Movie Review: Disney’s Cinderella (2015 film)

Disney has been dishing out live action remakes of their most popular animated films; each so far just as if not more successful than the animated version. I have enjoyed the new adaptions, which will be discussed separately at a later date, but I’d be lying if I said when I heard about “remakes” I wasn’t concerned they would change the story. However when it came to the 2015 adaption of Cinderella those thoughts were quickly erased as Kenneth Branagh directed what I’m sure will be called another Disney classic just like it’s animated version. While I’m sure everyone knows the story, here is a spoiler alert because it is unavoidable. I DO NOT OWN THE PICTURE.

Ella (Lily James with Eloise Webb as a younger version) has had a very good childhood with her lovely mother (Hayley Atwell) and father (Ben Chaplin) until her mother suddenly passes away; Ella promising to honor her mother’s dying wish “have courage and be kind”. Years later Ella’s father remarries the widow of an old friend, Lady Tremaine (Cate Blanchett) who brings along her dimwitted and mean daughters Anastasia (Holliday Granger) and Drisella (Sophie McShera). Ella’s father soon leaves for another business trip and Lady Tremaine’s cruel and jealousy to Ella begins; forcing Ella to move to the attic. Ella’s father dies on the trip and Lady Tremaine, to “save money” dismisses the staff; forcing Ella to do all the work while her step-family torments her with their cruel nicknames including “Cinderella.”

Ella almost runs away from home because of it, but runs into a young man named Kit (Richard Madden) part of the royal hunting party while saving a stag. The two become quickly smitten with each other and part. Unbeknownst to Ella Kit is the crown prince set to take up the throne soon as the King (Derek Jacobi) is dying. Both the king and the Grand Duke (Stellan Skarsgård) want Kit to throw a ball and marry a princess to help the kingdom (in the Grand Duke’s opinion the Princess Chelena of a country with rich resources). Kit does agree to the ball, along with his friend only known as The Captain (Nonso Anozie), but only if every eligible young lady is invited as well; a not exactly subtle way to try and see Ella again. News of the ball soon spreads and Ella step-family nearly work her to the bone preparing them while her step mother (after insulting and tearing her gown) forbid her from going. Shortly after they leave Ella’s fairy godmother (Helena Bonham Carter) arrives and (in hilarious fashion) uses magic to send Ella to the ball with a pumpkin carriage, mice turned horses, goose coachman, lizard footmen, an absolutely gorgeous ballgown and glass slippers. However Fairy godmother tells Ella the magic will end at midnight so she must leave before then. Ella reunites with Kit, now knowing he’s the prince, and the two spend the evening together falling in love. Ella leaves in a hurry at midnight, dropping one of her slippers along the way, but manages to get home before her step-family and hides the other slipper.

However Lady Tremaine shortly figures out it was Ella at the ball finding the slipper and, after Ella refuses to give in to her demands, locks her in the attic and destroys the shoe. Using the slipper and knowledge of the Grand Duke’s deception Lady Tremaine blackmails the Grand Duke so they both get what they want. Kit agrees to marry the Princess Chelena, but only if the Grand Duke cannot find the mystery girl.

I know I gave away basically everything but the ending; it’s Cinderella it’s not hard to figure it out, but that is because I wanted to show just how different this film is compared to other versions of the classic fairy tale. The animated Disney film was one of my favorites growing up, a friend of mine states it is her favorite movie of all time, but I thought this live action adaption was even better. Lily James was perfect as Cinderella; not just gorgeous but showcases exactly what Cinderella strives to be: kind hearted. While there is nothing wrong with the animated Cinderella I thought James’s version had a bit more spunk and was much more modern (I think that was the goal.) Richard Madden was not only very handsome to look at, but did a fabulous job as Kit (in this version we actually get a name). The prince in the animated film kinda just felt like he was there as the romantic partner (that changed over one of the two direct to DVD animated sequels), but Madden showed Kit as someone struggling with his position in power as well as deciding what is best for the kingdom and his heart. In a way Kit combined the animated film as well as the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical. Madden and James’s chemistry was incredible and I hope they continue in more projects; I read they were on stage in Westminster two years ago as another pair of famous lovers Romeo and Juliet.

