Movie Review - Penelope

Director : Mark Palansky
Release Date : Febuary, 2008

Cast :
Christina Ricci as Penelope Wilhern
Catherine O'Hera as Jessica Wilhern
Richard E. Grant as Franklinn Wilhern
James McAvoy as Johnny / Max
Simon Woods as Edward Vanderman
Peter Dinklage as Lemon
Reese Witherspoon as Annie
Runtime : 104 mins
My Rating : 7 / 10

Plot : In this modern day romantic tale, Penelope is about a young girl's inspiring journey, a mysterious family secret and the power of love. With all odds against her, in order for Penelope to break the family curse, she must find true love with "one of her own kind" and realize the most important life lesson, "I like myself the way I am." Penelope Wilhern, born to wealthy societies, is affected by the Whilhern spell that can only be broken when she finds love. Hidden away in her family's estate, the lonely girl meets a string of suitors in her parent's futile attempt to break the curse. Each eligible bachelor is enamored with Penelope and her sizable dowry; until her curse is revealed. Lemon, a mischievous and eager tabloid reporter wants a photograph of the mysterious Penelope and hires Max to pose as a prospective suitor to get the shot. The handsome down-on-his luck gambler finds himself falling for Penelope... (written by Summit Entertainment)


My Thoughts : I haven't had time to watch movies lately.
But since I was on vacation, I had some time to spare.
I didn't expect anything of this movie, NOTHING.
That's why I really liked this movie I guess.

It teaches us that appearances are not always as it seems, that inside "is" more inportant than what you look on the outside. How can you not love this story? Besides, I'm a big James McAvoy's Fan ! I also love the filmography, it's very colourful, creamy, dark and beautiful. It's like "Alice in Wonderland" where you feel like you're being sucked into another world. In this case, Penelope's world, and I did like it.
The whole concept of falling in love with someone with our heart first is quite a dream and a fantasy for me. But I think we all want our other half to look at us for what we are and not by how we look. I very much liked this movie and will definitely watch it again !