Not Such A Porker

The concept of Penelope is the sweet stuff fairy tales are made of. Christina Ricci is a young girl cursed with the nose of a pig and the only way to break the curse is to get “one of her own kind” to fall in love with her.

The parents, fearing a media outcry, hide the poor girl away while inviting blueblood suitors to meet her. Before they leave the parents ensure they sign confidentiality contract.

Unfortunately every time the posh blokes catch a glimpse of Penelope's porcine features they run away screaming and when one, who jumps through a top window, escapes without signing away his rights to speak it spells trouble.

A pesky journo ropes in blue blood gambling addict Max (James McAvoy), who could do with a few bob, to try and woo Penelope, not be repulsed and catch it all on camera.

Predictably he starts to fall for young Penelope and cannot go through with the task. Thinking he too has been repulsed by her Penelope runs off into the big wide world.

To enjoy this film you really have to suspend your disbelief and see it as the modern fairy tale that it is. As a kids film it's clear that Penelope's face isn't actually going to be repulsive (although they could have made it worse – she doesn't even look vaguely ugly) so you have to just go with it when all the men run away screaming.

Christina Ricci has always been perfect for children's films and James McAvoy is surprisingly charming (and attractive) as the lead male. Reece Witherspoon makes a random kooky addition to the cast as Penelope's friend.

Penelope won't rock your world but it is a pleasamt family film which should make people of all ages smile.

Extras include a featurette, trailer (never got why you'd want to watch the trailer of a film when you've got the actual film but anyway) and some funky things for the computer such as screensavers, wallpapers and a Penelope mask.