Emmy-nominated smash still full of secrets Jul 25, 2008
He was cast in "The Division," a cop show, episodes of "Providence," "The Unit" and "What About Brian," and the film "We Were Soldiers," as well as appearing in two films written by and starring his longtime girlfriend, Jennifer Westfeldt: "Kissing Jessica Stein" and "Ira & Abby.". As Draper, he says, "I guess I caught up to my aspect, a persona I could naturally play. It was easy for me. And since I was relatively unknown and didn't come with a ready-made identity, it was easy for people to see... (CNN -- Showbiz)
THIS FLICK APPEALS TO THE MAMMAS Jul 22, 2008
has been getting generally good reviews, but it's also been getting trashed by some critics, who all have one thing in common: They're men," writes reviewer Grady Hendrix. If I say sexism is still rampant in America, I expect that's not news. But I do occasionally like to see a film that's not for teenagers, not about machines bashing one another and not necessarily with a comic book hero. RUMINATING: Sure is fun to see two of the TV shows this column pushed from the beginning now getting their... (New York Post -- Gossip)
It's back to the '60s for a new 'Mad Men' season Jul 18, 2008
July 17: A discussion about Jesse Jackson's use of the "N" word drew tears on 'The View". MSNBC's Mika Brzezinski reports.Most popular Most viewed Top rated Most e-mailedupdated 1:51 p.m. ET July 17, 2008NEW YORK - Lets twist again like we did last summer!Mad Men fans remember how things were really hummin last summer, the first for that glorious drama series set in the Manhattan advertising world of 1960. There were lots of twists at the Sterling Cooper... (MSNBC -- Television)
The Forest of Arden comes to Wilcox Park Jul 13, 2008
She was also seen in "Kissing Jessica Stein" and on segments of "The Sopranos" and all three "Law and Order" franchises, the original, "Criminal Intent" and "S.U.V.". "We also have a very interesting actress playing Rosalind s sidekick, Celia," says director Harland Meltzer. (Westerly Sun, RI)
The Hammer Review Mar 25, 2008
Director Charles Herman-Wurmfeld's previous credits include the indie comedy Kissing Jessica Stein and the studio sequel Legally Blonde 2: Red, White e. It's not a deep resume, but his modest style suits the material in this case. The look is more everyday than glamorous, more realistic than stylized. (IGN FilmForce)
'Hammer' Time Mar 22, 2008
That's partly because of Carolla's affability, and partly because of the filmmakers, the team behind "Kissing Jessica Stein.". Carolla plays Jerry, a 40-year-old L.A. construction worker and former Golden Gloves boxer whose life is full of woe, from his crummy job to his nagging girlfriend to his martinet boss. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Entertainment)
Adam Carolla adds charm to The Hammer Mar 20, 2008
At the same time, just as his miserable girlfriend leaves him, Jerry gets involved with one of his students (Heather Juergensen, co-star of Herman-Wurmfelds Kissing Jessica Stein). The two have some amusingly awkward dates, which give Carolla a chance to tee off on the absurdity of the La Brea Tar Pits fossil site, for example, and receive such loving, inspiring advice as, Dont take too many shots to the face. (MSNBC -- Movies)
Doug Liman to Speak at NAB Show Mar 18, 2008
Liman also produced the extremely successful series of on-line digital shorts Terry Tate Office Linebacker, and has supported the next generation of filmmakers through his involvement with the Chrysler Million Dollar Film Festival and as a producer of Mail Order Wife and Kissing Jessica Stein. About the 2008 NAB Show. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Industry Buzz Mar 16, 2008
Eventually financed independently, "The Hammer" was directed by Charles Herman-Wurmfeld ("Kissing Jessica Stein," "Legally Blonde 2."). "Charles doesn't know s- about boxing, but that's fine," Carolla says of the seemingly odd choice. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Entertainment)
Lampoon gets rights to 'Many' Jan 17, 2008
Film also stars Bellamy Young ("Dirty Sexy Money"), Hudson Leick ("Nip/Tuck"), Jeffrey Ross ("Weeds") and Jim Bullock ("Kissing Jessica Stein") and features a cameo from Mark Cuban. After 15 seasons on Howard Stern's radio show, Melendez, known to Stern fans as "Stuttering John," is in his fourth season on "Leno.". (Variety)
RELATIONSHIPS -- Altared states Oct 14, 2007
Westfeldt, seen most recently in ABC's "Notes from the Underbelly," wrote the screenplay, and it isn't her first foray into relationship musings: She co-wrote and co-starred in "Kissing Jessica Stein," about a straight woman trying on a same-sex relationship for size. So we thought she'd have some illuminating thoughts about modern love - the big-screen and real-world kinds (in her case, the real-world relationship is to Jon Hamm of "Mad Men"). (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Jennifer Westfeldt returns to form Oct 11, 2007
