MovieChat Forums > Kissing Jessica Stein (2002) Discussion > Underestimating Josh and the other love...

Underestimating Josh and the other love story

posted 13 years ago by lamont-hard
5 replies | jump to latest

Why does everyone keep thinking that Josh did not deserve a chance with Jessie, She must have all along liked him at least a little bit. The movie never said much to the effect that he did something where he did not deserve a second chance. He seemed to be genuine in his caring and wanting to be with her. What's wrong with that she had broken up with Helen and had been with men before. I also believed she really like him but was suppressing her feelings because he was at the wrong time in her life. I was glad she agreed to see him. I liked how he cared for her and kept at her till she at least gave him a shot. Also did anyone take notice of his scene on the roof, he nailed it, Jessie inspired something in him that he gave up on, being his writing witch change his life. Jessie would have went with him if she had not been with Helen. Just how would she ever forget what he said on the roof. There is no doubt she thought about that after she and Helen broke up or maybe that was the reason she simply could no longer be intimate with her. After that scene is when she and Helen started having problems. Remember she dumped him because she had unrealistic expectations of him that he could not meet, her mother provoked the thought to her. So just as she learned how to be a better person, fulfilling that would include giving someone one a chance who she dumped unfairly and was inspired by her to open his heart to her and let her know how much he cared for her. If you don't think he was in love with her then go back and watch the rooftop scene again. One last point remember she had already dumped him in The first relationship and rejected and broke his heart in the rooftop scene when he tried to express himself and rekindle there relationship, so i am hoping the third time will be the charm, GO JOSH

[–] crysjumar 13 years ago

Josh was a bit of a douche.

- C'mon back to my room and I'll give you a Rusty Venture.

[–] Iara5Bloom 13 years ago

I liked him. I don't think he was a douche. Just because a guy is as confused and bitter and miserable as a woman, it does not make him a douche, just as it does not makes a woman a b_tch.

They were pretty much alike, and I was glad there was a sign of hope for the two of them in the end.

The movie doesn't sell itself as a "lesbian flick", so I don't understand why people get so upset about the ending - if you pay enough attention to all the aspects of it, all characters, and not just the two main women, you will see that it's really a love triangle. Josh is always there, and is in no way the ex who appears now and then just to add comic relief (because it creates an awkward situation, etc.). He is right there with both Jess and Helen, and as some other posters stated before, the rooftop scene really convinces me that he truly still likes/ loves her, whatever. At least that he still has very tender feelings towards her.

I like the ending - Helen and Jess loved each other, very much, and it is not difficult to believe that they remained friends. How wrecked Jessica looks when is being dumped is exactly how I would if any of my closest friends decided to not be in my life anymore. I do have three of four friends that makes me feel that way, the kind that you really feel warm when something good happens with them, and tearful if they're away for a while. And I can understand that someone as picky and as afraid of being alone as Jess, wouldn't object to try to embark in a full relationship with someone that clicked as much as they both did, no matter the gender. It would be the normal response to feel confused and afraid of losing that person.

The film sends a great message of acceptance, and I really liked it. Great writing, amazing acting. I'll end my rant now.

[–] crysjumar 13 years ago

yes.

- C'mon back to my room and I'll give you a Rusty Venture.

[–] Havoac 13 years ago

The moment that sells Josh for me is when he reveals they used to date and Jess dumped him because she thought he wasn't good enough for her. That is a cold and humiliating thing to do to someone, it can leave you bitter for life. And I can totally envision pre-Helen Jess doing it. Post-Helen Jess, however, can see people as people. Flaws and all that jazz.

[–] artguylarry 7 years ago

I'm a gay man, and even though there wasn't a gay male angle to the film (at least not central to the plot), I kinda fell for Josh a little. Yes he kinda came off as a dick at points of the story, but he was also very jaded and embittered. The only scene that put me off of Josh was the dinner party. I think his passive/aggressive comments to, and about Jessica, jaded or not, were a little beneath Josh's character. His behavior in this one scene alone was both harsh and juvenile. Nowhere else in the film did we see him this way. Otherwise, I found him lovable.