Penelope is a modern-day fairy story

Penelope

Director: Mark Palanksy

Cast: James McAvoy, Christina Ricci, Catherine O’Hara, Reese Witherspoon

Cert: PG

A modern-day fairy story with Ricci playing the ugly duck nobody loves, in spite of mum O’Hara’s attempts to get suitable rich young men to see past the off-putting face.

But, of course, love is always in the eye of the beholder and so along comes gambler McAvoy, spurred on by dodgy journo, and love is in the air.

It just about works, thanks to a great cast making the most of a half-written plotline and one supposes the message not to be too swift to judge on appearances alone.

Star Rating: 3/5