Of course Cinderella and the prince are not the only memorable characters. Cate Blanchett is one of the best actresses today and she manages to steal the show no matter hat movie she’s in. This is once again the case regarding her performance as the cruel Lady Tremaine. Truth be told I often forget how evil the step-mother is compared to other Disney villains, but whenever I watch Disney’s versions I remember almost within a minute of meeting her. Blanchett’s really captured Lady Tremaine’s essence as she calmly torments Cinderella and later nearly loosing it when Ella defies her. Nonzo Anozie is fantastic to watch as the Captain, usually the voice of reason or very funny, Skarsgård is interesting as the Grand Duke (definitely not like the animated film), Granger and McShera are hilarious as the stepsisters and finally while for her short period of time on screen Bonham Carter is very enjoyable as the Fairy Godmother.

The film takes elements from the animated film, the fairy tale as well as bits of other versions, but at the same time I thought the film sticks out on its own; it is definitely one of my favorite versions of Cinderella in recent memory. Everything from the writing, cast, Oscar nominated costumes and music for me was spot on perfection. Time will tell if this stands among the other live action remakes Disney has or are currently planning, but for now the live action Disney Cinderella movie is worth the watch.

Why I Love Harry Potter Plus Quick Reviews of the Films

Isn’t it amazing as you grow older how much stays from your childhood with you; unlike trading in that favorite toy for a cell phone or tablet. However in my case one thing from my childhood has been a part of me for a very long time, and has not gone away: Harry Potter. In honor of the eight movies making their debut on the USA and SyFy network I will be explaining my love for the magical franchise, give a quick recap of the films plot and finally what I thought about the film itself; I will give more details in full reviews of the films at a later time, but I wanted to do a little bit of an appetizer in honor of the premieres tonight. If you have not read any of the books or seen the films, here is a massive spoiler alert. I DO NOT OWN THE PICTURE.

