La critique de James Berardinelli (suite)

The actors are well matched to their roles. Elizabeth Reaser, whose credits tilt more toward TV shows than feature films, gives Allegra spunk and spirit. Despite the film's various connections to Woody Allen, at least the protagonist isn't a whiny neurotic. Gretchen Mol loses some of the glamour that marked her turn as Bettie Page but she remains delightful and conveys a girl-next-door appeal. (Not that I've ever lived next to a girl who looks like her.) Justin Kirk, another TV/indie performer with a growing fan base, has a disarmingly boyish charm. He's less polished than, say, Hugh Grant, but perhaps more believable as a result.

La critique de James Berardinelli (fin)

Puccini for Beginners strives to be a screwball comedy and there are times when it succeeds (as during a cell phone conversation outside a restaurant). More often, however, the humor is subtle, avoiding the kinds of slapstick that turn characters into caricatures. Maggenti's screenplay may be highly dependent upon coincidence and contrivance, but the men and women populating it make it easier to accept. As for Puccini, he gets little more than a cameo. His music forms the skeleton of the score and Allegra is a big fan, but the film doesn't demand or impart any knowledge about opera. As sit-coms go, this one is smarter and brighter than standard TV fare, which may account in part for its appeal.

See This Movie...
9/10
Author: Davy Ray from United States
2 February 2007

Better than Woody Allen's last five movies combined, PUCCINI FOR BEGINNERS is that snappiest, funniest, romantic comedy in recent memory. The cast is spectacular and the direction is flawless. I can't say enough good things about this movie. I first heard about it at Sundance; everyone I know who attended kept telling how I needed to see it. I am not one to buy the hype so I just let the movie fade from memory.

Having just seen it, I see that the hype wasn't unjustified; in fact, I'd say it wasn't strong enough. Put simply: this movie is cute. C. U. T. E. Gretchen is adorable, as always. Elizabeth Reaser is a dream come true; she delivers her dialogue with the skill and precision of a government trained sniper. Justin is so affable, you can hardly stand it. Overall, I just have to say that missing this movie highly, highly inadvisable.

Gretchen Mol : Grace 

*

*

Delightful, Effervescent
10/10
Author: freddiebean from United States
7 October 2006

I saw this film at Sundance and can't wait for it to get distribution so that I can see it again and again! This is the kind of film that doesn't really get made anymore: witty, fun, intelligent, truly entertaining, reminiscent of classic Hollywood screwball comedy. Wonderful use of New York City as a set, sparkling script, winning performances.

Even the smaller roles are wonderfully cast and written. Every detail of the film is beautifully executed. This is how film-making should be, and as an audience member, how experiencing a film should be. The late-night audience at Sundance LOVED this film , gave a standing ovation  for the director. I am hoping nationwide audiences will soon have the same opportunity to enjoy this delightful film.