AUSTENLAND Review: For Lovers Only...

Studio:  Sony Pictures Classics

Writer / Director:  Jerusha Hess (NAPOLEON DYNAMITE)

Source Material:  Shannon Hale (novel)

Cast:  Keri Russell, Jennifer Coolidge, Jane Seymour, JJ Feild, Bret McKenzie, Georgia King

Logline:  A Jane Austen aficionado books a vaca to “Austenland” (a la Disneyland) to live out her fantasy. 

Trailer:  http://www.sonyclassics.com/austenland/ 

AUSTENLAND is about Jane (RUSSELL), who wholeheartedly believes Prince Charming aka “Darcy” exists, even if only in the BBC production of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice at Austenland.  Jane spends her life’s savings to experience Austenland, a resort in which actors led by Mrs.  Wattlesbrook (SEYMOUR) play various characters inspired by the aforementioned novel and cast their guests in a tailored romance.  But, Jane’s immersion in the fantasy leads her to question the validity of her romantic notions.  Fellow guests at Austenland, included COOLIDGE, who delivered hilarious one-liners as “Miss Elizabeth Charming” and KING, who served physical comedic perfection as “Lady Amelia Heartwright”.  Additionally, FEILD and MCKENZIE are dashing as love interests for Russell. 

I did not read the book and therefore cannot speak to the film’s fidelity to the novel .  I can say that HESS gave the far-fetched premise levity by ensuring  the audience that the Austenland cast in Austenland is in on the joke, which enables one to give in to the suspension of belief and invest in the story. 

This movie is for lovers only.  If you are the LEAST bit cynical, this will likely not be your cup of tea.  However, if you are a hopeless romantic, who can submit to the premise, you will enjoy this one.  For the latter I would recommend seeing this in theaters if you are a Jane Austen fan; if not – stream it.