Penelope

MPAA Rating: PG

Entertainment: +2

Content: +3

Christina Ricci, Catherine OHara, Reese Witherspoon, James McAvo, Peter Dinklage. Romantic comedy.

FILM SYNOPSIS: A modern-day fairytale about a curse placed on a family by an angered witch causing a female descendant to be born with pig features. In order to be released from the spell, the young woman must find true love with one of her own. The parable has to do with liking yourself for who you are.

PREVIEW REVIEW: The humor is often forced, especially from Catherine OHara as Penelopes haranguing mother. Normally the thief of any scene, here Ms. OHara chews scenery, as the saying goes, in an attempt to bring humor where there is none. But the tale is a gentle one aimed at those suffering from feelings of inadequacies. And its a pleasure to see a romantic comedy sans crudity and profanity. Diminutive Peter Dinklage is terrific as a newsman looking for a story at any cost.

DVD Alternatives: The Nutty Professor. Jerry Lewis was in top form as the lovable Professor Julius Kelp and his alter ego, Buddy Love. A comic version of Jekyll & Hyde with Lewis providing some of his greatest sight gags before he learns its best to be yourself. Though the remake with Eddie Murphy is funny, its also much cruder, filled with fat and flatulence jokes.

Or:

Beauty and the Beast. For mature audiences, the 1946 French version with Jean Cocteau. In order to save her father, a beautiful girl agrees to live with a feared wolf-like beast. But after time passes, they learn to love one another. This moody, atmospheric B&W rendition of the classic tale is a masterpiece. In French, with subtitles, it is both beguiling and fanciful. For the family, the Disney musical version is also most enjoyable.

Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor: Summit Entertainment

Summary
The following categories contain objective listings of film content which contribute to the subjective numeric Content ratings posted to the left and on the Home page.

Crude Language: Two sexual innuendos, but I caught no other crudity.

Obscene Language: Two minor expletives, but no harsh language.

Profanity: None

Violence: In the telling of a doomed romance, we see a woman commit suicide by jumping off a cliff. This causes her mother, the town witch, to put a hex on the family. This is all played as a parable and is handled with discretion. A frightened suitor depicts Penelope as having fangs and being vicious (neither being the case). Because of his fears, he sees a vision of her attacking him, baring monster-like teeth. Its a scary shot for little ones, but it is brief and only shown once. Blood: None

Sex: None, but a romantic kiss.

Nudity: None

Sexual Dialogue/Gesture: Two comic sexual innuendos.

Drugs:

Other: Social drinking in a bar. Our innocent heroine gets a bit tipsy after having one beer.

Running Time: 101 minutes
Intended Audience: Teens and Above

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