Let me start off by saying I actually did not get into Harry Potter for the longest time. My mom had read the first I believe four books and for years kept pushing for me to read them; like many young kids I thought “If my mom likes this how cool can it be?” However in 2001 the trailer for the first film, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s/Philosopher’s Stone dropped. The very second I expressed an interest in the film my mother shoved the first book into my hands. Giving in I sat down and read; it took me a couple of years before I finished the first four books by the inspiring and amazing J.K Rowling. From then on I was completely into Harry Potter. My parents would get the latest book and I would watch the films as soon as I (and whomever I could find) possibly could if not immediately. My friends still loved the books and films even as new franchises began to become obsessions in high school. As I got older my love for the franchise never died, and it still has not. I have met people who have never even read the books and I often encourage them to give it a shot before watching the films. I’ll elaborate on that a little later. In the meantime let’s go over the eight films based on the seven Harry Potter books.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s/Philosopher’s Stone. The very first one to start off an incredible adventure. Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) has lived with his verbally abusive guardians, the Dursleys: Uncle Vernon (Richard Griffiths), Aunt Petunia (Fiona Shaw) and cousin Dudley (Harry Melling), for as long as he can remember, that was until owl keep dropping off letters to his home addressed to him. Despite the best efforts from his guardians, Harry discovers the truth; he is a wizard like his dead parents (James and Lily) and is famous for somehow surviving as an infant against the darkest wizard of all time: Lord Voldemort (otherwise addressed as You Know Who or He who Must Not Be Named) who seems to have died after trying to kill Harry; leaving the boy with a lightning shaped scar on his forehead. Harry is accepted and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry (a gorgeous castle) where, after convincing the responsible party, is sorted into the Gryffindor house instead of Slytherin. Harry soon makes true friends in Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint), a red head multi generation wizard, and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) a brilliant witch with non-magic (otherwise called Muggles) parents among a few others including Neville Longbottom (Matthew Lewis) a clumsy and forgetful student; he also discovers a natural talent for the wizarding game Quidditch and earns the position as Seeker. Harry as well begins bonds with some of the teachers and staff at the school, including Rubeus Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane) the groundskeeper, Professor Minerva McGonagall (Maggie Smith) the head of his house and one of the teachers and Professor Albus Dumbledore (Richard Harris) the headmaster of the school. Harry also makes enemies in fellow student Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton), a very spoiled and jealous child, and one of his professors Severus Snape (Alan Rickman) who seems to have a grudge against Harry. Harry, along with Ron and Hermione soon discover a secret hidden in the school, an object known as the Philosopher’s, or Sorcerer’s, stone which has the ability to grant the user immortality. Harry believes Snape wants to use the stone to bring Voldemort back to life and he, along with Ron and Hermione, decide to stop him. Other characters introduced are members of Ron’s family: doting yet strict mother Molly (Julia Waters) and three of his elder brothers Percy (Chris Rankin) and twins Fred and George (James and Oliver Phelps). The film was very exciting to watch, bringing the characters I had come to love to life. While I knew everything wasn’t going to be exactly like the book the changes did not bother me as much as I thought it was going to do. I enjoyed the performances of the cast, especially Daniel’s, Rupert’s and Emma’s despite it being their first films.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Harry and his friends return to Hogwarts and discover their school is in danger. Students are being petrified (literally) by an unknown creature and the only clue is the bloody message “The Chamber of Secrets is Open, Enemies of the Heir Beware.” Believing it to mean the heir of the house of Slytherin and Hogwarts may shut down Harry Ron and Hermione set out to find the responsible party before it is too late. Harry soon discovers he has the ability to talk to snakes, which has (almost) everyone believing he is the heir, until someone close to him gets attacked. Harry also finds an enchanted diary belonging to a student named Tom Riddle over 50 years ago when the Chamber was first opened and a student was killed. The audience is also properly introduced to important characters: Ginny Weasley (Bonnie Wright), Ron’s young sister who has a crush on Harry, Arthur Weasley (Mark Williams) Ron’s father who loves learning about Muggles, Dobby (Toby Jones) a house elf determined to protect Harry and Lucius Malfoy (Jason Isaacs) Draco’s father who was once a follower of Voldemort. I really enjoyed figuring out the mystery in the book and seeing it on-screen was nothing less than great.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Harry, Ron and Hermione return for their third year, but this time have to be cautious. Sirius Black (Gary Oldman), an alleged follower of Voldemort, has escaped the inescapable prison Azkaban and seems to be going after Harry. The castle is being guarded by creatures known as Dementors searching for Black against Dumbledore’s (now portrayed by Michael Gambon after Harris’s death) wishes. The trio’s friendship (specifically Ron and Hermione’s) is tested multiple times, but soon make-up after Hagrid, now the Care of Magical Creatures teacher, is nearly sacked after one of his creatures, a Hippogrif called Buckbeak, attacks Malfoy (he provoked it). Instead Buckbeak is sentenced to death. Harry soon learns the truth about Sirius thanks in part to one of his teachers, Remus Lupin (David Thewlis). Other characters introduced are Sybill Trelawney (Emma Thompson) an eccentric teacher and Peter Pettigrew (Timothy Spall) someone with a connection to Harry’s parents. For the longest time this seemed to be everyone’s favorite Potter book, but I thought the film adaption was a little odd. New parts of the castle changed and more casual clothing was worn by the students when not in class, which I had not really pictured when reading. Nonetheless I thought everyone did a fabulous job.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. After attending the Quidditch World Cup our trio returns with exciting news at Hogwarts. The Triwizard Tournament featuring the wizarding schools Hogwarts, Durmstrang and Beauxbatons has returned. Three students, over the age of 17, from each school will be picked by the Goblet of Fire and participate in three deadly tasks. From Durmstrang is Viktor Krum (Stanislav Ianvski) a famous Quidditch player who also develops a crush on Hermione (much to Ron’s displeasure). From Beauxbatons is Fleur Delacour (Clémence Poésy) a beautiful girl Ron has a crush on (much to Hermione’s displeasure). From Hogwarts it is Hufflepuff seventh year student Cedric Diggory (Robert Pattinson) a handsome young man whose girlfriend, Ravenclaw student Cho Chang (Katie Leung), Harry has a crush on. However the Goblet pulls out another name: Harry Potter. Despite being underage Harry has no choice but to participate; it also temporarily damages his friendship with Ron. During the final task Harry is forced to witness to the return of his greatest enemy: Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes). The film also introduces Alastor “Mad-Eyed” Moody (Brendan Gleeson) a wizard with a big reputation and Rita Skeeter (Miranda Richardson) a nosy reporter for the wizarding paper, The Daily Prophet, who exploits “secrets” even if they are not true. It also introduces a magical item known as the Pensive which has the ability to go into a person’s memories. This was the most exciting Harry Potter film I had seen until the final one as the Triwizard tournament was portrayed as exciting as it appeared in the book, not to mention the first battle between Harry and Voldemort. Ralph Fiennes was perfect as the Dark Lord; an excellent start to an iconic villain.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Harry is treated as an outcast by many at Hogwarts; the Ministry of Magic has convinced the entire wizarding world that Voldemort is not back and Harry is mad. Very few people actually believe Harry; Dumbledore, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Ginny, Cho (who now has feelings for Harry), Ravenclaw oddball student Luna Lovegood (Evanna Lynch) and members of the group known as the Order of the Phoenix; a group which has reformed due to Voldemort’s return. New Defense against the Dark Arts teacher Dolores Umbridge (Imelda Staunton) is placed at Hogwarts by the Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge (Robert Hardy) to see if Dumbledore is planning anything against the Ministry and uses her power to basically take over the school. Harry and his friends form a secret group to help those who actually believe in him, called Dumbledore’s Army, teaching them defensive spells to prepare for battle. When someone close to Harry is threatened by Voldemort he, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Ginny and Luna travel to Ministry to stop Voldemort. Other characters introduced are Nymphadora Tonks (Natalia Tena) the colorful member of the Order of the Phoenix, Kingsley Shackleboat (George Harris) another member of the Order and Bellatrix Lestrange (Helena Bonham Carter), one of Voldemort’s most loyal (and insane) followers (they are called Deatheaters) whom Harry and Neville hold a deep hatred to. The book as well as the film changed the game for Harry and his friends as they realize they are at war with not just Voldemort but the government. I thought for the longest time it was Daniel Radcliffe’s best performance as Harry, until the last film.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. Now that the world knows Voldemort is back his grip on the wizarding and Muggle world gets tighter every passing day. Harry begins to suspect Voldemort has recruited Draco into the Deatheaters and has a mission for him at Hogwarts. Harry gets a new potions book which includes hints to help him do much better; the author is called the Half Blood Prince. Harry goes with Dumbledore as they explore Voldemort’s past to find a way to destroy him; which is in the form of Horcruxes: magical items Voldemort has placed pieces of his soul in so he can never die. Meanwhile Ron (despite being clearly in love with Hermione) begins to date fellow student Lavender Brown (Jessie Cave) much to the anger and sadness of Hermione (who is in love with him) while Harry realizes he is in love with Ginny. It ends with someone close to Harry making a big sacrifice and a possible traitor exposed. If I’m being honest this is the weakest of the Potter books and films, but it was nonetheless enjoyable.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 and 2. The last book was split into two films as it would have been impossible to cover all the material in one film. Harry, Ron and Hermione set out to find the remaining Horcruxes and destroy them; in turn destroying Voldemort. The trio nearly has a major rift in the first part before coming to terms with the greater good. Harry also discovers the secrets Dumbledore kept from him and just how deep the connection between himself and Voldemort is. We also get the most epic battle at Hogwarts between the students and staff against the Deatheaters. An epic conclusion to an epic franchise.

