Generation Gap Rewatch: Never Been Kissed (The Movie)

Generation Gap Rewatch: Sharing Childhood Favorites with My Teen Daughter 

Welcome to Movies with My Mini-Me, a special series where I get to share my love for movies with my 15-year-old daughter, London. As many of you know, I've always enjoyed sharing my passion for films with friends and family, whether it's through MsiCandi's Dinner and Movie Night or cozy evenings at home. But this series takes a trip down memory lane, as I revisit movies from my childhood and teenage years while introducing them to London for the first time. 

Over the course of five posts, we'll explore a range of genres and stories that have left a lasting impression on me. From nostalgic classics to heartwarming comedies, these films have stood the test of time, and now it's time to pass the torch to the next generation. Join us as we bond over cinematic adventures, compare our perspectives, and discover new favorites together. 

To kick off Movies with My Mini-Me, we decided to start with a 90s gem that I thought would be fun and age appropriate for my 15 years old 'Never Been Kissed'. Starring the talented Drew Barrymore, this romantic comedy is a perfect blend of humor, nostalgia, and age appropriate lessons for teens. 

 'Never Been Kissed' was released in 1999 my freshman year of high school! I went to Wyoming High School (Wyoming Ohio) which was a suburban environment. The movie was very relatable as far as seeming my “peers” on television at that time. It's a film that I enjoyed as a teenager and was eager to share with London to see how it resonates with her as a new viewer. 

 Watching 'Never Been Kissed' as a mother with my teenage daughter offered a fresh perspective on some of the movie's themes and content. While I enjoyed the nostalgic aspect of the film, I was surprised by the discomfort I felt during certain moments, like the inappropriate attraction between a teacher and a student. As a teen, I was aware of these themes but didn't think much of them. Now, as a mother, I found myself much more attuned to the implications and the message it might send. London, however was very aware. She picked up on this as well and it sparked a valuable discussion about age differences and appropriate behavior. This newfound perspective added a layer of depth to our viewing experience and opened up important conversations between us. 

 In the end, despite the concerns we had about certain aspects of the movie, 'Never Been Kissed' still held its charm as a romantic comedy. London appreciated that the characters were actually the appropriate ages for their respective roles, which helped her better understand the attraction between them. This realization, combined with our meaningful discussions, allowed her to enjoy the film for its entertainment value. She gave it a 3 out of 5 stars, acknowledging both its charm and flaws. 

 Overall, our movie night was not only fun but also an opportunity for us to bond, discuss important topics, and deepen our understanding of each other's perspectives. Can’t wait for the next movie. 

Movie: Never Been Kissed

Year: 1999

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Rating: PG-13-

London's Rating: 3 out of 5 stars