Opened: February 29, 2008

Directed by: Mark Palansky

Starring: Christina Ricci, James McAvoy, Catherine O’Hara, Peter Dinklage, Richard E. Grant, Reese Witherspoon, Ronni Ancona, Simon Woods, Nick Frost, Nigel Havers, Burn Gorman, Russell Brand, John Voce, Lenny Henry, Richard Leaf & Michael Feast

Penelope may have a heartwarming message and a charming cast, but the storyline is too fantastical to make it seem the tiniest bit realistic.

Because of a curse placed on her father’s (Richard E. Grant) family, Penelope (Christina Ricci) was born with the face of a pig. The curse can only be broken by “one of her own,” whom her mother (Catherine O’Hara) desperately searches for. Max (James McAvoy) is sent to con Penelope but falls for her.

Despite the challenges Penelope faces, the film’s formulaic plot makes everything happen too easy for her. You don’t feel the way she’s challenged – starting with the fact that Ricci still looks great even with a pig nose.

While Ricci is great, the standouts are the fabulously over-the-top O’Hara and the wonderfully romantic McAvoy.

Final say: The script is the curse. ★★☆☆☆