Ebullient, silly "Austenland" has fun with Jane Austen fanatics
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| Keri Russell |
The charming new comedy "Austenland" probably won't please real Jane Austen enthusiasts, who might be offended at making fun of the author. Thin and predictable yet lighthearted and goofy, "Austenland" is late summer fun for those who need to relax a little. For as long as she can remember, Jane Hayes (Keri Russell) has obsessed over the writings of the Jane Austen, the beloved author behind such literary classics as "Emma" and "Pride & Prejudice." She travels to a stuffy British resort called "Austenland" where she can live out her dreams, only to struggle to determine what's real and what's not. "Austenland" is directed and co-written by Jerusha Hess, the guy behind "Napoleon Dynamite" and is based on the 2007 novel by Shannon Hale, who co-writes the script with Hess. Whereas the book had a wistful tone but still dealt with the self-doubt of the character, the movie is played a broad, very silly comedy filled mostly with stereotypes. Admittedly it's quite a change, but nonetheless "Austenland" is still a fun, frothy tribute to the author and a likable sweet tart of a movie, grounded by the lovely Russell and stolen from her in every scene by comic actress Jennifer Coolidge (seen in a range of things from Christopher Guest's movies to TV's "2 Broke Girls") as a rich woman desperate for love. Watch for "Dr. Quinn's" Jane Seymour, as the owner of the resort and "Flight of the Conchords" and Oscar-winner Bret McKenzie in amusing supporting roles. Occasionally meandering and sluggish in its final act, "Austenland" is still a pleasant piece of puffery, and predictably fun even for non-Austen aficionados. Stay over for the credits for music video-like fun and something Austen herself would likely not approve of.
Wes's Grade: B-
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