Penelope

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: February 29, 2008

DVD Release Date: July 15, 2008

Plot 411: Penelope is striken with her family's generations-old curse and only her true love can lift it.

Review: I really enjoyed this film's message about self-acceptance, accepting others' differences and confidence in one's self. These are some especially poignant themes for young girls in this age of airbrushed images. The love story was sweet, like Disney's movies from back in the day. Christina Ricci was great in the lead, and Reese Witherspoon surprisingly played against type. This was the first time I've seen her in a role where she didn't play the cute blonde girl. It was refreshing. James McAvoy was also a surprise for me. He doesn't look like the typical "Prince Charming," but I suppose that's why he was selected for this role. He brings a twist to the role. This film really reinvent the fairy tale genre so it's current and relatable to today's youth.

Watch It: For a quick trip back to your childhood.

Skip It: If the Disney thing isn't your style.

Trailer: