Penelope is a modern fairytale which redefines the genre for a new millennium. Unlike the traditional princess tale, this modern reimagining features the strong princess, a contemporary setting, and a prince that is not exactly in shining armor. While fans of Enchanted and Ella Enchanted will likely love this tale, I prefer Penelope for the positive body image storyline, which is a great change for young women. This is an untraditional fairytale love story about learning to love yourself no matter what your short-comings may be.
Penelope (Christina Ricci) is born into a high-society family. The world should be at her feet, but she due to a strange curse on her family, she is born with a face like a pig (and no, it can’t be fixed with plastic surgery). The only thing that can reverse it is for a blue-blood to accept her as one of their own. Her parents fake her death and keep her hidden away to protect her from tabloid reporters, specifically one named Lemon (Peter Dinklage) that almost got a picture of Penelope as a baby. Once she is old enough, her mother (Catherine O’Hara) arranges to use a match-making service dealing only with high-society clients. The suitors all come for the sizable dowry, but run once they see her.
Everything changes when she meets Max (James McAvoy); a handsome, charming, and down on his luck gambler. He is hired to get a picture of the “hideous pig faced girl,” but Max and Penelope fall in love. Our unlikely couple are a wonderful match, but when the truth is revealed, Max leaves and it devastates our heroine.
Heartbroken, Penelope strikes out on her own for the first time in her life. Along the way to finding herself, Penelope makes friends including a spunky bike messenger (Reese Witherspoon), and she learns to love herself. She is able to really live for the first time in her life.
This story is an amazing example of a modern, likable princess that does not fit the traditional mold. I cannot recommend this film enough. The breathtaking beauty of the shots and amazing use of color is reason enough, but when combined by the moving, yet hilarious, story of this young woman you have a film that will stand the test of time.
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