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Penelope
2007 104 min United Kingdom, United States of America PG 18+
★6.4
Fantasy, Comedy, Romance
Director: Mark Palansky
Trailers
Description
Forlorn heiress Penelope Wilhern is cursed, and the only way out is to fall in love with someone of suitable stock. But how can she find her soulmate when she's sequestered inside her family's estate with only her parents to keep her company? This untraditional fairy tale is about a girl who bucks convention to create her own happy ending.
Budget:
$15M
US Gross:
$10.01M
Worldwide:
$21.16M
Starring
Christina Ricci
Actor
James McAvoy
Actor
Reese Witherspoon
Actor
Key opinion
Penelope is widely regarded as a charming and sincere modern fairy tale, praised for its whimsical atmosphere and strong lead performances. While some critics find the plot simplistic or predictable, audiences largely embrace its heartwarming message about self-acceptance and inner beauty.
| Acting | Christina Ricci delivers a fragile, emotionally authentic performance that grounds the film's fantasy elements. | |
| Acting | James McAvoy provides an irresistible, natural charm that makes his character's romantic connection to Penelope believable. | |
| Production | The film utilizes a vibrant color palette, beautiful cityscapes, and whimsical production design to create a magnetic, fairy-tale atmosphere. | |
| Screenplay | The narrative is widely viewed as a sweet, heartfelt exploration of self-love, though it is frequently described as simplistic or bordering on banality. | |
| Pacing | The pacing of the central romance divides opinion: some find the connection between the leads magical and sufficient, while others argue the relationship lacks the development necessary to feel fully earned. |