Private lessons is an excellent and funny film that anyone who remembers his first crushes and emotions would enjoy. Almost too provocative – for an American comedy that is – it seems to be an early version of the American Pie series, but with a unique twist. ( a reverse version of Lolita maybe).
The plot is relatively simple – the fifteen years old Philly is a spoiled and horny rich kid who gets seduced by the housekeeper- a woman in her thirties. There is a blackmail situation, although it does look a bit out of place. The soundtrack was lovely and I think that the acting was good. Especially of the young Philly, his nervous smile is what stuck to my mind after seeing the movie.
It sure brought some memories to me – I must have had the same smile Philly had in the movie or being equally nervous when one of my ex-girlfriends ( not that they are too many) once asked me “Are you sure – this is the first time you are French-kissing with a girl ?” or a bit latter “You better stop , because I start feeling all tingly” – well for one thing I honestly did not know what I was doing or was supposed to do back then. Or when my teammates from the swimming team and I hid behind the bushes or climbed the trees – to get a glimpse of the girl’s locker room – and ended up getting caught by our trainer eventually.
Private lessons brought back a memory of my confused youth life ( not that it is bright and clear now – the life and love in it, that is ). It is an excellent coming-of-age movie, and I enjoyed watching it. Most people between 12 and 30 would enjoy the film – as it would be easy for them to associate the feelings/desires of the main characters with their own.