Both a "Pride and Prejudice" adaptation and parody of the fad surrounding the book’s legacy, "Austenland" is about a lovesick, Mr. Darcy-obsessed young woman (Keri Russell) who travels to a British theme park that simulates a fantasy of life in Regency England – complete with a love triangle with a handsome misanthrope and a rakish stable boy. Though topically creative, and featuring several hilarious caricatures – such as the prissy, matriarchal owner (Jane Seymour), and a ditzy, oversexed American tourist (Jennifer Coolidge) – the plot is goofy, and not deep enough to respect the Austen literary tradition. Still, it’s a thorough, clever riff on the phenomenal fantasy that life (and love) in an age of manners and corsets is somehow more satisfying.
Grade: B-
Rating & Runtime: PG-13, 96 min.
See if you liked: "Pride and Prejudice"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbHr8YyjSlg&noredirect=1
