THE PRIVATE LIVES OF PIPPA LEE (2009)

Written & Directed By: Rebecca Miller
Based On The Book By: Rebecca Miller
Cinematography By: Declan Quinn
Editor: Sabine Hoffman

CAST: Robin Wright Penn, Alan Arkin, Monica Belucci, Blake Lively, Maria Bello, Keanu Reeves, Winona Ryder, Mike Binder, Zoe Kazan, Cornel West, Shirley Knight


The film seems to want to be deep but comes off more as stale. Which is a surprise and a bit if a disappointment considering how much I enjoyed Rebecca Miller’s previous Film PERSONAL VELOCITY.

The film isn’t horrible but you can tell it was based on a book as the story seems to develop that way slow at first but as the film goes along it gets more interesting as you know more about the characters if the whole film could have been as interesting and exciting as the last 45 minutes this film could have been really good.

It was een more disappointing since I have been waiting for the follow-up to PERSONAL VELOCITY for a number of years and this film was filmed but seemed like it was never going to be released then the book came out and I avoided reading it so I could see this on the big screen where it stayed for like two weeks which I didn’t have enough time to see it in. I am thankful because e I think the film would have been a bigger disappointment if I had seen it there.

The cast is all excellent . One of the biggest mysteries to me is why Monica Belucci is a international movie star, but when it comes to american films she is usually cast in small but crucial roles in films. Instead of starring in more films. She has beauty and acting ability. She could have been the next Salma Hayeck. Unfortunately this film is more of the same for her.

The film is about a woman named Pippa lee who is a wife and mother who has just moved to the suburbs when she starts to examine her life and think back on it. While growing closer with her next door neighbors troubled son who seems to be going through a midlife crisis.

The film is not horrible but it could have been better. It is more of a chick flick with a satisfying resolution which is rare for a film in this genre which usually leaves the audience and it’s characters depressed and sad.

GRADE: C