Review of film: “PENELOPE”

Review of film:   “PENELOPE”  --  Pig In An (Emotional) Poke(y)  =   

 [ RATING:  6.25 of 10 stars ] 

Date Rated: Feb 23, 2008 | Rel. Date: Feb 29, 2008:

[Based on an advance screening:]  This was produced by Reese Witherspoon, who plays a small role in it as best friend to 'Penelope' (CHRISTINA RICCI). Filmed in 2006, it was held (for various possible reasons) and is being released now possibly because of the high visibility of co-star JAMES McAVOY (from 'Atonement') who plays a down-on-his-luck gambler trying to court Penelope in order to get money from a paparazzi reporter who wants photos…

…  Penelope needs a best friend because she has been cursed with cosmetically-unrepairable features such as a pig-like nose (due to improper class-conscious actions of her father's ancestor). Her mother (CATHERINE O'HARA) works hard to get her married off to a rich suitor, believing a kiss from such a person will restore Penelope's looks to normal.  But, when the efforts fail, Penelope runs away from home to try to build her own life. The film is a generally pleasant humorous fantasy, but somewhat weak in its writing and development.