Summit EntertainmentReview in a Hurry: In this modern-day fairy tale, the titular heiress (Christina Ricci) tries to break a family curse that has given her the face of a pig. Penelope isn't exactly a sow's ear, thanks to the quality cast, but the hog-tied tale still doesn't produce a silk purse.
The Bigger Picture: Perhaps the title should have been Penelope Porkerschnozz, since director Mark Palansky's first feature clearly echoes Tim Burton's Edward Scissorhands, plus a host of recent fairy-tale updates. Unfortunately, this storybook romance is less enchanted and more manufactured.
In a charming whirlwind of an intro, we learn that a vengeful witch put a spell on the blue-blooded Wilhern family, causing Penelope—the daughter of wealthy socialites Franklin (Richard E. Grant) and Jessica (Catherine O'Hara)—to be born with the snout of a pig. The curse can be broken only if the girl can find a blue-blooded suitor to marry her.
Once sequestered Penelope (Ricci) is of age, Jessica lines up the gentlemen callers. But after glimpsing her porcine pug, the guys flee screaming, even jumping through glass windows—which is silly, since she's still pretty adorable.
Who could ever love this Miss Piggy? No, not Kermit the Frog. But how about Mr. Tumnus the Faun? Yep, James McAvoy (this was shot before Atonement, by the way) costars as gambling addict Max, hired by opportunistic reporter Lemon (Peter Dinklage) to sneak photos of Penelope.
Max eventually sees past her porker face to the lovely person inside. But learning of his original intent, Penelope escapes into the city with a scarf covering her nose, and attempts to live life on her own terms. (The film is set in London, yet almost everyone speaks with an American accent.)
For all its good intentions and positive messages, this pig pic doesn't fly because, ironically, it never roots deeply enough—into Penelope's painful past, into her burgeoning romance, into her new-world experience or into her friendship with spunky Annie (Reese Witherspoon, appearing too late in a too-brief role).
Thankfully, Palanksy—probably with help from Witherspoon, who also produced—has assembled terrific actors who help offset the uneven plotting. Ricci and McAvoy share some sweet moments, even if they don't generate enough heat; Dinklage scores chuckles as the embittered, one-eyed journalist; and O'Hara, despite having played dysfunctional, domineering moms before, again proves she's one of our most reliably wonderful comedians.
The 180—a Second Opinion: All you fashionistas and bridezillas, check out Ricci's stunning strapless wedding dress with sequined bodice and flowy, feathery skirt. She looks so gorgey in the gown—even with her sow snoot—that she not only brings sexy back, she brings razorback.