Austenland

It won't be a classic like the books written by Jane Austen, who's revered here, but AUSTENLAND (itself based on the novel by Shannon Hale) is worth the investment, anyway, if only to see Russell conduct a master class in naturalistic acting. As silly as her character may sometimes be, she's authentic and relatable, which elevates this fairly formulaic movie. That and the delicious Coolidge, who often trades in wacky, frothy roles like Ms. Charming but nonetheless still makes them seem fresh and funny.

Alas, Austenland lacks a mesmerizing Darcy, or any compelling male love interest, for that matter. They pale in comparison to Russell, their characters drawn thinner than onion skin. (It's also lacking in the brilliant banter that made Austen's work so appealing.) The movie sometimes tiptoes into substantive territory when it has Jane straining against the circumscribed roles that women in Austen's times were assigned. But in the end, it's a trifle -- albeit an amusing, somewhat satisfying one.