Kissing A Fool (1998)

27% of critics liked it
(30 reviews)
41% of users liked it
(6,350 ratings)

In this romantic comedy, wealthy Chicago publisher Linda (Bonnie Hunt), hosting a wedding at her suburban estate, narrates the tale of how the couple arrived at the altar: Womanizing sportscaster Max (David Schwimmer) and novelist Jay (Jason Lee), friends since childhood, have different attitudes… More In this romantic comedy, wealthy Chicago publisher Linda (Bonnie Hunt), hosting a wedding at her suburban estate, narrates the tale of how the couple arrived at the altar: Womanizing sportscaster Max (David Schwimmer) and novelist Jay (Jason Lee), friends since childhood, have different attitudes toward women. Incurable romantic Jay still carries a torch for his departed girlfriend Natasha (Vanessa Angel) and is unable to picture himself with any woman in the future. When Jay matches Max with his book editor Samantha (Mili Avital), the two strike such sparks that they get engaged within 14 days. The thought of settling down puts Max in such a panic that he proposes a peculiar loyalty test -- one that involves Jay seducing Sam. If Sam remains faithful to him, then he will proceed with the marriage. Jay doesn't agree to this, but book revisions keep bringing him together with Sam, forcing them to deal with the way they really feel about each other. Director Doug Ellin (Phat Beach) filmed at locations in Chicago. ~ Bhob Stewart, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 33 min.
Directed By: Doug Ellin
Written By: James Frey, Doug Ellin
Genres: Drama, Romance, Comedy

In Theaters: Jun 1, 1997 Wide
On DVD: Jul 21, 1998
Studio: Universal Pictures

Critic Reviews

Rob Thomas, Capital Times (Madison, WI)
The best part of this moderately entertaining comedy is Schwimmer's loutish, against-type performance.
Brandon Judell, Critics Inc./America Online
A little more "Kissing" like this, and years from now it's quite possible "Friends" will be all Schwimmer is remembered for.

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Featured Audience Ratings

Cassie H

I enjoyed this movie and I don't see why others didn't. I mean in the beginning David Schwimmer's character was a jerk but by the end his character had gone through a total transformation, Jason Lee had a good performance, too as did Mili Avital.
Deb S

David Schwimmer plays Max, a womanizing Chicago TV sportscaster who falls for Sam played by Israel native Mili Avital, his attractive young publisher but who he feels is too good to be true. Max and Sam seem perfect for each other but Max wonders if he can really keep Sam… More
David Schwimmer plays Max, a womanizing Chicago TV sportscaster who falls for Sam played by Israel native Mili Avital, his attractive young publisher but who he feels is too good to be true. Max and Sam seem perfect for each other but Max wonders if he can really keep Sam "satisfied" long-term and tries to get his best friend Jay (Jason Lee) to see if she can become unfaithful. Jay is hesitant to do this being the sensitive soul that he is plus he is still grieving over the breakup of his slutty model girlfriend but things become complicated when Jay also succumbs to Sam's charms and begins to fall in love with her.