I'm reviewing the Sundance darling Austenland today. This film has Mormon fingerprints all over it. Shannon Hale, who wrote the novel and co-wrote the screenplay, is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as is co-writer and director Jerusha Hess (Napoleon Dynamite, Nacho Libre) and producer Stephanie Meyer. Also, lead actress Keri Russell was raised in the Church (she was in my stake growing up). Does the film cut the mustard for Austen fans? Will it be enjoyed by average movie-goers? Read on to find out!
AUSTENLAND REVIEW (GRADE: A)


CONTENT OVERVIEW: Austenland is rated PG-13, but it's a mild PG-13 (as a reference, it's comparable to 13 Going on 30 or Just Like Heaven). There is no foul language or sex. There are a few mild-to-moderate innuendos, but nothing too over-the-top. A chiseled male actor keeps finding excuses to take his shirt off and at one point makes out with a woman against a wall, but both of these are played for laughs. There are a few instances of slapstick violence.
MESSAGES TO DISCUSS: “True love is not so much a matter of romance as it is a matter of anxious concern for the well-being of one's companion” (President Gordon B. Hinckley). All secrets come to light sooner or later (Luke 8:17).
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PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (1995) Easily the most-beloved adaptation of the classic Austen novel, this Emmy-winning TV miniseries captures the story in rich detail and is bolstered by fine performances, particularly by Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennet and Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy.
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (PG, 2003) This modernized take on the classic novel transports the characters to latter-day Provo, Utah. This is actually quite funny and charming. Although it's made by Latter-day Saints, it sticks mostly to the story instead of cramming itself with lame in-jokes.
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (PG, 2005) Lush cinematography, beautiful music, and a surprising performance by Kiera Knightley highlight this skillfully streamlined adaptation.
EMMA (PG, 1996) Gwyneth Paltrow stars in this charming little Austen adaptation, nominated for two Academy Awards.
SENSE AND SENSIBILITY (PG, 1995) This favorite features Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant, and Alan Rickman, who proves himself surprisingly adept as a romantic lead. Funny and whimsical.
BECOMING JANE (PG, 2007) Anne Hathaway and James McAvoy star in the true story of a fateful romance between Jane Austen and a notorious playboy which led to her becoming an author.
Later this week I'll have a fall movie preview up so you can plan your cinema-going for the next few months. Also, don't forget that my book 250 Great Movies for Latter-day Families is now available in paperback and Kindle. Pick up your copy today!