Austenland

2013 • 96 minutes

About this movie

Jane Hayes's (Keri Russell, TV's "The Americans") adoration of all things Jane Austen is complicating her love life: no real man can compare with the brooding and handsome character Mr. Darcy. Determined to be the heroine of her own story, Jane spends her life savings on a trip to Austenland, an eccentric resort in the English countryside where guests experience complete immersion in the Regency era. Armed with her bonnet, corset and needlepoint, Jane strives to avoid spinsterhood and meets two very different gentlemen... but has a difficult time determining where fantasy ends and real life—and maybe even love—begins. Jennifer Coolidge (Legally Blonde franchise), Jane Seymour (Wedding Crashers), JJ Feild (Captain America: The First Avenger) and Bret McKenzie (TV's "The Flight of the Conchords") also star in this charming romantic comedy based on the bestselling novel by Shannon Hale.

Ratings and reviews

What I expected. A light hearted romantic comedy. The ending could've been better fleshed out but it was good. What wasnt great was playback of the video. Watched it first on my Samsung Galaxy 3 tablet and the video stopped playing every 10-12 mins and would start from the beginning. I would have to manually search back to my previous place. I then tried to watch it on tv and the picture kept switching back and forth between a clear picture and what I call a bootleg, blurry version of the film. Bummer.

I was really looking forward to this movie, as I had just read the book, but the movie failed to impress. I don't usually complain, but the overwrought acting makes a clever, quirky novel into a clumsy pantomime that mocks both Austen lovers and normal humans alike. I place the blame on the director (Stephenie Meyer) as both the lead actors are pretty great in other movies. One bright side: it's wonderful to see JJ Field as yet another Austen -esque hero!

I had no grandeur expectations when I rented this movie. I wanted something cute, lighthearted, funny and cheesy romantic. Did it deliver? You betcha! Jennifer Coolidge's character was the typical ignoramus American and Keri Russell's the prototypical romantic lead. Did it bother me? Heck no! It worked well with the dynamics of the movie. This isn't going to win any awards or anything as such but it is just the right film to watch when you just want the perfect rom-com. I give it 4 stars because of the oh so cliche twist (that I saw coming in the first 10 minutes) but other than that it delivered what I wanted. Again, if you're looking for something lighthearted and cheesy romantic, this is it. If not, don't bother.