Woman on Top  

Fetching and sexy, Penelope Cruz exudes the same sultry appeal as the legendary Sophia Loren. That pair of seductive eyes and luscious lips can melt any man’s heart.
Nicknamed the Madonna of Madrid, Penelope Cruz is the most famous Latino actress to grace our silver screen. This Spanish enchantress has left her competitors way behind. I think Salma Hayek and Jennifer Lopez are way past their prime. Paz Vega is just a fresh face. Except for her portrayal in Sex and Lucia, Vega has not shown any break-out.
Penelope first gained recognition after acting in the film, "Belle époque” but it was the erotic film, Jamon Jamon that transformed her into a national fantasy.
I first saw Penelope Cruz in a major role in Woman on Top and fell in love with her. She was spontaneous in her acting, had an attractive bubbly nature and brings with her a wonderful screen presence. She showed a mysterious side in All the Pretty Horses and was coy and scintillating in Blow.
However, her performance was below par in Vanilla Sky (also the Spanish version, Open Your Eyes) and Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. I believe the poor scripts had something to do with this. Volver was good but a bit draggy with it's many- layered twists and turns. As usual, Cruz cruised along with her naturally attractive bubbly self.
In her private life, strangely, Penelope Cruz continues to show a consistent patent weakness of involving herself romantically with most of her co-stars - Tom Cruise, Matthew McConaughey, Matt Damon, Johnny Depp and Nicholas Cage.
Be that as it may, I think Penelope Cruz will join the fabulous Nicole Kidman in the big league of Hollywood as she has the verve and skill to up the ante on the silver screen. She won herself an academy award,didn't she!