In this ongoing series on film classics of the last century, we've looked at BUT I'M A CHEERLEADER, TEA WITH MUSSOLINI, THE LATE SHOW, SUMMER STOCK, THE FULLER BRUSH GIRL, The Net, Your Friends & Neighbors, Shampoo, The Player, Dick Tracy, How To Marry A Millionaire, Blow Out, You Only Live Twice, Sleeper, Diamonds Are Forever, Sleepless In Seattle, My Little Chickadee, Tootsie, After Hours, Edward Scissorhands, Christmas in Connecticut, Desk Set, When Harry Met Sally . . ., Who Done It?, That Darn Cat!, Cactus Flower, Family Plot, House Sitter, and Outrageous Fortune. Film classics are the films that grab you, even on repeat viewings, especially on repeat viewings.
NEVER BEEN KISSED is a romantic comedy starring Drew Barrymore as journalist Josie Geller. High school was a living hell for her where she was dubbed "Josie Grossie" while her brother Rob (David Arquette) had no problem fitting in.
In the script written by Abby Kohn and Marc Silverstein, Josie has to confront her demons and fears of high school by returning there when her editor assigns her the task of going undercover as a student.
Undercover, she meets various students including James Franco in his film debut and the amazing (but now retired) Leelee Sobieski (above) in a magical performance.
Josie falls for her English teacher Sam played by Michael Vartan.
Barrymore, Franco, Sobieski, Jessica Alba, Vartan and Arquette are just some of the great actors in the film.
Molly Shannon and Gary Marshall are two more.
At the prom, Josie's crowned prom queen and her date prom king.
But Josie's heart only really comes to life when she dances with Sam.
Outing herself at the prom to keep another student from being picked on, Josie is left alone.
She finishes her article for the newspaper, noting that she's never been kissed -- not even at the most recent prom. But she'll be on the baseball field, hoping that Sam shows up.
Sam does show.
The comedy was a hit with ticket buyers in 1999, making back over double its $25 million production budget and it has remained a comedy staple in the years since.