Penelope (2006)

User Rating:

7.2/10   

Director:

Mark Palansky

Writer (WGA):

Leslie Caveny (written by)

Release Date:

29 February 2008 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Fantasy | Romance

Tagline:

A fairytale like no other.

Plot:

A modern romantic tale about a young aristocratic heiress born under a curse that can only be broken when she finds true love with "one who will love her faithfully."

Plot Keywords:

Love | Curse | Pig | Friend | Witch

Cast

Richard E. Grant	...	Franklin Wilhern
Catherine O'Hara	...	Jessica Wilhern
Nick Prideaux	...	Penelope's Great Grandfather (as Nicholas Prideaux)
Michael Feast	...	Jake / Witch
Christina Ricci	...	Penelope Wilhern
Ronni Ancona	...	Wanda
Simon Woods	...	Edward Vanderman
Paul Herbert	...	Leonard Wilhern
Simon Chandler	...	Doctor
Peter Dinklage	...	Lemon
Andi-Marie Townsend	...	Young Penelope
John Voce	...	Station Cop
Burn Gorman	...	Larry
Andrew Bailey	...	Floorman in Card Club
James McAvoy	...	Johnny / Max

MPAA:

Rated PG for thematic elements, some innuendo and language. (foreign cut)

Runtime:

104 min | Thailand:86 min (DVD)

Country:

UK | USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

SDDS | Dolby Digital | DTS

Certification:

USA:PG (foreign cut) | Taiwan:GP | Ireland:PG | Canada:PG (Ontario) | Germany:6 | Hong Kong:I | Singapore:PG | South Korea:12 | Finland:K-7 | Australia:PG | USA:PG

Filming Locations:

Hall Barn, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, England, UK

Company:

Grosvenor Park Productions

Trivia:

In the scene where Christina Ricci's character catches James McAvoy trying to steal a book, she mentions that the room has 300 First editions worth over $50,000. This totals to $15,000,000: the budget of the film.

Goofs:

Continuity: When Max/John first plays the piano, his fingernails are chewed to the quick. The hands later playing the piano expertly have well-manicured nails.

Quotes:

[first lines]
Penelope: My parents were born into the good life. Old money, blue blooded, society sweethearts.

Movie Connections:

References "Hallmark Hall of Fame: Beauty and the Beast" (1976)

Soundtrack:

Relax

An uplifting tale with something for everyone.

I saw this at a preview and really enjoyed this movie. It's a wonderful take on the common theme of accepting who you are, not what you are.

Although aimed at tweens/teens, it has elements which also makes this entertaining for adults. It has great visual appeal, slapstick humor as well as clever writing throughout.

This movie deserves to be successful and it's best promotional vehicle will be word of mouth.

It is well cast and Cristina Ricci, as the main character, is instantly engaging.

A fun movie for all !