Kissing a Fool

Kissing a Fool

Year: 1998

Runtime: 93 mins

Language: English

Director: Doug Ellin

ComedyRomanceRelationship comedyLaugh-out-loud relationship entanglementsCharming romances and delightful chemistry

An egotistical TV host teams up with his best friend to test his fiancée’s loyalty, turning a classic love‑triangle into a sharp‑witted comedy told in flashback. As the alluring bride appears out of reach for both men, the story hinges on the question of which suitor she’ll ultimately choose.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Kissing a Fool (1998)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Kissing a Fool (1998). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Late 1990s

Set in the late 1990s, the movie centers on contemporary dating, publishing deadlines, and urban social life. Characters juggle careers and romance against sleek city backdrops and casual nightlife, reflecting the era’s blend of humor and heart. The pace and pop culture references echo the era's sensibilities toward love and commitment.

Location

Chicago, Milan, Detroit, New York City

The story traverses major urban centers—from Chicago, the hometown of Max and Jay, to Milan where Jay writes about their relationship, and on to Detroit and New York City for work and romance. The film uses these cities’ nightlife, hotels, and dating scenes to explore modern relationships. The cityscapes serve as a backdrop for fast-paced dating, misunderstandings, and life-changing choices.

🌆 Urban ❤️ Romance 🎭 Comedy

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:13

Main Characters – Kissing a Fool (1998)

Meet the key characters of Kissing a Fool (1998), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Max Abbitt (David Schwimmer)

A confident, commitment-phobic sports broadcaster who pulls strings to test Sam’s loyalty. He is charming but impulsive, using schemes to secure his own version of happiness. Over the course of the story, his flaws are revealed and he learns that love requires honesty rather than manipulation.

🎯 Dynamic ❤️ Romance 😂 Comedy

Jay Murphy (Jason Lee)

A neurotic, introspective novelist who has just broken up with Natasha and is writing about their relationship. He becomes entangled in his friends’ arrangements and must decide where his feelings truly lie. He grows from a passive observer to someone willing to risk his heart for Sam.

🧠 Intelligence 💘 Romance 😂 Comedy

Samantha Andrews (Sam) (Mili Avital)

A sharp, independent editor drawn into a complicated love triangle. She navigates loyalty, attraction, and the consequences of inviting someone into her life. Her decisions culminate in choosing the truth of her feelings over convenience.

💼 Professional 💘 Romance 😂 Comedy

Linda Streicher (Bonnie Hunt)

Max’s partner who anchors the relationship in steadiness and warmth. She represents the stable counterpart to Max’s impulsiveness and ultimately supports a healthy, honest form of love. Her presence helps clarify what commitment can look like.

💑 Stability ❤️ Romance 🎭 Comedy

Natasha (Vanessa Angel)

Jay’s model ex who briefly resurfaces to complicate the love triangle. Her involvement serves as a catalyst for shifting feelings and affirming Sam’s importance to Jay. She embodies the disruptive force that ultimately drives the central reconciliation.

🌟 Ex-Relationship 💘 Romance 🎭 Drama

Dara (Kari Wuhrer)

Max’s makeup artist who becomes entangled in the web of romance and betrayal. Dara’s actions heighten the stakes and contribute to the movie’s comedic yet revealing moments about desire and boundaries.

💄 Profession 💘 Romance 😂 Comedy

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:13

Major Themes – Kissing a Fool (1998)

Explore the central themes of Kissing a Fool (1998), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💘 Romance

Romance drives the plot as Sam and Jay navigate growing feelings amid a chaotic web of friends, exes, and loyalties. The film probes what fidelity means when attraction and affection collide with friendship. It also questions whether true love can survive tests and misunderstandings.

🧭 Trust & Loyalty

A playful yet pointed examination of trust, where a ‘fidelity test’ is used to measure commitment. The characters learn that manipulation undermines genuine connection, while honesty ultimately proves more rewarding. The narrative shows loyalty built on openness rather than games.

🎭 Friendship & Comedy

Friendship underpins the romance, as Max and Jay’s long-running bond provides both support and friction. The film uses humor, mistaken motivations, and witty banter to light up serious relationship questions. The comedic tone keeps the moral reflections accessible and entertaining.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:13

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Kissing a Fool Summary

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Kissing a Fool Summary

Kissing a Fool Timeline

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Kissing a Fool Timeline

Kissing a Fool Spoiler-Free Summary

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Kissing a Fool Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Kissing a Fool

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