SOME YEARS AGO I raved about "Kissing Jessica Stein," the story dreamed up by the beautiful Jennifer Westfeldt as a starring vehicle for herself (Nice girl gets tired of blind dating; decides to try being gay. That was hilarious, and now Westfeldt, has "Ira and Abby," a gorgeously neurotic love story. (Variety)
A second round for 'Mad Men' star Jon Hamm Sep 27, 2007
And there's only one woman for Hamm, who lives with girlfriend Jennifer Westfeldt, 37, who wrote, produced and starred in 2001's Kissing Jessica Stein. The two have been together almost 10 years, and Hamm has a small role in her latest production, Ira & Abby. (USA Today -- Life)
REVIEW: Ira & Abby Sep 13, 2007
September 13, 2007 -- ACTRESS-writer Jennifer Westfeldt channels Woody Allen again for "Ira & Abby," a more formulaic but still plenty funny and well-cast follow-up to her delightful 2001 hit, "Kissing Jessica Stein.". Ira (Chris Messina) is a 33-year-old grad student on the Upper West Side, so neurotic and indecisive that his shrink has dropped him after 12 years. (New York Post -- Entertainment)
Fall of the gunslinger Aug 25, 2007
"Ira Jennifer Westfeldt ("Kissing Jessica Stein") wrote and stars in this comedy about a couple who married too quickly and immediately start dismantling their relationship. Also starring: Jason Alexander, Chris Messina "King of California" A strong-willed teenage daughter tries to rein in her father, who was just released from a mental hospital and is now obsessed with locating a Spanish treasure he believes is buried beneath a modern-day Costco. Stars: Evan Rachel Wood, Michael Douglas "Moving... (AZCentral -- Entertainment)
'Xanadu' stars rock but don't roll Aug 11, 2007
Hoffman was relieved, even though she's a veteran of "Hairspray" and her own one-woman shows, and whose film credits include "Garden State" and "Kissing Jessica Stein.". "I was terrified I would wake up the day after opening and hear on my answering machine, 'You have nine new messages.' Beep. 'I'm so sorry.' Beep. 'You're good. Don't listen to them.' Beep.". (CNN -- Showbiz)
Lost in the '60s with Mad Men Jul 20, 2007
""It was like coming home," laughs January Jones (We Are Marshall), who plays the oblivious wife of womanizing ad man Jon Hamm (Providence, Kissing Jessica Stein). She was somewhat less enamoured of the restrictive '60s wardrobe."The hair and makeup and the wardrobe has all been researched very well," she allows. "The undergarments specifically make you walk and hold yourself differently. You definitely hold yourself differently when you can only take short breaths. (Toronto Star)
When films portray journalists, they often are black and white Jul 16, 2007
And that Jennifer Westfeldt in Kissing Jessica Stein makes a more believable copy editor than Drew Barrymore in Never Been Kissed, even though she doesn't edit much copy on screen. It's a personality thing. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
FOX Announces 2007-2008 Season Line Up May 18, 2007
SARAH THOMKINS (Parker Posey, "For Your Consideration," "Best in Show") is a bright, optimistic, determined woman who seems to have it all - a great job as a children's book editor, an eager-to-please assistant, BUDDY (Michael Arden), who helps keep her life together, and a no-strings-attached personal relationship with successful businessman MARCUS SONTI (Scott Cohen, "Kissing Jessica Stein"). Nevertheless, as her father, RONALD (Ron McLarty, "Law & Order"), is constantly pointing out,... (FOX19.com, OH)
Magnolia buys 'Ira & Abby' May 12, 2007
"Ira " the sophomore writing effort from "Kissing Jessica Stein" scribe and star Jennifer Westfeldt, has sold to Magnolia Pictures. Romantic comedy examines relationships via a marriage between the over-deliberate Ira (Chris Messina) and the free-spirited Abby (Westfeldt). (Variety)
'Underbelly' worth the wait Apr 12, 2007
It revolves around a couple of thirtysomethings, Lauren (played by Jennifer Westfeldt, the charming not-really-lesbian of Kissing Jessica Stein) and Andrew (stage actor Peter Cambor). They planned this pregnancy, but now they're suffering buyer's remorse. (The Miami Herald)
Sitcom is mix of joy, annoyances (like pregnancy) Apr 12, 2007
Who's in it: As the parents-to-be, Jennifer Westfeldt ("Kissing Jessica Stein," Broadway's "Wonderful Town") and stage actor Peter Cambor. As her intermittently amusing and annoying friends, Rachael Harris ("Fat Actress," "For Your Consideration") and Melanie Paxson (the baby-voiced woman of Glad bag commercial fame). (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Underbelly plays pregnancy for laughs Apr 12, 2007
