The Jane Austen Book Club

There's enough drama -- big and small -- in The Jane Austen Book Club to fill one of the author's novels. As a techie confused by Austen's novels (he compares Mansfield Park to Return of the Jedi) and the women who read them, Dancy is supremely likable. He genuinely looks befuddled, especially when the object of his affection, Jocelyn, pushes him to court her best friend instead. Dancy and Bello have great chemistry; she can barely tamp down her usual smoldering self to portray a woman who better understands dogs than men. Blunt again proves herself talented with a storyline that's at once scandalous and poignant, and Brenneman stands out as a wife blindsided by her husband's infidelity.

In fact, the whole ensemble is strong, and the early scenes in which they try to get comfortable with each other are especially entertaining. (If you've ever been in a book club, you'll understand.) But there's something a little removed about watching a movie about a book club about Jane Austen. The many layers to sift through threaten to weigh down the movie. And some of the parallels drawn between Austen's books and the characters' lives feel forced. Plus, with so many people to keep track of, it's all too easy to get distracted. And if you've never read Austen, prepare to be somewhat lost.