Headed by an all-star cast of young A-list talent, Penelope is a surprisingly creative and romantic comedy/fantasy. Christina Ricci heads an excellent lineup as a young aristocratic heiress who is also the victim of a terrible curse. This curse, like in many fantasy films, can only be broken when she finds love with someone who loves her for herself, and not for anything else. Essentially, she is searching for a man that will overlook the tremendous dowry offered in order to break the spell.

Let’s get down to brass tacks here, people. This is a movie that could be taken one of two ways. Much of the film is charming, and the numerous scenes centered on Penelope’s many suitors are quite witty and fun to watch. I won’t mention the details of the curse, as it would significantly reduce some of the fun in watching this movie, but it certainly gives each suitor quite the shock.

Peter Dinklage delivers another great performance as Lemon, a mischievous tabloid photographer trying to score a shot of the reclusive Penelope. Lemon hires Max (played by the handsome James McAvoy) to pose as a suitor and try to get the shot. Of course, Max is enamored by the brilliant Penelope, and, seeing the wrong in his ways, disappears in order to avoid confrontation with the innocent girl.

Penelope is heartbroken once again and decides to head out into the real world to live on her own. She experiences a variety of entertaining ups and downs. Only then enters Reese Witherspoon, who has found yet another romance-oriented movie to sink her claws into.

Suddenly, it becomes clear. This movie may in fact be a bunch of Hollywood schlock aiming to pull in some serious cash at the box office. It certainly has the formula for it: A-list cast, heartwarming story, charming leading men, several cutesy actresses (including the amiable Catherine O’Hara, whom you may recall as Home Alone’s mom, and the only actress with some real talent in this film. Sorry Ricci, but this is not one of your better performances).

Then there is McAvoy, who is slowly being pulled from the respectability of films such as The Last King of Scotland and Atonement to be typecast as a sort of Hugh Grant/Jim-from-the-office kind of guy. For any of you who like real movies out there, avoid this film. Stay away from theaters that are playing this garbage, and if you happen to find yourself on a family outing watching this, make sure you are ready to fall asleep for a few hours.

But, as mentioned, there is a flip side to this film, and, under the perfect circumstances, it could be seen as somewhat of a romantic masterpiece. It makes a few bold moves, and ultimately delivers on the creative paths the plot takes.