To begin, I am sorry to say that this film was something of a letdown for me. I am proud to admit that I am a pathetic addict of cutesy fairy-tale movies, the more over-the-top and sing-songy, the better. I think that is where "Penelope" failed me. In my eyes, it never quite reached it's disgustingly adorable potential while I sat in the theatre, enjoying the movie, but still waiting for some big grandiose scene that would cause all cynics to roll their eyes. I waited and waited, but nothing ever came beyond pretty decent. And really, this is a story that should have worked. Great idea, great actors. What made it so "just all right"?
Really, if you are going to make a modern fairy tale about a girl with the face of a pig, you might as well go all the way. It seemed as if they were afraid of making it too cheesy, too cute. Well, boys, that is what the intended audience WANTED! The beginning was good and flamboyant, the ending satisfying for all hopeless romantics. It was the middle that was just too ordinary for me. I wanted to feel the passion at new world. I wanted to like the romance! But it never grabbed me the way it should have.
Still, thankfully, the basic formula was good and that was the saving grace here. There have been several fairy tales throughout folklore history involving a girl switching her own head for that of a pig or some other animal, so I was happy with that. True to fairy tale form, she was "locked in a tower"--actually just living comfortably at home while the rest of the world believed she had died as an infant. There is the line of suitors whilst Penelope waits for Prince Charming.
Then, as befits inspiring modern-day girls, Penelope gets sick of waiting around to be rescued from her curse and sets out into the world. I admit, the scene where she pulls open the too-familiar gate of her home to reveal a glittering city scene did bring a tear to my eye.
And, of course, we get the good, inspiring message and I certainly can't complain about that.
The acting was also good. I have a soft spot for Christina Ricci and her naive beauty, which made her perfect for the role as Penelope; she was a perfect modern-day cursed princess. I realize that Catherine O'Hara bothers some people, but frankly her zaniness entertains me. The rest of the crew certainly held their own.
So, yes, I did enjoy this movie and I will probably buy it on DVD where multiple viewings will make it worm its way into my heart. After all, there is plenty to love about "Penelope" and its positive message.
But it never gave the bang I was looking for.
Really, if you are going to make a modern fairy tale about a girl with the face of a pig, you might as well go all the way. It seemed as if they were afraid of making it too cheesy, too cute. Well, boys, that is what the intended audience WANTED! The beginning was good and flamboyant, the ending satisfying for all hopeless romantics. It was the middle that was just too ordinary for me. I wanted to feel the passion at new world. I wanted to like the romance! But it never grabbed me the way it should have.
Still, thankfully, the basic formula was good and that was the saving grace here. There have been several fairy tales throughout folklore history involving a girl switching her own head for that of a pig or some other animal, so I was happy with that. True to fairy tale form, she was "locked in a tower"--actually just living comfortably at home while the rest of the world believed she had died as an infant. There is the line of suitors whilst Penelope waits for Prince Charming.
Then, as befits inspiring modern-day girls, Penelope gets sick of waiting around to be rescued from her curse and sets out into the world. I admit, the scene where she pulls open the too-familiar gate of her home to reveal a glittering city scene did bring a tear to my eye.
And, of course, we get the good, inspiring message and I certainly can't complain about that.
The acting was also good. I have a soft spot for Christina Ricci and her naive beauty, which made her perfect for the role as Penelope; she was a perfect modern-day cursed princess. I realize that Catherine O'Hara bothers some people, but frankly her zaniness entertains me. The rest of the crew certainly held their own.
So, yes, I did enjoy this movie and I will probably buy it on DVD where multiple viewings will make it worm its way into my heart. After all, there is plenty to love about "Penelope" and its positive message.
But it never gave the bang I was looking for.