Rich girl Penelope (Christina Ricci) can only break the curse of her unattractive and inoperable snout if she finds love with "one of her kind," so her mom (Catherine O'Hara) feverishly works to marry her to any blue blood who will take her. Unfortunately, every guy runs screaming from Penelope, except Max (James McAvoy), who fears he cannot give Penelope everything she needs. A just-right Peter Dinklage appears as a ruthless reporter and perpetually appealing Reese Witherspoon plays one of Penelope's pals.
Big question: Can this fairy tale make a less offensive statement about beauty and self-esteem than Paris Hilton's loathsome ugly duckling tale "The Hottie and the Nottie"?
Catch it: Finding ugliness in so-called beauty and beauty in so-called ugliness, "Penelope" is a story about parents trying to shield their child from the cruelties of the world while oblivious to their own cruel treatment toward the child herself. The movie overdoes the suitors' objections -- even guys who were turned off probably wouldn't need to jump out the window -- but understands that people, and young girls in particular, only look as good to others as they look to themselves.
Skip it: If you think every member of a celebrity's entourage is there for the right reasons. After the public takes a liking to Penelope, her mother insists that she doesn't have friends, just fans. Harsh, mom!
Bottom line: A mid-movie twist is as predictable as it gets, and the message isn't as brave as it could be--let's just say metaphorical transformations can be more empowering than literal ones. Ricci makes us feel the sting of an overly critical society, though, and the pride that comes from finally being able to smile at the person staring back at you in the mirror.
Bonus: Just a reminder that if a child is born with a Penelope-like resemblance to a pig, there are probably better games to play with them than "This Little Piggie." Er, same goes for "Steal the Bacon."
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mpais@tribune.com
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