Penelope Reviews

Penelope isn't really suitable for anyone. It's a boar.

Full Review | Original Score: 1/5

The success of Juno has re-set the bar for whimsical tales of headstrong, intelligent young women grappling with life difficulties.

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An adult fairy tale that is badly hobbled by its uncreative handling of its theme of finding one's true self.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5

A film of some ragged charm -- and one in which there's always something cool to look at in design and filmmaking style. And that's more than a lot of movies can claim.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5

A neat modern fairy tale.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4

'Penelope' is a sweet film that I rather enjoyed. It never hurts to be reminded that we should all be happy with who we are.

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This film had the potential to be much more heartfelt, but the silly antics in the beginning, and the cool approach of the parents towards their "ugly daughter" undermine the poignancy that the filmmakers were obviously shooting for in the end.

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Just downright lovely, a gorgeous fairy tale for children and grown-ups alike.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5

The material is flawed, to be sure, but the story is less predictable than you would guess and it exudes an easy-going wit.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4

I think it's a sweet film.

Okay, so she's got a snout, but it's far from Rocky Dennis or John Merrick levels of grotesque.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/5

There's absolutely nothing wrong with the film, but it's just not strong enough to be a real winner either.

| Original Score: 2.5/4

How can a movie with this premise and this cast be so mercilessly dull and stupid?

Full Review | Original Score: 1/5

A precocious fairy tale made for and starring people too old for whimsy

Full Review | Original Score: C

'What makes us different makes us beautiful,' touts the film's promo blurb. Good thought, but do any of the characters in 'Penelope' ever believe it? For sure this is a different film, but beautifully executed it is not.

Full Review | Original Score: D

the girl's ungainly snout is the only unique feature in this otherwise textbook fantasy.

| Original Score: 2/4

A grim fairy tale at times, Penelope eventually lands in crowd-pleaser territory.

| Original Score: 3/4

Penelope's brilliant cast carries the audience through of the film's minor iniquities and gives us a charming and delightful myth.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5

With some fine-tuning, Penelope might have been transformed into a winning little fable about accepting and loving oneself. As is, it only serves to remind of what could have been.

Full Review | Original Score: 1.5/4

Just another stab at modern fantasy with some fatal filmmaking flaws that are all-too-real.

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