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

Delivered to some theaters under the codename "Scarfy",

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Goofs

(at around 1 min) A part of the mattress can be seen when Penelope's mother faints in the kitchen.

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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 Arthur the King (1985)

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Soundtracks

"Waking Life"
Written by Schuyler Fisk
Performed by Schuyler Fisk
Courtesy of Lakeshore Records

User Reviews

A Beautiful Film!

I saw "Penelope" at the US premiere at CineVegas last week. It has a very sweet message about self-acceptance that we could all use a little more of these days. I loved the hyper- real, brightly colored, Tim Burtonesque look of the film, it helped to accentuate the fairy tale aspect.

I also thought all of the performances, especially Christina Ricci and Katherine O'Hara, were excellent. Reese Witherspoon as a leather wearing, gum chewing, scooter riding messenger girl seemed a bit miscast, but she was actually good and had one of the funnier lines of the film.

While there's nothing laugh out loud funny, this sweet story makes you smile again and again.

I would recommend this film for audiences of all ages because I don't think you're ever too old for it's message and it doesn't talk down to an adult audience.