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Sometimes, it seems as though Hollywood has lost its sense of wonder. It’s all about the movies with coolest effects, the biggest explosions, the latest technologies, and the flashiest end products. And while the flashy films with the cool effects can be a whole lot of fun, Hollywood’s constant race for the Next Big Thing often means that simple yet magical fairy tales like Penelope get lost in the shuffle.
As is the case in most magical fairy tales, Penelope starts with a curse. Due to an old family curse, ill-fated heiress Penelope Wilhern (Christina Ricci) was born with the face of a pig. According to family legend, the curse can only be broken when Penelope finds one of her own who will love her faithfully.
Penelope’s parents (Catherine O’Hara and Richard E. Grant) sheltered their poor, pig-faced daughter from the world, looking forward to the day that she would finally marry and break the curse. Unfortunately, all of Penelope’s blue-blooded suitors run screaming from the house when they finally see her face. The only one who doesn’t is Max (James McAvoy)—but that’s just because he was hired by Lemon (Peter Dinklage), an ambitious photographer who’s determined to prove that the pig-faced girl exists.
When Max’s conscience kicks in, he walks away from the lucrative deal. And Penelope, tired of the constant rejection, decides to run away and see the outside world once and for all.
Though I had my doubts when I walked into the theater, this magical fairy tale quickly won me over. It’s bright and bold and imaginative, with colorful sets that feel timeless. You’ll never quite know when or where the story takes place—and while the random mix of fashions and technologies and accents is a bit distracting at times, it gives you the feeling that the story could take place anytime and anywhere (or perhaps just in somebody’s wild imagination).
The story itself is so delightful that it’s nearly impossible not to get caught up in it. And even if you weren’t born with a pig nose, you’ll be able to relate to the charmingly hapless main character. You can’t help but love poor Penelope—and Ricci plays her well, with curiosity and wide-eyed innocence. But Ricci isn’t the only noteworthy cast member. McAvoy is at his best as the down-and-out gambler who can’t seem to turn his life around. Though Reese Witherspoon has always driven me just a little bit crazy with her overly sweet, countrified demeanor, I absolutely loved her in her tiny role as Annie, Penelope’s first real friend. And Peter Dinklage is as brilliant as ever.
Penelope is a feel-good fairy tale that might just teach you a thing or two about yourself along the way. So if your recent moviegoing experiences have been high on flash and low on magic, this simply enchanting film is just what the doctor ordered.
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