Movie Review: Penelope

“Penelope” stars the ever watchable Christina Ricci. She always chooses interesting roles in interesting movies. Ricci plays Penelope, a young woman whose family has been cursed. Penelope has a pig’s snout for a nose and has been hidden away by her family, finding herself longing to go out in the world and experience life. James McAvoy is well cast as her unlikely suitor. This is a charming fable reminding me of “Princess Bride” in its beautiful art direction, clever dialogue and smart screenplay. Its a fable about the trappings of society and acceptance of who you are.

The lead actors are charming and perfectly cast. The supporting cast are excellent, particularly Peter Dinklage who was so brilliant in “The Station Agent”. What a great actor. If you haven’t seen “The Station Agent” please do yourself a favor and rent it.

With beautiful lighting, art direction, make-up, costumes and excellent acting and direction this is a movie for your must see list.

2008. Directed by Mark Palansky. Starring Christina Ricci, James McAvoy, Peter Dinklage, Reese Witherspoon, Catherine O’Hara, Richard E. Grant and Michael Feast.

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