Magic and curses are hallmarks of fairy tales: Rumpelstiltskin and Sleeping Beauty come to mind. They involve eternal slumber and even death. But have you ever heard of one causing someone to have a face like a pig?
As odd as it might sound, that's what happens in "Penelope," a 2006 fantasy romantic comedy featuring a veritable who's who of movie stars from the time: Christina Ricci, James McAvoy, Reese Witherspoon, Peter Dinklage, Catherine O'Hara and more. They all come together to tell the tale of a young woman who's been cursed by the mother of a jilted girl to live with the snout of a pig, seemingly destined to be alone forever.
What's 'Penelope' about?
Penelope Wilhern (Christina Ricci) is a young woman born with a pig’s nose, the result of a curse on her family. Ashamed and fearful of the outside world, her overprotective parents keep her hidden away. There's a cure for her "condition": someone of "her kind" falling in love with her.
As Penelope grows older, her parents secretly arrange a series of dates with rich bachelors, and all of them run away the moment they see her face. Eventually, Penelope escapes her sheltered life and ventures into the real world on her own. Living independently for the first time, she makes friends and learns more about herself, all culminating in her meeting a man named Johnny (James McAvoy), who has his own secrets to hide.
Soon, Penelope makes some life-changing revelations and even believes she finds love, though the "curse" she's looking to break has some surprises of its own that will end up changing the way she looks at herself.
Why you should stream 'Penelope' on the Roku Channel
Fairy tales and romantic comedies don't usually mix, except in the case of movies like "The Princess Bride." And so often, fairy tale-centric movies are aimed solely at kids, as frustrating as that can be. "Penelope" is a more adult twist on the genre, and has some fun, more complicated revelations about oneself, more than simply "love yourself the way you are." Christina Ricci really shines in the role, and the rest of the great cast doesn't treat the story like a joke.
"Penelope" was criminally overlooked when it hit theaters back in 2006, and it barely makes any lists of movies to rewatch or discover for the first time. It should absolutely be counted as a fun, quirky romp that actually does prove how real romantic relationships can form in the most unlikely of places.
If you're looking for something that's very much a product of the time that you likely haven't heard a lot about, or at least heard of since it hit theaters, "Penelope" is a great watch for both adults and younger viewers with plenty for both groups to enjoy. You can catch it right now while it's still streaming for free, so run over and watch before you invoke the wrath of someone and find yourself cursed.
Stream "Penelope" on the Roku Channel for free
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