Kissing a Fool (1998)

A book publisher recalls the story of two friends, one of whom becomes engaged to the book editor presiding over the editing of the other’s book regarding his rocky breakup with his model ex-girlfriend. Problems ensue when the writer (Lee) also falls in love with the fiancé (Avital) of his best friend (Schwimmer), and one of them ends up marrying her.

An amiable and light romantic comedy that is hard to dislike, but is strictly derivative fair. -“Friends” star Schwimmer is miscast as a tough guy and ladies man who thinks he has found the woman of his dreams yet is finding it hard to give up his bachelor lifestyle. Jason Lee is annoying as well, and his inability to deliver a line without loudly whining becomes quite trying at times.

I would recommend this hodgepodge of good and bad film-making to anyone in the mood for a date flick, although it is quite shocking how much profanity the film is laced with given the lightheartedness of it it all. Enjoyable, but could have been much better with a different cast.

Qwipster’s rating: B-

MPAA Rated: R for strong language
Running Time: 93 min.

Cast: David Schwimmer, Jason Lee, Mili Avital, Bonnie Hunt, Vanessa Angel
Director: Doug Ellin
Screenplay: James Frey, Doug Ellin