Review of The Jane Austen Book Club (2007) by Jeanett D — 16 Apr 2009

I've never read Jane Austin, but I have a hard time believing that trying to capture the essence of her work would include multiple (truncated/implied) unromantic sex scenes and kinky lesbian leg shaving.

I was disappointed to find that I'd have to read all six of Austin's books to gain full absorption of the story. The screenwriter depends on the books to develop the characters, as they are many in number with short, abrupt scenes. The actors redeem the holes and jumps of the film with top-notch expression (physical and especially facial) and emotional authenticity.

The last few minutes hit the screen as solid cheese. The group goes 5 for 5 in happy endings? Testosterone scratchers become Victorian connoisseurs? Is it normal for a couple to get separated, divorced, then recommitted in less than 6 months? Would a monthly book club seriously have that much impact on the course of someone's life?

The epitome of a romance novel's false hope: that reading about romance will bring you romance, healing, or at least hope--this film strays as far from reality as your mom, sister, friends, or love interest will want. If they ever fell dreamily into Gilmore Girls or sat in a quiet back corner of a library, they will love this flick.

The steady parade of eye-candy and clever dialog was not enough entertainment to overlook the screenplay.