Austenland Synopsis: Obsessed with the BBC production of “Pride and Prejudice”, a woman travels to a Jane Austen theme park in search for her perfect gentleman.
Directed by: Jerusha Hess
Written by: Shannon Hale
Released: 08/16/2013
Runtime: 97 minutes
Rated: PG-13
Jane Hayes (Keri Russell) is a woman whose obsession with Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice has stifled her love life. After a string of bad dates, she finally decides to go on her dream vacation to Austenland, a British resort where guests experience living in the Regency era – romance included.
Because she didn’t opt for one of the grander packages, Jane is neglected and poorly treated by Mrs. Wattlesbrook, the resort’s owner. However, Jane finds herself at odds with the reserved Henry Nobley (JJ Feild) while finding romance with one of the “servants” named Martin (Bret McKenzie).
I first saw Austenland in 2013 when it was released in theaters. I remember thinking it was a cute movie but largely forgettable. After another watch for this blog, my opinion hasn’t changed much.
Keri Russell is endearing as the socially awkward Jane. It’s easy to root for her when she blossoms into a woman who can hold her own among the bolder personalities. The supporting cast helps anchor the film, especially Jennifer Coolidge and Georgia King, who play the other two guests who befriend Jane. They easily steal most of the scenes they’re in, while Russell remains the most grounded of the three. I tend to like most things starring Jennifer Coolidge. She’s a comedic icon and has some fantastic one-liners in this movie.
JJ Feild and Bret McKenzie are equally good as Jane’s suitors – Henry and Martin. Henry seems to be the real-life version of Mr. Darcy, but it’s the down-to-earth Martin that Jane finds herself drawn towards. Without even realizing it, Jane is living a Jane Austen-inspired romance… but is it real, or all part of the “Copper Package” she purchased before arriving in Austenland?
My main problem with Austenland is that I’m not sure it knew precisely what it wanted to be. Did it want to make fun of the Austen-inspired romances? I could see the satire, especially with how obsessive certain fandoms become of their literary heroes. But at the same time, it seems to dive headfirst into everything it’s criticizing in the first place. Then again, I may be overthinking the movie as a whole, and ultimately, all it really wanted was to become a guilty pleasure to watch on a rainy afternoon. In that case, Austenland succeeds.
I won’t lie -the movie has its charms. I think Jane Austen fans will probably enjoy it more than I did. Still, even if you’re a casual fan, or you have some appreciation for Pride and Prejudice… or even just Colin Firth’s portrayal of Mr. Darcy, you would probably find Austenland entertaining. Like I said before, I found it a cute movie, though forgettable. But there is a fun little twist at the end that, on my first watch, I didn’t see coming. I enjoyed it, though, as it gives Austenland the little bit of “oompf” that keeps it from becoming just another mediocre rom-com.
Watched: 05.27.2024
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