Kissing Jessica's latest

"Kissing Jessica Stein" felt more like "Kissing Jessica Stein's Sister" to me. Didn't buy the film's blandly titillating topic - straight girl tries lesbianism on for size.
But "Stein's" co-writer/star, Jessica Westfeldt, redeems herself with "Ira & Abby," coming to DVD next Tuesday (Jan. 29).
This neglected feature follows a couple who meet and decide to marry within a span of only a few hours. (A similar story propels the far inferior "Wedding Daze," also just released on DVD).
Ira (Chris Messina) is single but seriously committed to his analyst. When he meets Abby (Westfeldt) he thinks he's found his soul mate. They quickly marry and settle into Happily Ever After mode, but Ira's emotional baggage gets in the way. So does the inconvenient fact that Abby has been less than forthcoming about her dating history.
What follows is Woody Allen lite, but triple the neuroses. The improbable story line gets support from crack casting - who knew Judith Light could dazzle as she does as Ira's flirty mother? - and well observed relationship points.
You might need your own therapist after watching "Ira & Abby," but its gentle humor and fine performances will give you something to talk about during your first session.
(Photo: Chris Messina and Jessica Westfeldt cozy up in "Ira & Abby.")