MOVIE NIGHT


AUSTENLAND (2013)

Austenland at first glance appears to be the perfect film for any Jane Austen fan; a film which combines an entertaining plotline and a wonderful cast with numerous elements of Austen's Regency day and age in a fun and amusing manner. Thirty-something singleton Jane Hayes (Keri Russell) is obsessed with anything to do with Jane Austen; she even has a cut-out version of Colin Firth's Mr Darcy in her bedroom. One day, she decides to use all of her savings to go on a trip to Austenland, a place where true Jane Austen fan gets the chance to step into the world of her novels for a short period of time, with handsome suitors, Regency dresses and impressive country estates. All the female guests are promised a romantic experience with one of the male employees and even though Jane only has money for the cheapest Austenland package, she couldn't be more excited. Jane can't help but dislike the Mr. Darcy lookalike that was picked for her but she finds other ways of having fun and it doesn't take long before she becomes immersed in all the games that are played within the world of Austenland.


Austenland is based on the novel with the same title written by Shannon Hale, and produced by Stephenie Meyer, the author of the immensely popular Twilight book series. One of the absolute strengths of the film is its cast. Russell plays a simply wonderful Jane, a role that seems to be written for her; JJ Feild fits the role of Mr Nobley perfectly, and a good dose of humour is added by Jennifer Coolidge, who plays the kind of character she excels in. The chemistry between Russell and the main male characters sparks off the screen, and any true romance fan won't be able to help letting out a sigh every now and again. I've read numerous negative reviews of this film, but I have to disagree. Yes, it's a shame the plotline of the film differs from the book on several occasions, but it is still an entertaining and funny adaptation which I thoroughly enjoyed. Austenland is a romantic and fun film with a great cast at its centre; a film which I am sure not only other Janeites will appreciate, but which can be enjoyed by any romantic comedy fan.

Movie reviewed by Jody Hoekstra

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