Kissing Cousins

...but it's awesome on so many levels, too. I have very mixed feelings about Kissing Cousins. It threads on very thin ice, both morally and emotionally. As the title suggests, the movie has cousins kissing in it.That alone can deter or even disgust some people. On the other hand, the acting is great, especially Rebecca Hazlewood who gives an outstanding performance despite the lousy script.

The story itself is a risky venture into the taboos and sensitive parts of today's relationships. Break-ups, friendships, old wounds, fears, desires, misconceptions and forbidden love, it's all in there. It was an awesome movie, it was progressing beautifully and...it just ended.

Yes, my main problem with Kissing Cousins: it's unfinished. I was waiting for some epilogue, some moral lesson, some closure, but it never comes. Poof, credits. I know it's left to our imagination what happens after the "final" line is said in a movie, but there is no "final" line here, something is missing.

The script is full of holes and unexplained, undetailed things. It's like the movie is missing some scenes. The only thing saving this movie from the gutter is the idea. It boldly goes where no big romance story has gone before, but ultimately fails to deliver the final word. I'm quite sorry about that. But if you want to see a great love-story, watch it, you won't regret it.

A very sweet romantic comedy with an original plot. Jaleel White is hilarious and Rebecca Hazelwood is a doll. This unpredictable comedy is a must see because it not only delivers the fuzzies of a romantic comedy but also some uncomfortable filial squirms. I've followed this director for some time because of his independent short films, including call center and little man. He brings the same keen eye for humor and pathos to this film as he did to those award winning shorts. I understand that he is now working on a short called the crossing, which I can't wait to see. I think Kissing Cousins will be the film to bring this director into the mainstream and up to the big leagues in terms of big budget comedy.

finally a smart funny movie that hasn't been "done a million times"! all the characters are super hilarious and the main girl totally smokin hot. great movie. so glad i heard about it. if you're a fan of indie movies, you'll love it. if you're all about goofy whacky comedies, you'll love it. David Alan Grier and Jaleel White are awesome. I wonder how they got those guys??? anyway, I'd recommend this movie to anyone.

and i really liked the way the Indian family was really just an all American family who happen to be Indian. They celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas like everybody else, but they do it with a little eastern flare. Very cool.

And I'll say it again... the girl in this movie is totally hot!

"Kissing Cousins" is a far from perfect film. In places, it's a bit rough and I would have liked to see these rough patches smoothed a bit. However, the overall package is very enjoyable and the film is well worth your time.

The story begins with Amir doing his job--breaking up with people. In other words, he is a professional who, for a fee, will do the dirty job of breaking up when one person in a relationship wants out! You soon see that in addition to this job, he's a very jaded single 30-something guy--and it looks as if there's little, if any, chance he'll have any sort of relationship in the future. This doesn't seem to bother him...at least on the surface. However, when he goes back to see his family at Thanksgiving, he meets his old cousin and she, slowly, he givens to fall for her. What happens next? Well, it does NOT go where you'd expect--and that's one of the best aspects of the film. In addition, it has a nice gentle sense of humor that is pleasing and makes this is nice date film. As for the rough patches, references to masturbation and some brief nudity might also drive away some viewers--and these easily could have been removed to make this a more family-friendly and date-friendly movie.

Finally, a few observations. First, Amir's friend, Charlie, might seem a bit familiar. This handsome guy played 'Scut Farkus' in "A Christmas Story"--you know, the ugly bully. He was quite good in the film. Second, the film was both written and directed by Amyn Kaderali--and that's pretty impressive. Third, while this might creep out some, cousins marrying is widely accepted...just not here in the US. I am pretty neutral about the subject myself (especially since genetic problems resulting are pretty much a myth) and it IS very common in India and many other cultures. Fourth, pay attention to the Japanese lady at the table during Thanksgiving--I really, really liked to see the translation for what she said. Enjoy.