Austenland

Austenland is a film that’s based on a book that’s about one fan’s obsession with a book, specifically Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Jane Hayes (Keri Russell) is the self-proclaimed biggest Jane Austen fan and decides to take a trip to Austenland, a resort built around providing an authentic Jane Austin experience, complete with an accurate rendition of the 1800s England staffed with various character actors. As the romance starts heating up, Jane struggles to separate real from fantasy.

In case you didn’t notice already, Austenland is geared towards fans of Jane Austin’s novel Pride and Prejudice. It’s a simple romantic comedy that takes the themes of the timeless classic novel and applies it to present day characters with a little comedic twist. It’s a stereotypical romantic comedy, but there’s enough humor and story to entertain even those who aren’t as enthralled with Jane Austin as Keri Russell’s character is.

Obviously someone as obsessed as her struggles in her typically romantic life so she decides to take this trip to Austenland as one last attempt at satiating her craving before growing up and retiring her Austen-inspired apartment. As it turns out, the vacation package she purchases is only for the basic of amenities, unlike fellow Austenland guest Elizabeth Charming (Jennifer Coolidge) who opts for the royal selection. While Elizabeth sleeps in a fancy suite and is dressed in flowing gowns, Jane is confined to the maid’s quarters and bland rags. Plane Jane couldn’t be closer to the truth, but the two quickly become friends and seem to have a good time together.

Things start heating up when the girls are introduced to the actors who will be playing their romantic interests. Elizabeth takes an immediate attraction to Colonel Andrews (James Callis) while Jane’s partner, Henry Nobley (JJ Field) doesn’t appear to take any interest in her or playing the part at all. Jane soon develops a relationship with Martin (Bret McKenzie), though, a groundskeeper who isn’t supposed to interact with guests, and the sparks begin to fly.

Austenland follows your basic romantic comedy formula where the girl falls for the guy and then something dramatic happens to force them apart, only to be reunited again by the end of the film. It’s nothing new, but the charm of the film comes from the multitude of Jane Austen references and the quirkiness of Keri Russell. She’s absolutely perfect for the role. There are some genuinely funny moments, too. Hearing Russell sing Nelly’s “Hot in Herre” with everyone decked out in full Victorian era costumes is great, and Jennifer Coolidge is the kind of person who has no shame is saying exactly what’s on her mind, as dirty as it is sometimes.

It’s easy to brush of the romantic comedy genre and difficult to find one that’s really great. Austenland lands somewhere in the middle. While there are some awkward moments, it’s charming for any fan of Jane Austen.