Jennifer Westfeldt, who plays nervously excited mom-to-be Lauren, co-wrote and starred in the indie film Kissing Jessica Stein, received a Tony nomination for the Broadway musical Wonderful Town and was a regular on the sitcom Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place. . (MSNBC -- Television)
Pregnancy comedy takes nine months to air Apr 11, 2007
com to hear Jennifer Westfeldt talk about her work in the film "Kissing Jessica Stein" and why that film did not become a TV series, and about her Broadway stint in "Wonderful Town.". lect. (Fresno Bee -- Lifestyle)
Returning 'Entourage' hits gold with Ari in a bind Apr 8, 2007
The show's greatest asset is Westfeldt, an endearing actress from Kissing Jessica Stein. In the premiere, she pulls off a bust-out-loud sight gag in a bar. (Orlando Sentinel -- Entertainment)
DANIELYNN PATERNITY CONTEST HEATING UP Apr 2, 2007
Also the "Kissing Jessica Stein" bunch will bring "The Hammer," a comedy about a 40-year-old who turns pro boxer, starring Jimmy Kimmel's sidekick Adam Carolla. IT was the 85th birthday of James Ne derlander >PAGE 1. (New York Post -- Gossip)
'Underbelly' of being a perfect mom Apr 2, 2007
" Another project, "Mommies Who Drink," is in development for Lifetime, with a "Sex and the City" producer attached. "Notes From the Underbelly," the only one to make it to the air so far, begins at the point of conception. "Underbelly" is a sweetly sour comedy that premieres April 12 on ABC and will air Thursdays at 9:30 p.m.; it stars Jennifer Westfeldt ("Kissing Jessica Stein"). The show follows the travails of Andrew (Peter Cambor) and Lauren as they prepare for parenthood. Westfeldt said... (San Francisco Chronicle)
more » Mar 8, 2007
" So Westfeldt, who won over critics in the 2001 bisexual romantic comedy "Kissing Jessica Stein," which she wrote and starred in, started thinking of another type of romantic comedy. "Do we need this kind of idealism. Do the promises we can't keep, with friends and family gathered, give us enough hope to get up in the morning. (CTNow.com)
The 'L' word is out: Women who like women find folks who like them, too Feb 23, 2007
But the subject has also popped up in smaller films, with storylines central to the plot - as in "Chasing Amy" or "Kissing Jessica Stein." Of course, director Kevin Smith wrote "Amy" from a guy's perspective, and the lesbian figure in "Stein" (sorry to all those who haven't seen it yet, but it needs to be said) returns to her straight orientation at the end. This year, however, audiences get to see stories about gay women told more honestly (these lesbians shocker stay lesbians) and in many... (Newsday -- Entertainment)
¿Valentine's movies aren't for the faint of heart Feb 11, 2007
Kissing Jessica Stein (2001). When boys are no fun anymore, why not try girls. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Jewish film festival casts a wide net Oct 30, 2006
"Ira and Abby" is the second film written, produced by, and starring Jennifer Westfeldt of "Kissing Jessica Stein," and it's an unintentional example of a particular animal: the festival movie that's too weak for a real theatrical release but niche-y enough for events like these. A New York "divorce comedy" about the on-again, off-again marriage of two supremely neurotic Upper West Siders (Westfeldt and Chris Messina), "Ira & Abby" plays like a Woody Allen movie with its dither reflex set on... (Boston Globe)
More than a sleeper hit Oct 25, 2006
"Girl Talk" with "Sex and the City," "Kissing Jessica Stein," "How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days" and "My Best Friend's Wedding.". "Teen Time" with "Beverly Hills 90210," "Pretty in Pink," "Clueless," "Mean Girls" and the one and only season of "My So-Called Life.". (Albany Herald)
"Ira," "Mario" the toast of LAFF Jul 6, 2006
Westfeldt also co-wrote and starred in Kissing Jessica Stein, which won the audience award for best narrative feature at the 2001 LAFF.. "Mario's Story" centers on Mario Rocha, a teenager from East Los Angeles. (Xinhuanet, China)
LA FILM FESTIVAL: It takes a Village Jun 24, 2006
Another title high on buyers' hit lists is narrative competition entry "Ira " written by and starring Jennifer Westfeldt, whose prior L.A. fest entry, "Kissing Jessica Stein," snapped up the audience award and a deal with Fox Searchlight in 2001. Other targets include docs "Inheritance," from Oscar winner James Moll, Barry Goldwater profile "Mr. Conservative" and New Orleans-set "A Place to Dance," plus competition features "Chalk," "Swedish Auto" and "The Lather Effect.". (Variety)
The day the sky fell in Jun 11, 2006
In completed films, such as Zoolander, Kissing Jessica Stein, Sidewalks of New York and Serendipity, shots of the Twin Towers were removed. The climactic scene in Men in Black II, which featured the towers, was altered to show the smaller Chrysler Building. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
