I like movies that are aware of what they are selling... without [any] greater aspirations than to make people laugh and that's it.

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties.

what a terribly boring film. I'm sorry but this is absolutely not deserving of best picture and will be forgotten quickly. Entertaining and engaging cinema? No. Nothing performances with flat faces and mistaking silence for subtlety.

One of the film's great tricks is that, for a time, you think it will go down a rabbit hole of unrealistic glorification.

I was a little leery at first when I read the synopsis, but this is one movie I thoroughly enjoyed. The characters were interconnected, well chosen, and delivered good performances. However, I think the magic in this movie is the script and direction. As a gay person who loves gay themed movies, this one really stood out with a bizarre quad love story. People who found something in common with one person, whether they were alike or different. One of the things I liked most about the story had nothing to do with the main characters but the sushi chefs who added comedy at the right moment. I recognized the main male character from TRICK and I'm glad to see him in something else, his character free flowing style and intellect was the perfect counterpart for the main lesbian character to be mesmerized by. But we all too soon learn, she's easily mesmerized. Anyway, I say let's add this to our top 20 list gay movies that hits the A list as far as I'm concerned. Watch it, enjoy it.

Yes, we get it. Lesbianism is in. It's way cool and hip.Thing is, it doesn't make for good movies. And when an entire film is centered upon a self-absorbed lesbian's facile and pointless introspection on her lesbianism, it takes the reasonably intelligent viewer about fifteen seconds to know that spending even another fifteen seconds upon the movie is fifteen seconds wasted. The characters are the typical Manhattanite stereotypes, are acted amateurishly, and aren't the least bit interesting.Rubbish - pretentious and insulting rubbish. Steer way clear unless you like to watch trash films just for the sake of watching trash films.

I really wanted to like "Puccini for Beginners" but it is a heavily flawed film.1. It is not funny enough. I don't think I laughed out loud once and I only chuckled a few time.2. The main character is not sympathetic enough. She is cheating on both her boyfriend and her girlfriend.3. It steals too much from the Woody Allen films "Annie Hall" and "Manhattan" but is not nearly as clever as it wants to be.4. There is hardly any opera music or reference to opera. With a title that contains the name "Puccini," I was expecting opera to play a bigger part.Despite that, there are some mildly funny parts and the cast is attractive, especially Gretchen Moll. I wish she had been in the film more."Puccini for Beginners" is not a really bad film but it is disappointing because it could have been much better. If you are looking for a good lesbian themed comedy, watch "Gray Matters." It was much funnier.

Nice NYC comic romp with a fatal flaw: central character just isn't likable. She's cheating, she's lying, she's whining, she only talks about herself -- so why is everyone falling all over her, aside from sex...Ms. Mol was a true bright spot in this film. Central character needed some of her charm and warmth -- both in writing and delivery.This was Closing Night film of a very successful 11th Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival with director and star Justin Kirk in attendance. It received a very warm reception.Filmed in 18 days 9/05 and doesn't look nearly as low budget as it was.