I will go into more details of each film at a later date, but I wanted to give just a taste of my thoughts on the most successful franchises in book and film history. Of course there has been a spin-off film Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them as well as the play on Broadway Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, but those are for another day. Before I conclude there is one thing I must say: before you watch the film READ THE BOOKS; I cannot stress that enough! The books go into details that are barely covered in film; for those who do not read it might be confusing how the gang goes from point a to point b quickly. Do not forget all eight films will premiere tonight and into the weekend on the USA and SyFy networks. These are some of my favorite books and films and I hope they will be yours as well.

Classic Movie Review: The Wizard of Oz

Today I am writing my 200th blog. For those that have been around since the beginning I thank you. For those who are just starting, I thank you as well.

For my 200th blog I wanted to make it special; a movie or show I believe everyone has or should see (if you have not, it must be put on the top spot on the must watch list immediately.) While glossing over the list of movies I’ve watch one stuck out and I knew I struck gold. It was one of the first non-animated movies I remember watching as a kid, the movie that made me fall in love with musicals and arguably the most watched movie of all time (not just in my house): The Wizard of Oz. Based on the beloved 1900 children’s book by L. Frank Baum, this 1939 classic musical is considered to be one of the greatest musicals and films of all time; and I’d love to find someone who would say otherwise. If for some reason you have not seen The Wizard of Oz here is the biggest spoiler alert I could possible give. I DO NOT OWN THE PICTURE.

