Jerusha Hess and Shannon Hale adapt Hale's novel into something that's frothily enjoyable even in its conventional rom-com rhythms. The ingenious set-up—about Jane Austen-obsessed American Jane (Keri Russell) and her visit to an immersive Regency-period-themed English resort—still carries a lot of the narrative weight, and Jane's tug-of-war with her self-acknowledged romanticism feels less fully developed than in the novel. But Jennifer Coolidge gets a terrific role as Jane's tacky, perpetually inappropriate fellow Austenland guest, and JJ Feild (as the Darcy-esque “cast member”) and Bret McKenzie (as the randy stable-boy) are both great as the gentlemen vying for Jane's affections in ways that may or may not be completely scripted. Hess also knows when to ease off on the stylized comedy characteristic of husband Jared's films, and when to really sell a punch line. Much like its titular fictional vacation spot, it promises a very specific kind of experience, and delivers exactly that. (Scott Renshaw)
