penelope

the year: 2006

the genre: comedy


the cast: Christina Ricci (Penelope Wilhern); James McAvoy (Johnny/Max); Simon Woods (Edward Vanderman); Peter Dinklage (Lemon)


the plot: Penelope Wilhern, born to wealthy socialites, is afflicted by the Wilhern spell that can only be broken when she finds true love with "one of her own kind". Hidden away in her family's estate, the lonely girl meets a string of suitors in her parent's futile attempt to break the curse. Each eligible bachelor is enamored with Penelope and her sizable dowry; until her curse is revealed. Lemon, a mischievous and eager tabloid reporter wants a photograph of the mysterious Penelope and hires Max to pose as a prospective suitor to get the shot. The handsome down-on-his luck gambler finds himself falling for Penelope, but not wanting to disappoint her or to expose his surreptitious ways, he decides to disappear. Fed up by this latest betrayal and determined to live life on her own terms, Penelope breaks free from her family and ventures into the world alone. She finds adventure with Annie, her first friend, and becomes the person she was meant to be.



did you know: in addition to starring in the film, Reese Whitherspoon was also lead producer.



count how many first editions are in the library.




listen for: "Good grief, he licked me!" "Edward." "What?" "Don't lick Max."




extra bonus points: if you know how long it took to put on Penelope's prosthetic nose.



also listen for: "With such a large nose, do you smell better than the rest of us?" [laughs] "You tell me."