Spring Break
Fantasy film lacks real-world connection
review
Victoria Smithee
Issue date: 2/29/08 Section: ARTS & LIFE
Generations before Penelope Wilhern's birth, one of her rich ancestors fell in love with a servant but refused to marry her.
Because of this act of snobbery, a witch cast a spell on the entire family. The first daughter born into the family would have a pig-nose until the curse is broken by a love of "one of her own kind."
The plot of "Penelope" revolves around a young woman named Penelope, played by Christina Ricci, looking for a husband who can break the curse.
She is kept locked away by her overbearing mother, played by the hilarious Catherine O'Hara. The mother and a matchmaker bring "blue-blood" men from all over to marry Penelope in exchange for a dowry and a broken curse.
The love interest, played by James McAvoy, gets to know Penelope by interacting with her through a two-way mirror, playing chess and musical instruments.
As with most fairy tale movies, the road to happiness has many bumps and the same is true for "Penelope."
The intended audience of this movie is unknown. With a PG rating, producers probably want children to see the movie, but youngsters may not pick up on some of the humor.
The biggest distraction in the movie (for adults) would be the number of anachronisms. The costumes and the set, designed with a whimsical feel, lend themselves to a story told in past centuries. But, with mentions of Vespas and shots of skyscrapers, the scenes edge into the modern world.
Yes, it's a fantasy, and no, a concrete place and time do not have to exist, but with live-action characters and contemporary subjects, the lack of setting leaves a hole in the film.
Ultimately, this film would be good for those teens who haven't reached the rebellious "I'm too cool for kids' movies" stage, or adults who want to indulge in a cheesy fantasy movie.
Because of this act of snobbery, a witch cast a spell on the entire family. The first daughter born into the family would have a pig-nose until the curse is broken by a love of "one of her own kind."
The plot of "Penelope" revolves around a young woman named Penelope, played by Christina Ricci, looking for a husband who can break the curse.
She is kept locked away by her overbearing mother, played by the hilarious Catherine O'Hara. The mother and a matchmaker bring "blue-blood" men from all over to marry Penelope in exchange for a dowry and a broken curse.
The love interest, played by James McAvoy, gets to know Penelope by interacting with her through a two-way mirror, playing chess and musical instruments.
As with most fairy tale movies, the road to happiness has many bumps and the same is true for "Penelope."
The intended audience of this movie is unknown. With a PG rating, producers probably want children to see the movie, but youngsters may not pick up on some of the humor.
The biggest distraction in the movie (for adults) would be the number of anachronisms. The costumes and the set, designed with a whimsical feel, lend themselves to a story told in past centuries. But, with mentions of Vespas and shots of skyscrapers, the scenes edge into the modern world.
Yes, it's a fantasy, and no, a concrete place and time do not have to exist, but with live-action characters and contemporary subjects, the lack of setting leaves a hole in the film.
Ultimately, this film would be good for those teens who haven't reached the rebellious "I'm too cool for kids' movies" stage, or adults who want to indulge in a cheesy fantasy movie.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Imyli Jane
posted 11/22/08 @ 5:05 PM CST
I love this movie, but I guess I would fall into the "teens who haven't reached the rebellious 'I'm too cool for kids' movies' stage" category(I'm 15). (Continued…)
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