PENELOPE HAS BIG NOSE AND BIGGER HEARTOnce upon a time there was a girl named Penelope (Christina Ricci). She was a different looking kind of girl, but otherwise kind and sweet. On her way out exploring the world before unseen, she meets Max (James McAvoy) and Annie (Reese Witherspoon) and ends up in a most compromising situation. I loved this movie. It's a modern day fairy tale and carries with it the awe and wonder. Ricci was absolutely lovely. She could have played it like Amy Adams in Enchanted, but pulls back from the over the top acting and makes for a believable tale. Surprise of surprises, Witherspoon plays a more worldly woman who is slightly rough around the edges and it works for her. Again, not overdone, but in control and fun to watch. McAvoy is a conman/grifter who begins and ends his presence with two very different reasons. Catherine O'Hara and Peter Dinklage both offer well crafted roles, even if smaller ones. It is sweet and simple; not too lovey and not over the top. A rare find among the box office explosions, addictions and wars.
PICK: A sweet and simple fairy tale of modern times. Big pick!
