cult status. It's a staple of 90s nostalgia, frequently cited in "best rom-com" lists and a go-to comfort film for a generation. Its themes of self-acceptance and the idea that it's "never too late" for a first kiss or a fresh start resonate powerfully. The iconic moments—the headband, the "I'm not like other girls" speech, the kiss at the baseball game—are etched into pop culture history.
Pop Culture Permeation: From Crosswords to Collectibles
A true mark of a classic film is its seepage into everyday culture. Never Been Kissed achieved this in some uniquely quirky ways.
The Infamous Crossword Clue
One of the most fascinating footnotes is its appearance in crossword puzzles. The crossword solver found 30 answers to "I'm 34, never seen a girl naked, never been kissed, never had a long term job, did volunteer with a heritage railway but got sick of the bullshit, an introvert and my best friendship during my teens w," 6 letters crossword clue. This bizarre, hyper-specific clue (likely referencing a character or a real person's lament) shows how the film's title became a shorthand for a very specific, endearingly pathetic romantic state. The crossword solver finds answers to classic crosswords and cryptic crossword puzzles by tapping into this shared cultural lexicon. Enter the length or pattern for your clue, and you might just find Never Been Kissed as the answer.
The Book & CD Connection: A Tangible Keepsake
For superfans, the experience extended beyond the screen. It is the last book in the Heartwood series, and can be read as a standalone. While not directly related to the film, this points to the era's trend of novelizations and tie-in books. More directly, the inside of the front flap features the printed song lyrics from the film's iconic soundtrack (featuring hits like "I Want You to Want Me" by Letters to Cleo). Most of the wording & or photos & or art is exclusive to this CD and can only be found here and can not be found anywhere else. These physical items became cherished memorabilia, offering a tactile connection to the movie's world.
Vintage Press Photos & Home Media
The hunt for authentic pieces is alive and well. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 1999 Never Been Kissed Drew Barrymore David Arquette vintage movie press photo at the best online prices at eBay.Free shipping for many products! These original studio stills are prized by collectors. Furthermore, the film's home media life is robust. Shop Fever Pitch/Never Been Kissed [2 discs] [DVD] products at Best Buy and other retailers, often pairing it with another Drew Barrymore romantic comedy. This bundling introduced the film to new audiences years after its theatrical run.
The Deeper "Why": Why This Movie Endures
Beyond the jokes and the fashion, Never Been Kissed works because of its emotional honesty. Josie isn't just a klutz; she's a woman carrying the weight of past humiliation. Her undercover mission forces her to confront the very people who made her life hell. The film suggests that healing isn't about erasing the past, but about integrating it and finding the courage to be yourself, especially when it's scary.
The romance with Sam (Michael Vartan) isn't a fairy tale. He's a kind, perceptive teacher who sees Josie's intelligence and heart beneath the awkward exterior. Their relationship builds slowly, based on mutual respect and shared vulnerability. It’s a refreshing antidote to the manic pixie dream girl trope; Sam is drawn to Josie's realness, not a manufactured "cool" persona.
Addressing Common Questions
- "Is Never Been Kissed a good movie?" Subjectively, yes! It's a sweet, funny, and heartfelt film with a star-making performance from Barrymore. It balances slapstick (Molly Shannon's Ms. Geimer is a scene-stealer) with genuine pathos.
- "What is the famous line from Never Been Kissed?" There are several: "I'm not like other girls. I'm way cooler." and the climactic, tear-jerking speech where Josie finally stands up to her tormentor.
- "Where can I watch Never Been Kissed?" It's available for rent/purchase on major digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play. Check your local library's digital catalog (often free with a library card!).
- "Is there a book version?" Yes, a paperback novelization exists, which expands on the film's story and is a fun collectible.
Conclusion: The Kiss That Keeps on Giving
And never been kissed? With this film, that state of being was forever transformed from a lament into a badge of honor—a promise of a future, not a marker of a past. Never Been Kissed is more than a 90s relic. It's a testament to the power of creative ownership (Barrymore's bold move to produce it), a masterclass in blending comedy with heart, and a story that validates the experience of anyone who ever felt like an outsider.
From its strategic origins as Flower Films' first project to its enduring life in crossword puzzles, eBay listings, and DVD bundles, the film has woven itself into the fabric of pop culture. It reminds us that sometimes, the most transformative stories are the ones about going back to move forward. So, whether you're revisiting it for the 10th time or discovering Josie Geller's journey for the first time, remember: it's never too late to get your kiss.
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Never Been Kissed Font
Never Been Kissed - Cast, Ages, Trivia | Famous Birthdays
Never Been Kissed - Disney+
