Vanity Fair - 2004

Category: Movie

Genre: Drama History

Writer: Matthew Faulk

Director: Mira Nair

Producer: Focus Pictures, Granada Film Productions, Epsilon Motion Pictures

Cast: Reese Witherspoon, Romola Garai, James Purefoy, Gabriel Byrne, Tony Maudsley, Rhys Ifans, Ruth Sheen,

Tagline: On September 1st, a heroine will rise.

The orphaned daughter of a painter, Becky Sharp, who has wit, good looks, fluent French and her eyes for her social status to advance leaves a home for girls to become a governess. With exotic colors of India and British flowers, during the whole movie makes the movie eye-appealing.
This is a long narrative which follows her life for 20 years, and even through marriage.

This is an adaptation of William Thackery's novel. I haven't read the novel, and they say it is entertaining for those who haven't read the novel. ;) and I found it, quite so. There were times where I would cringe with Becky's choices, in her desire to advance socially. The cinematography of the film is good though. :)

Now, I am intrigued with the book... mhmmm....

The Rich Shall Inherit - Elizabeth Adler

Category: Books

Genre: Drama

Author: Elizabeth Adler

Tagline: A tangled web of lies. A legacy of scandal. A search for a missing heir.

A massive inheritance has been left behind by Poppy Mallory who has remained a mysterious millionaire. And after her death a law firm begins to announce that they are looking for the descendant of Poppy. The daughter or a son. Mike Preston, a popular author was intrigued and decides to help out on the case.

I first encountered Elizabeth Adler with her book, "Fortune is A Woman". I really enjoyed the book, that I began scouring the bookstores for more of her work. Most of her stories usually involves rich empires or the old-rich in most cases.

It's kind of intriguing but not as good as her "Fortune is A Woman". Hehe. I have to say. But, if you are into mystery and drama... this would be a great book for you.

Penelope - 2006

Category: Movies

Genre: Fantasy

Directed By: Mark Palansky

Writer: Leslie Caveny

Tagline:

A fairytale like no other.

She's been hiding all her life. Now she'll show the world just who she really is.

Sometimes true love is right under your nose.

What makes us different makes us beautiful.

Seen: 7/12/08

Casts: Christina Ricci, James McAvoy, Catherine O'Hara, Reese Witherspoon, Peter Dinkilage, Richard E. Grant, Simon Woods and more.

This is about a young girl named Penelope Wilhern who was born with a face of a pig - a family curse which she must find true love with "one of her own kind" and realize the most important life lesson. She was hidden in their family estate with a string of husbands-to-be(one of the attempts her parents made to break the curse) but one by one they would leave as soon as they see her. One day, she thought she had it and decided to run away and be free.

It's a nice modern day fantasy, where you get to learn a lot. It's about liking who you really are. It's a cute film, ladies would love to check out. Very heart warming as well. It's magical and Christina Ricci portrayed Penelope well and it's actually one of the reasons why the movie is cute. James McAvoy looked cute here compared to Wanted. Hehe.

Child #4: It's not the power of the curse - it's the power you give the curse.

Penelope: "I like myself the way I am.".