Friday, March 7, 2008

Penelope vs. Atonement

Atonement releases on DVD this week while Penelope opens in theaters.  One film with numerous Oscar nominations tells a dramatic story of crime and distance, another excellent film with Keira Knightley.  The other a playful, fairytale-like story of a girl's search for acceptance and love.  Penelope is played by Christina Ricci.

Both films are on my list of movies to see, although they are quite the opposite.  What, then, do these films have in common with one another?  James McAvoy is the male lead.  

James McAvoy has quickly become one of my favorite actors out there.  He has suddenly become a sought after man for every genre of film.  He has not been so popular for very long.  His first big film role was Mr. Tumnus in The Chronicles of Narnia.  Since then, he has made film after film that has proved him a worthy subject of the screen.  

His next film and perhaps my favorite, is The Last King of Scotland.  He portrayed a doctor for a Ugandan dictator.  The film was amazing and no doubt Forest Whitaker earned the Oscar for best actor for the film.  McAvoy pleased the audience as well though.  He since then has starred in several romances, including Atonement and Penelope.  He has been in comedies, dramas, and romances and has yet to fail to shine.  

Becoming Jane, his first romance, was not a very good movie in my opinion.  The plot line was rough and characterization was lacking.  However, I loved to watch McAvoy interact with others on screen.  He has a presence that made me endure and even sometimes enjoy the movie.

Keep your eye on this rising star and this week enjoy Atonement and Penelope.  This is just the beginning of James McAvoy's budding career.  

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