Penelope

Rating: PG

Brought to you by OBS staff member Annabell Cadiz

From the outside, Penelope (Christian Ricci) seems to have everything, she’s a wealthy heiress and part of a royal family, she looks to have everything any little girl could want. But due to a curse set upon her family, by a witch because of a mistake one of her ancestors had made in the past, Penelope’s face is cursed with the nose of a pig. The curse came with a condition, Penelope has to find someone to love one of her own kind (blue blood or “rich dude” to love her). She sets out to find a husband but every man who sees her runs from her. Max (James McAvoy) is the only one who doesn’t run, who shows genuine interest in knowing her. Except what Penelope doesn’t know is that Max was sent in to spy to get evidence of Penelope’s face by a photographer set out for revenge. Penelope ends up running away, desperate to find freedom from her family and the constant watch they place on her. Penelope goes on adventure where she not only finds herself but true love.

True to all romantic comedies, Penelope is about a girl who comes to realize loving herself is what matters the most, acceptance of oneself. Even though the plot is a bit predictable I ABSOULTELY LOVED THIS MOVIE! It was so cute and very sweet!

Penelope adds a bit of a fairytale twist through the curse placed on Penelope. The pig nose, in my opinion, was actually really adorable! Penelope’s narcotic and high-strong mother, played by Catherine O’Hara, is very amusing to watch because she’s so dang crazy! James McAvoy was, as always, a delicious pleasure. And even though Reese Whitherspoon had a small role in the movie, I love watching her! She’s one of my favorite actresses and it was fun seeing her play the eccentric, slightly cynical side kick of Penelope.

Penelope is a charming modern day fairytale the entire family can enjoy!

Running Time: 90 minutes

Director: Mark Palansky

Rating: 10/10 stars