The Jane Austen Book Club (2007)Director: Robin Swicord
Based on book:
The Jane Austen Book Club
by Karen Joy Fowler
Rating: 5
Inspiration: Everything Austen Challenge hosted by Stephanie's Written Word
Description from imdb:
Explores Austen's adage that general incivility is at love's essence. Sylvia's husband dumps her for another woman, so Bernadette and Jocelyn organize a book club to distract her. They recruit Sylvia's daughter Allegra; Prudie, a young teacher whose marriage may be on the rocks; and Grigg, a sci-fi fan who joins out of attraction to Jocelyn. The six read and discuss one Austen novel per month. Jocelyn tries to interest Grigg in Sylvia; Allegra falls in love with a woman she meets skydiving; Prudie contemplates an affair with a student; Sylvia's ex keeps popping up. In the discussions, characters reveal themselves in their comments.
Tagline: You don't have to know the books to be in the club.
Awards: 2 nominations from Casting Society of America, USA and Glaad Media Awards
Trivia: Order of books read in the film
February: Emma
March: Mansfield Park
April: Northanger Abbey
May: Pride & Prejudice
June: Sense & Sensibility
July: Persuasion
Wet moment: Allegra's girlfriend, Corinne, is in a bubble bath.
Memorable quote (for me):
Dean Drummond: Baby, high school's over.
Prudie Drummond: High school's never over.
My thoughts:
In-a-word(s): What would Jane Austen do? -from the blinking street light
I'm of the camp that really liked this movie. Heck, I'm going to watch it again. But first I would recommend that it would be more enjoyable for those who have read the Austen works or at least are familiar with the storylines. I knew most of the stories except for Mansfield Park so could relate the characters in the movie with the Austen books.
On the other hand, my hubby (who has not yet read an Austen) liked the movie as well.
The cast was great. Jimmy Smits plays a good Darcy prototype and Hugh Dancy does a good Mr. Knightley prototype.
At the start of each month's selection it was fun to see the different club members with different book editions and covers. Each of the characters are spotlighted with their individual struggles and growth. Except for Allegra. I didn't really see her change. So, if you watch this let me know what you think.
This movie has lit a spark into me to finally sit down and pick up an actual Austen book. I'm starting Mansfield Park!
And if I have time, I may sit down to read the book that this movie was based on.
Hubby's rating: 3.5
His thoughts: Enjoyable and in keeping with Austen endings.
Other DVD cover versions:
The heart in the book is cute and the pink one screams chick flick.
The pink in this cover is so girly. I like it.
The pink in this cover is so girly. I like it.