Beginning in sepia tone Dorothy Gale (Jud Garland) and her dog Toto (Terry) lives with her Aunt Em (Clara Blandick) and Uncle Henry (Charley Grapewin) on their farm in Kansas. Toto gets in trouble when he bites the mean neighbor Miss Almira Gultch (Margaret Hamilton). Dorothy tries to explain what happened to her aunt and uncle, but they and the farm hands Huck (Ray Bolger), Hickory (Jack Haley) and Zeke (Bert Lahr) are too busy working to listen to her. Gultch arrives with the sheriff’s permission to take Toto away and put him down, much to Dorothy’s sadness, but the dog escapes. Dorothy and Toto run away, but after meeting and sort of tricked by the strange but kind hearted Professor Marvel (Frank Morgan who pulls off five roles in the movie) into turning around. A tornado has formed as Dorothy races home, but is too late to get in the storm cellar. She tries to seek shelter in her room, but gets knocked out.

Waking up she sees very odd things outside her window (her home was picked up by the tornado) before landing in the colorful Land of Oz; Dorothy famously saying “Toto, I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.” Dorothy meets the beautiful Glinda the Good Witch (Billie Burke) and the munchkins of Munckinland in the Land of Oz. They thank her for killing the Wicked Witch of the East; much to Dorothy’s horror her home crushed the witch to death leaving only her feet visible. However trouble soon arrives when the Wicked Witch of the West (Hamilton) arrives; Glinda says she’s worse than her sister. The Wicked Witch wants her sister’s magic ruby slippers, but Glinda has already given them to Dorothy; the witch promising “I’ll get you my pretty and your little dog too.” Dorothy wants to go home, but Glinda’s magic is not powerful enough to make it possible. Glinda says to Dorothy only The Wizard of Oz (Morgan) can help her; she must take the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City to meet the Wizard. Dorothy takes the path and soon meets three others who need help. The Scarecrow (Bolger) who desires a brain, the Tin Woodsman (Haley) who wants a heart and the Cowardly Lion (Lahr) who needs courage; Dorothy invites them all to accompany her to Oz. The four get stopped multiple times by the Wicked Witch, including a poppy field to make them sleep, but they make it to the Emerald City and eventually see the Wizard. He will only grant their requests if they bring him the Wicked Witch’s broomstick, but they will have to kill her to make that possible. About as far as I should go without spoiling the rest of the movie for those that haven’t read the book or watched it.

The Wizard of Oz is constantly listed as a movie many should watch before the age of 14, and if you have not that is absolutely fine. I remember watching the movie when I was a kid and just being completely enamored with it. The music, the characters, the story; even how it started off tan before going color. I still watch the movie today, maybe not with as much enthusiasm as when I was five but I still enjoy it.

The characters are just incredible to watch. Judy Garland shines as Dorothy Gale, considered to be the most iconic role in her career; she even won an honorary juvenile Oscar for this role along with her role in Babes in America. Bolger is so fun to watch as Scarecrow (try and find his deleted dance sequence for the “If I Only Had a Brain” number; it is great to watch.) Haley, while amazing as the Tin-man, was not the first actor cast for the part; actor Buddy Ebsen was supposed to be the Tin-man but fell ill after putting on the make-up (it was coated in aluminum powder and it got into his lungs, but thankfully lived.) Lahr is hilarious as the Lion; he might be my favorite of the Oz trio. Morgan is absolutely amazing in his five roles in the movie (Marvel, the doorman, the cabbie, the guard and the Wizard) a feet not often used in films back then or even now. Burke is lovely as Glinda. Of course I cannot forget the performance of Margaret Hamilton as the Wicked Witch; one of the most iconic villains on-screen. I know she struggled after the film with children being frightened of her well after the movie; there is a very famous episode of Mister Roger’s Neighborhood where he showed that she was a person underneath the robe and green make-up. The writing, cinematography and background music are some of the best I’ve seen in film, I would appreciate this more as I got into movies.

I cannot forget the wonderful soundtrack that goes along with the movie. Scarecrow, Tin-man and the Lion each have their own songs explaining what they would do if they had their respective gifts; the Lion has an additional number saying what he’d do “If I Were the King of the Forrest”. The munchkins have a number of songs, the two most famous being “Ding Dong the Witch is Dead” and “Follow The Yellow Brick Road/You’re Off to See the Wizard”; Dorothy and her friends reprise the latter half song three more times with “We’re” instead of “You’re” The residents of Emerald City welcome Dorothy and her friend with a number called “The Merry Old Land of Oz” However the most famous song of all is “Over the Rainbow”. Dorothy sings this while in Kansas saying how she wished there was a place where she couldn’t get into trouble; honestly I still get goosebumps when I listen to it.

