Face it; the chances of a romantic comedy ever winning an
Oscar are almost non-existent. Sure they can be a lot of fun and provide plenty
of entertainment (as well as making the choice of a date movie easy) but
comedies in general are often overlooked and romantic comedies are considered
the red headed step child when it comes to films (no offense to all you
redheads or step children out there). The thing is though that some of the most
entertaining movies are romantic comedies and such is the case with the DVD
release of AUSTENLAND.
Keri Russell stars as Jane Hayes, a young woman obsessed
with the books of Jane Austen and all they involve. She dreams of having that
one great romance some day where she will be swept off her feet by the perfect
gentleman she seeks. The problem is that she is completely over the top with
this obsession, so much so that her bedroom is decked out in period pieces and
a cardboard cut out of Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy. Then Jane decides she's tired
of waiting and takes matters into her own hands. She takes her life savings and
goes on a trip to Austenland, a theme park in England based around the author
and her books.
When she arrives in England she meets Mrs. Elizabeth
Charming (Jennifer Coolidge), another hopeful going to Austenland. They set out
and arrive only for Jane to discover that her vacation package was the copper
package and Elizabeth's the platinum. In other words Elizabeth's gets her the
best of the best while Jane is sent to the servant's quarters. Run by Mrs.
Wattlebrook (Jane Seymour), the ladies are taken to the manor where they seem
to have gone back in time. They aren't allowed any modern conveniences (except
a toilet) and dress for that time period.
Various events are scheduled and included in the package are
several actors portraying men as if they were from one of Austen's novels. Some
are forward, some snooty, but all are paid to make the fantasies of these
ladies come to life. Along with Elizabeth and Jane is Lady Amelia Heartwright
(Georgia King) who seems intent on taking center stage whenever possible.
As the days pass it becomes apparent that Jane is not
meeting her expectations of the vacation. Then she meets Martin (Bret
McKenzie), the stable hand. They become confidants and grow close, something
Jane appreciates since his role is not the same as the actors portraying love
interests for the ladies. Has Jane found true love?
The vacation moves forward, the ladies all three become
close and the actors do their jobs. Eventually Jane tires of the package she's
been assigned and starts flirting with all the actors. One in particular, the
stand offish Henry Nobley (JJ Field) begins to change his opinion of Jane. He
actually begins to take an interest in her. Just what is going on behind the
scenes as much as out front makes for a complicated romance here. Just who will
Jane end up with by the final reel, Martin or Henry? Or perhaps no one?
The movie is a delight from start to finish. It moves along
at a steady pace and never gets boring. The concept of the theme park and the
extent to which they go to bring these ladies dreams to fruition is hilarious
at times and sweet at others. There isn't a bad performance in the lot but
stand outs are Russell who we don't see enough of these days and Coolidge who
is absolutely hilarious in this role. Her butchering of an English accent will
bring tears to your eyes.
No, this movie will not win an Oscar. Actually it shouldn't
be considered for one. It's not THAT good. But it is quite entertaining and will
provide a nice evening's entertainment. So if you're in the mood for a nice
romantic comedy that will provide plenty of laughs, give AUSTENLAND a shot.
You'll be glad you did.
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