 Penelope
a.k.a. “Pénélope” MPAA Rating:
 for thematic elements, some innuendo and languageReview coming from Contributor: Dymphna Meeds _____
Moviemaking Quality:
_____
Primary Audience:
Older Childern to Adults
Genre:
Fantasy, Comedy, Drama
Length:
1 hr. 41 min.
Year of Release:
2008
USA Release:
February 29, 2008
          Relevant Issues
 I’m ugly. Why was God so unfair to me this way? Answer
“What makes us different makes us beautiful. Sometimes true love is right under your nose.”
See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.   Movie Critics
“…the film could use some tightening of its sluggish midsection… Ricci's Penelope is not nearly hideous enough to justify their horrified exits (flinging themselves from an upstairs manor window) is the script's first stumbling block.…” “…a muddled, charm-free fairy tale… Without humor the movie’s messages about self-acceptance, snobbery and a paparazzi-infected media register as annoyingly smug.…” “…There are some flat moments, to be sure, and Palansky's direction can be a bit unsteady and awkward, but he doesn't wallow in the eccentricities or the modestly self-empowering moral. This fairy tale feels pleasantly down-to-earth.” “…‘Penelope’ isn’t a bad movie. It isn’t a particularly good one, either, but for viewers who are susceptible to modern-day fairy tales that are heavy on whimsy, sweeping soundtracks, and easily digestible life lessons about the importance of inner beauty, I can see how it might be seductive.…” Positive
Positive - Few movies warm my heart without being overly sad or melancholy, but 'Penelope' is a delightfully funny and sweet fairy tale that leaves you with a smile on its face long after the closing credits. It is mindful of its messages but not preachy in delivering them, and there was a twist about twenty minutes from the end that I absolutely loved, as I did not expect it. Ricci has been in so many brooding, dark films that it's delightful to see her as the spirited and sweet Penelope, who is innocent of the world and just wants to be accepted despite her deformities. The rest of the cast is equally delightful, ranging from Richard E. Grant as her frustrated father to Reese Witherspoon as her best friend. It may not appeal to everyone, but to young women looking for inspiration and strength without the unwanted encumbrances of scandal and inappropriate behavior, they will find a true and lasting friend in 'Penelope.' Positive - Penelope is an enchanting, thoughtful movie full of interesting characters. The sets and costumes suggest a fairytale and add to the charm of the film. The story has a few unexpected twists and is thought-provoking, exploring the topics of physical beauty, motivation and self-acceptance. Some viewers will find the consumption of alcohol objectionable (to the point of intoxication at least once) and there are a few bad words thrown in, but overall it is a wholesome movie that many will enjoy. Positive - I saw this movie with some friends of mine for my birhtday. We all really enjoyed it and the consensus was that it was a very 'cute' movie. There was some mild swearing, a few innapropriate comments, and a somewhat scary image that would frighten young children. However, on the whole, it was a sweet movie with a good message about accepting who you are physically. It could also serve as an encouragmen to girls who are struggling with not being 'accepted' by their peers.
I would suggest this movie for ages 16+, because of the innapropriate remarks.
Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 4 Positive - I went to see this movie with a friend, and we both thoroughly enjoyed it! While the story had potential of being cheesy, it never went too over the top. The acting was great - we especially enjoyed James McAvoy in his role. The story was sweet and well-written and I liked the soundtrack, as well. It was a very clean movie, and while it wasn't super amazing or full of depth, I definitely recommend it, although not for very young children. Positive - This movie was a very sweet film about a young woman who learns to accept herself for who she is. While the whole concept of a 'pig face' is rather absurd, the plotline and characters never lack the emotion to get you to empathize. The film does have its flaws though: one main character is addicted to gambling (this is not portrayed as good, and he does confront this and take steps to get over it), there is some drinking in it (one character gets drunk), and a couple very mild profanities.
All in all a good film - well-paced, well-thought out, and well-delivered. The moral themes in this movie are extremely touching if you yourself have been there. I took my sixteen-year-old brother to see it (against his will), and he really liked it! For older children and up, I'd say.
Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 4 Positive - I thought this was an excellent movie about seeing beyond someone's outward appearance. It's refreshing to watch a movie in which the main character is not a beauty queen and this is not looked down upon, except by a few characters in the story who are meant to be ridiculous! Penelope's 'pig' nose, although a major focus of the film, became less significant for me as the story unfolded and I was able to see who she really was. It faded into the background as I got to see her heart. This is a very important message for all who struggle with their physical appearance, and even those who don't! There are, however, a few objectionable, and unnecessary, scenes in the movie. Penelope's friend (played by Reese Witherspoon) makes a sexual innuendo which could have been left out of the movie. Also, there is a scene in which Penelope gets drunk, although she's just sitting at a bar and not acting out of control or anything, as one would normally expect in a movie. There are a handful of unnecessary curse words, though mild for today's standards. Also, the premise of Penelope's 'pig' nose being due to a curse may be objectionable to some, as a witch is involved in the very beginning and end of the movie. The final objectionable scene I'd like to point out is when Penelope's love interest, played by James McAvoy, asks her, 'What if the curse can never be broken?' (It is believed, throughout the movie, that the curse can be broken if Penelope finds true love with one of her own kind ~ namely a man of money and stature ~ which turns out to be false.) And Penelope answers, 'Then I'll kill myself.' That statement did not add to the movie in any way! So many people struggle with suicide issues, a high percentage of which are teenage girls who will probably this movie, and this is a very sensitive topic. It definitely should have been deleted from the film. Overall, I really did enjoy the movie and the innocence of the main character was a delight! Neutral
Neutral - I took my 3 little girls to see this movie. The things I DIDN'T like were - the seen where Penelope gets DRUNK! An ugly old witch, and a VERY scary pig face made my kids jump a little. There are a LOT of gambling seens and there are many people drinking through out the movie. Penelope's mom is a horrible example of what a mother should be, and she is very disrespectful to her husband. There are parts where men go crashing out of windows, but it is implied that they are not hurt. I dont remember much language, so nothing jumped out at me too badly. Penelope lies to her parents, steals their credit card, and runs away. Okay- that's a lot of things I know. I DID like the fact that gambling is shown as a dark and harmful addiction, Penelope learns to love herself the way she is, and a man falls in love with her even though she is not beautiful. I also loved the wardrobes and settings. Beautiful movie making in that sense. I wouldn't take little ones to this movie again. A teen movie at the least- if that. Great for adults!!! |
E-mail this page to a friend