The Wizard of Oz would win two Oscars, including Best Original Song for “Over the Rainbow” as well as Best Score; the film was also nominated for Best Special Effects, art direction, cinematography in color and Best Picture. It has also been listed on multiple American Film Institute 100 best lists. Three quotes on 100 Quotes: # 4 “Toto, I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore”, #99 “I’ll get you my pretty and your little dog too” and # 23 “There’s no place like home” Two songs on the 100 songs: # 1″Over the Rainbow” and #82 “Ding Dong The Witch is Dead”, #43 on 100 Thrills, #4 villain on 100 Heroes and Villains, top 10 Fantasy film at #1, #26 on 100 Cheers, #3 on Movie Musicals, and #6 on the 100 Movie, it would slip to #10 on the 10th Anniversary list. The film inspired multiple adaptions of the book, including the Broadway production, film and TV special “The Wiz.” Allegedly five pairs of Dorothy’s ruby slippers were made; one can be seen at the Smithsonian in Washington D.C while another pair was stolen years ago and has not been seen since.

If you have not experience The Wizard of Oz, what are you waiting for? Grab your ruby slippers and get ready to travel from Kansas (or wherever you live) to the Land of Oz, but always remember “There’s no place like home.”

Movie Review: Penelope (2006 film)

Haven’t heard of this movie, don’t worry not too many have, but I still found this to be very cute. The reason why I have to place 2006 in the title is because while I don’t think there are other movies called Penelope yet you might mistake this for a movie starring someone named that. Now while the film is not perfect it is far from one of bad (at least in my opinion) given the fantasy complex. Spoilers ahead as usual. I DO NOT OWN THE PICTURE.

The Wilhern’s seem like one of the nicest and richest families in England, but there was a legend surrounding them. Many years ago one of the Wilhern men had an affair with one of his servants, but was talked out of marrying her by his family. After he wed someone more to his family’s blue blood standards, the heartbroken and pregnant servant killed herself. The girl’s mother, the town witch, cursed the Wilhern’s that the first daughter born would have the face of a pig and only when someone of their own kind loves her for who she was would the curse be broken. For many years only sons were born, until Jessica and Frank Wilhern (Catherine O’Hara and Richard E. Grant) had Penelope (Christina Ricci). Throughout her childhood Penelope was kept hidden from the world, despite reporters trying to take pictures of her. When she reached 18 Jessica, along with a match maker Wanda (Ronni Ancona), try to find a suitable blue blood match for Penelope. However when any of the guys they pick see her they run, forcing the family butler Jake (Michael Feast) to stop them and make them swear not to tell anyone about Penelope. One man, Edward Humphrey Vanderman III (Simon Woods) gets away before Jake could catch him and is laughed at by the police. One person does believes him: a reporter named Lemon (Peter Dinklage) who lost his eye trying to get a picture of Penelope when she was a baby. Needing proof Lemon and Edward hire a man they believe is Max Campion (James McAvoy), a blue blood with a serious gambling problem, to try and take a picture of Penelope. However Max is caught off guard by how sweet Penelope is and the two begin to bond. When she does reveal herself he is not disgusted by her, but flees when the camera goes off making Penelope think he ran from her face. Max destroys the camera before giving it to Lemon, but when Penelope asks him to marry her just to break the curse he tells her he can’t, leaving her heartbroken. Inspired by Max’s talk of the outside world Penelope leaves her home for the first time, wearing a scarf around her nose and mouth to keep herself hidden, much to the horror of her mother. She meets Annie (Reese Witherspoon) who becomes her mentor and friend. When Penelope decides to expose herself to the world there is a lot of good that comes with it, but there may also be a big cost for herself. About as far as I should go without giving away the rest of the movie.

Like I said this film is not fantastic but I highly doubt it will be the worst thing you see. Christina Ricci, James McAvoy and Reese Witherspoon are my favorite parts of the movie as they all accept each other for who they are, which is what we want in the people we choose to love. While I think Catherine O’Hara is good in the movie let’s just say Penelope’s mom is not exactly mother of the year, although Simon Woods’s character can give her a run for her money. If you like cute fantasy movies then Penelope might be a cute movie for you; otherwise this is probably a skip.