Penelope (2006)

A modern romantic tale about a young aristocratic heiress born under a curse that can only be broken when she finds true love with "one who will love her faithfully."

Director:

Mark Palansky

Writer:

Leslie Caveny

Stars:

Richard E. Grant, Christina Ricci, James McAvoy

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Richard E. Grant	...	Franklin Wilhern
Catherine O'Hara	...	Jessica Wilhern
Nick Prideaux	...	Penelope's Great-Grandfather (as Nicholas Prideaux)
Michael Feast	...	Jake / Witch
Christina Ricci	...	Penelope Wilhern
Ronni Ancona	...	Wanda
Simon Woods	...	Edward Vanderman
Paul Herbert	...	Leonard Wilhern
Simon Chandler	...	Doctor
Peter Dinklage	...	Lemon
Andi-Marie Townsend	...	Young Penelope
John Voce	...	Station Cop
Burn Gorman	...	Larry
Andrew Bailey	...	Floorman in Card Club
James McAvoy	...	Johnny / Max

Storyline

In this modern-day romantic tale, Penelope is about a young girl's inspiring journey, a mysterious family secret, and the power of love. With all odds against her, in order for Penelope to break the family curse, she must find true love with "one of her own kind" and realize the most important life lesson, "I like myself the way I am." Penelope Wilhern, born to wealthy socialites, is afflicted by the Wilhern spell that can only be broken when she finds love. Hidden away in her family's estate, the lonely girl meets a string of suitors in her parents' futile attempt to break the curse. Each eligible bachelor is enamored with Penelope and her sizable dowry; until her curse is revealed. Lemon, a mischievous and eager tabloid reporter, wants a photograph of the mysterious Penelope and hires Max to pose as a prospective suitor to get the shot. The handsome down-on-his luck gambler finds himself falling for Penelope, but, not wanting to disappoint her or to expose his surreptitious ways, he...

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Plot Keywords:

curse | parents | pig | friend | witch | 

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Taglines:

A fairytale like no other.

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Genres:

Comedy | Fantasy | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for thematic elements, some innuendo and language

Details

Official Sites:

Official site [de] Official site [us]

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

29 February 2008 (USA)

Also Known As:

Penelopa

Filming Locations:

56 Holland Park, Holland Park, London, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

$15,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$3,802,144 (USA) (29 February 2008)

Gross:

$10,011,274 (USA) (30 May 2008)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Summit Entertainment, Stone Village Pictures, Type A Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

104 min 86 min (DVD)

Sound Mix:

SDDS Dolby Digital DTS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Released in the US and UK two years after production.

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Goofs

The newspaper headline reads "Wilhern's in Hiding" whereas it should read "Wilherns" with no apostrophe.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Penelope: My parents were born into the good life. Old money, blue blooded, society sweethearts.

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Connections

References Beauty and the Beast (1976)

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Soundtracks

"High Treble"
Written and Performed by James Greenspun
License from Heroes for Nothing, LLC

User Reviews

A cute movie for all the family

I entered the cinema expecting a typical kiddie movie, I left with a that but with a great big smile on my face also. Penelope doesn't really deliver too much in the comedy department but what it does bring is a heart warming and the strong message of learning to accept yourself the way you are. Chrsitna Ricci did a good job as the girl with a snout, which the whole movie made a big deal about. James McAvoy, donning an American accent was also impressive as the love interest. Reese Witherspoon shone in this movie as both producer and as the friend of our snout bearing heroine. Overall a cast of good acting and a sweet story. Kids will laugh and adults can watch this without falling asleep. Its a perfect Sunday afternoon treat.