Austenland

If there’s anything more in vogue than Austin, Texas, it’s Jane Austen. Austen, who published only four novels during her lifetime (and you know them all by name, at least: Emma, Sense and Sensibility, Mansfield Park and Pride and Prejudice), has been a steady source for Hollywood over the years. Austenland brings it all to a head, but not gracefully or humorously enough. Jane (Keri Russell) is obsessed with all things Austen, so she travels to a Jane Austen theme park, which is like cosplay for lonelyhearts and spinsters. As you might expect, love blooms for our Jane, but it’s not a direct path. The best and worst thing you can say about Austenland is that die-hard fans of Austen’s work might enjoy it. As a comedy, it’s got a lot of ground to make up. And as a romance, it’s remarkably tame.