Puccini for Beginners

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Puccini for Beginners

Released Feb 2, 2007

1h 22m

Romance

Comedy

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Popcornmeter

48%

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62 Reviews

45%

Popcornmeter

500+ Ratings

When her inability to commit leads to a breakup with her girlfriend (Julianne Nicholson), opera-loving writer Allegra (Elizabeth Reaser) winds up in the bed of amiable professor Philip (Gretchen Mol). He is so smitten with Allegra that he dumps his lover, Grace (Justin Kirk), and convinces Allegra to continue their affair. When Allegra meets Grace, sparks fly, and she begins a parallel romance, unaware that her new lover is the woman Philip left to be with her.

Critics Consensus

A Woody Allen-ish film that needs more of the caustic wit expected from the best New York rom coms.

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Owen Gleiberman

Entertainment Weekly

Rated: B-

Sep 7, 2011

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Andrea Gronvall

Chicago Reader

Fresh Manhattan locations prove as photogenic as the leads, and the supporting actors -- especially Tina Benko as a glacial, impeccably dressed amazon -- don't miss a beat of Maggenti's snappy dialogue.

Dec 17, 2007

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Caroline Westbrook

Empire Magazine

It's amiable enough but there's nothing on show to make it stand out from the average rom-com.

Rated: 3/5

Oct 26, 2007

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David Lamble

Bay Area Reporter

Maggenti sticks to a format of mildly clever verbal banter when the audience desperately needs to be distracted from the bad novel Allegra is making of her love life.

May 21, 2020

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Brandon Judell

New York Theatre Wire

Puccini is the joyously refreshing romancer that it tries so hard to be. Its success has a lot to do with its casting directors who have peopled both the major and minor roles with aplomb. Even off-off-Broadway legend Helen Hanft has a cameo.

Jun 8, 2007

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Jeff Vice

Deseret News (Salt Lake City)

Thankfully, Puccini for Beginners isn't quite as exploitative as you might expect for a movie about a bisexual love triangle. But that's about all the credit this flat-footed, would-be screwball comedy gets.

Rated: 1.5/4

May 18, 2007

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Audience Member

do not watch! why did i finish watching this dirty movie? i don't like the bisexual story.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

02/06/23

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Audience Member

Some funny parts on offer but on the whole an incredibly mediocre film.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

02/09/23

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Audience Member

I actually loved this more than I would have expected. ... I thought it was very well done, and to be honest, Elizabeth Reaser caught my attention in the movie Stay.. absolutely stunning performance here (as well as in Stay).. Now, if only the movie could make someone fall in love with ME.. then it would get that 5th star.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/11/23

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Audience Member

movie was fucking hilarious

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/01/23

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Audience Member

What a gem and thanks to Netflix for recommending the film based on my viewing history! This romantic comedy takes place in NY where Allegra (Elizabeth Reaser) just broke up with her girlfriend due to a fear of commitment. She feels sad and lonely until a chance encounter with a college professor named Phillip (Justin Kirk) sparks feelings never felt before for a man. Allegra views the sex as fun but is not interested in a committed relationship with him whereas Phillip breaks up with his girlfriend of six years (Grace) since he is madly in love with Allegra. Since Allegra is gay, she meets a woman and decides to date her, eventually getting involved with her. But life has a big surprise for these people and a chain reaction takes place that will change their lives forever. Great script, witty, funny and romantic. Definitely a winner and highly recommended!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/13/23

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Audience Member

petite comédie dramatique amusante.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

02/26/23

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Maria Maggenti

Director

Elizabeth Reaser

Allegra

Gretchen Mol

Grace

Justin Kirk

Philip

Jennifer Dundas

Molly

Julianne Nicholson

Samantha

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Synopsis

When her inability to commit leads to a breakup with her girlfriend (Julianne Nicholson), opera-loving writer Allegra (Elizabeth Reaser) winds up in the bed of amiable professor Philip (Gretchen Mol). He is so smitten with Allegra that he dumps his lover, Grace (Justin Kirk), and convinces Allegra to continue their affair. When Allegra meets Grace, sparks fly, and she begins a parallel romance, unaware that her new lover is the woman Philip left to be with her.

Director: Maria Maggenti
Screenwriter: Maria Maggenti
Distributor: Strand Releasing
Production Co: InDiGent Entertainment
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 2, 2007, Limited
Release Date (DVD): Jul 3, 2007
Box Office (Gross USA): $89.4K
Runtime: 1h 22m