The Jane Austen Book Club (2007)

The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

Great movie! If you want to be entertained and have a few good laughs, see this movie. The music is also very good,

Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.

The tone of this movie is interesting -- the stakes are both dramatic and high, but it's balanced with a lot of fun, tongue and cheek dialogue.

using the Jane Austen novels, the director does a fascinating web of relationships, emotions and events. pink, soft, amusing, it is the type of movie who experiments a special romanticism in inspired manner. a book club and the shadow of a writer. nothing complicated but useful for the geography of the characters area. delicate feminism, a young man lost in the search of deep senses of books, the plans, the life, the projects and temptations. and not surprising end. it is a good film not only for script or cast but for the science of detail, for the fresh air, for a form of joy and bitter side of happiness. and for a lovely atmosphere. a film for chicks is the first verdict. maybe, in same measure, a film for rediscover/rereading Jane Austen. maybe... . but, more important, a lovely work.

Early on I sensed this film was totally infatuated with how clever, adorable, witty and wise it was. A Notting Hill misfire from the wrong side of the pond-I found the same flaws in that but at least it was clever enough to draw an occasional smile. Oh wait Lynn Redgrave did draw one but it was like laughing at people falling down stairs and you suddenly had to check yourself because you realized you were witnessing a small tragedy.The political initiatives were evident throughout from the younger man older woman mantra(even married man Smits leaves his wife for a comparably aged woman)to a beat you upside the head lesson in the coolness of being a California lesbian. I will admit that Emily Blunt was the one living entity to command my attention. Dressed like "a flight attendant"?-you bet, but boy did she pull it off-I'd fly with her to Detroit if that's what it took.

Jane Austen, the English author, left a body of work that, to this day, seems unsurpassed by any other novelist of her time. She was not a prolific writer, and yet, her six novels have survived the passing of time; they have become a must read for English literature studies. Bernadette, a Californian lady that loves the works of Jane Austen proposes to start a book club in which each member would lead the discussion of one of the six novels that must be read. Her only problem is she can only count with two other friends. Bernadette is set in getting the rest of the group by sheer determination that pays off in unexpected, and satisfactory ways.The group that Bernadette assembles could not so much different. Jocelyn, a dog breeder, leads a lonely life in her rural place. Sylvia, a librarian, discovers her husband Daniel wants to leave her. Her daughter Allegra agrees to join, perhaps a bit reluctantly. Prudie, the uptight teacher, whose marriage seems to be disintegrating before her eyes, is talked into coming aboard. The last member Bernadette finds is not a woman, but a computer specialist, Grigg, whose taste runs more into science fiction. Bernadette feels the last member will be good to boost Sylvia's morale who is depressed after Daniel's desertion.Director Robin Swicord, who also adapted the original novel by Karen Joy Fowler, shows an affinity to the material that is no small achievement. Ms. Swicord's second film is an enjoyable time because it involves the viewer in unexpected ways. The narrative brings parallel between the work of Jane Austin and the characters that are trying to make sense of the meaning of it. Another coup for Ms. Swicord is the incredible talented cast that was put together to bring to life a story that in someone else's hands would not have had the impact this film has on many levels. It is a highly feminine work, but it should not scare discriminating fans.Kathy Baker, who plays Bernadette, is a welcome addition to any film. The luminous Maria Bello, another excellent actress, does justice to her Jocelyn. Emily Blunt is perfectly snobbish as Prudie. Amy Braverman and Maggie Grace appear as mother and daughter, Sylvia and Allegra. The other principal, Hugh Dancy, does a surprising turn as Grigg. Jimmy Smits is seen as Daniel.Robin Swicord's understanding with the material and her love for Jane Austen made a rewarding film that will delight audiences of all ages.

Chick flick about five women in California (and one guy) who get together once a month to discuss a Jane Austen book they all read. The events in the books begin to mirror their lives--and offer them solutions. Sylvia's (Amy Brenneman) husband (Jimmy Smits) has just left her. She also has a daughter (Maggie Grace) who is a lesbian and is having troubles with her girlfriend. Jocelyn (Maria Bello) has never had a relationship. She meets cute young Grigg (Hugh Dancy) and tries to hook him up with Sylvia--but Grigg is attracted to her. Prudie (Emily Blunt) has a husband (Marc Blucas) who doesn't understand her--or try to. Bernadette (Kathy Baker) is (sort of0 the head of the group.OK--I HATE Jane Austen's books. I had to read most of them in college and find them far too mannered and slow (except for "Northanger Abbey"). I avoided this when it was up the theatre for that reason. I caught it on cable just last night and, while it was no masterpiece, it actually wasn't too bad. I can't comment on how they mirror Austen's novels--I haven't read her in years (and have no desire to try them again). The stories and resolutions were laughably predictable but it has a good script and a very talented cast that push it through. No one stands out but no one was bad. I was surprised at how easily Dancy and Blunt fake their American accents (although Dancy's slips a few times). Lynn Redgrave appears very briefly in a small pointless role. No great shakes but enjoyable. I found it VERY interesting that when Dancy is in a skin tight biking uniform that the camera makes it a point to travel up (and down) his body! It's not often you see a guy's body objectified in a Hollywood film. I give it an 8.