Sometimes a strong performer in the lead role can singlehandedly turn a mediocre movie into a good one. Such is the case with Never Been Kissed, a movie that works thanks to Drew Barrymore and her charismatic charms. She has a way of shining in her every scene and winning her audience over. This quality is key to this movie's success. The script is funny, but Barrymore's sympathetic character and comic delivery makes it funnier. It's easy to see how the same script with an inferior actress would come off syrupy and trite. Most amazing of all this movie's accomplishments are the flashbacks that show Barrymore convincing as an unpopular nerd.