Compost Studios

Restless but tired and looking for something to do, I cruised Netflix's instant viewing section over the weekend and came across the movie Penelope. A double-click later, and I was engrossed in a modern day fairy tale starring Christina Ricci and James McAvoy.

As a result of a generations-old family curse, Penelope was born to her blue-blooded parents with the face of a pig. Her father, played by Richard Grant, takes things in stride, but her mother is hysterical, willing to take extreme measures to protect Penelope from shame and degradation and the paparrazzi that are stalking her.

The curse can only be broken when Penelope is loved by someone of her own kind, so when she becomes an adult, her mother devotes all her energy to finding a socially elite suitor from the upper crust for her. Penelope becomes bored and discouraged with the process and longs for a normal life. The movie's story revolves around what happens when James McAvoy is sent into Penelope's life to take advantage of her and her situation.

Reese Witherspoon, the movie's producer, plays a supporting role as Penelope's Vespa-driving, leather-jacket wearing girlfriend. It's fun to see Reese be a tough-talking bad grrrl for a change.

Christina Ricci was perfect for the lead role, her large expressive eyes conveying an otherworldliness that suited this modern day fable. James McAvoy delivers a sympathetic performance as Max, Penelope's suitor. Catherine O'Hara, as Penelope's overbearing and misguided mother, almost steals the show.

The script is funny, the action interesting and nicely paced, and the characters are entertaining. The movie delivers multiple valuable messages about beauty, acceptance, celebrity, and social class. I really enjoyed this film, and so did my 11-year-old daughter.

Fun to rent or watch via Netflix, and the perfect birthday gift for a tween girl or young teen. Rated PG.