The Story:
Penelope (Christina Ricci) is born with a curse. Born with the face of a pig, she is cursed to look that way until she is loved by one of her own. Her parents (Richard Grant and Catherine O'Hara) assume it's the love of a rich suitor. Of course, all men run screaming from the room once they lay eyes on Penelope's snout. But that all changes when a young suitor (James McAvoy) comes calling. Is he in it for love, or the money?
Nothing like scouring the Netflix archives for movies that I've never seen/heard of. From 2006 comes this little romantic comedy gem from writer Leslie Caveny and director Mark Palansky. It's their first times in feature roles for either, and they do a great job.
This modern day fairy tale is pretty cute. Ricci is far from hideous, yet that is a driving part of the film. Rich suitors come and go, all signing non-disclosure agreements until one guy gets away without signing.
Then the hunt for "pig-girl" begins.
Enter McAvoy who is used as a plot device to capture a picture of the hideous princess for publication.
He charms her, and is taken aback at her appearance, yet does not flee.
Eventually, it all falls apart and Penelope takes off to brave the world alone.
She meets and befriends a local (Reese Witherspoon) and begins to live and enjoy her life.
And then... the curse is magically lifted, but not in any way that was expected.
Will love win out after all?
Cute stuff, and I'm glad I found it in the archives.
Final Grade: Solid B
Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: I'd have no problem watching this one again in the future.
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