Love & Jane

I love Jane Austen, I love romcoms, even Hallmark predictable ones, but this one was too boring to enjoy. While the original idea was interesting and promising, the execution was poorly made.

The main character was acting too childish for a person in their 40s. Like, I might expect that self-centered, daydreaming behaviour from someone in their 20s, maybe early 30s, but when you're a full grown up person, being arrogant and judgemental is not cute or funny. All the quirkiness seemed just cringeworthy. They "work" story is also not clear since it seemed like much fuss with the questionable result but it's normal for Hallmark people to have jobs where they don't understand what they're doing.

I feel like "Jane" character brought pretty much nothing to the plot. She was just there, but didn't inspire or do anything.

As for the chemistry - there was little of it. Probably because the characters had at most only one conversation longer than 5 minutes. The main guy tried to make the spark, but it was too difficult because the leading lady just treated him so badly every time. Still he was after her like a wet puppy. I see that they tried to make him the Darcy-esque figure, but it was probably better in paper.

Also, what is wrong with the Americans that tend to shorten everything, saying "P&P", "Pride", "Sense" etc instead of actual book names.

I really wanted to like this one but the magical realism stuff isn't for me. The script was very weak and lots of stuff required suspending belief. Ali Sweeney is 47 years old but this script felt like it was written for a 27 year old. Can we please match actors to more age appropriate stories? I know Hallmark wants more younger and new viewers but they also have a loyal and aging fanbase and need to find that balance that appeals to both groups. Ali Sweeney and Ben Ayres do have chemistry but I don't think they're good screen partners because they're too similar. The Chronicle Mysteries were an absolute snoozefest too. This may have worked better with different actors but still a weak script overall.

Also, the set design was horrible. The bookstore looked more like a university library and wasn't welcoming at all. I did like the message about the importance of bookstores and the community aspect but the policy change at the end was ridiculous.

IN A NUTSHELL: The story is about a woman who is a literary enthusiast who works at an ad agency and runs a Jane Austen book club on the side. When she wishes Jane Austen could help her with life decisions, the famous author materializes and offers tips for love.

The Hallmark channel is featuring movies about Jane Austen fans during February. They're calling it "Love-uary." The story was written and directed by David Weaver.

THINGS I LIKED: The diverse cast includes Alison Sweeney, Benjamin Ayres, Kendra Anderson, Aadila Dosani, and more.

Many of the characters represent those in Jane Austen's books.

It's nice to see a romance with a woman who isn't 20.

If you love the famous lines in Jane Austen novels, you'll enjoy how often they're quoted in the movie. You'll definitely feel the passion for her books.

As an author of 31 books, myself, I'm always fascinated by movies about authors and where writers get their inspiration.

The last scene is pretty cute and a wink to something that Jane Austen said earlier in the film.

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE: There's an odd, dusty filter on every scene. Is that supposed to make the modern world feel old?

The dialogue feels so stilted.

So many awkward acting moments.

It takes a long time before we see Jane Austen appear in the film.

The actor who plays the Darcy character looked more like a villain than a romantic lead.

Sadly, I didn't feel any chemistry between the two leads.

A side story halts the pacing.

Lilly's character acted like a young, awkward girl rather than an older woman settled in her career.

TIPS FOR PARENTS: Kids will be extremely bored unless they're big Jane Austen fans.

We see a lot of cleavage.

Alcohol No profanity. Yay!

To see my full review, go to my YouTube channel called Movie Review Mom!

I can't describe it any better really. It's just really strange.

I've seen these actors in other movies and I actually quite like them but there is no chemistry here. So that part of the romance movie gets scratched.

The story is imaginative, which I don't mind, but it doesn't work. I don't actually know why, I've seen this concept of someone seeing a ghost who acts as a life coach before but it doesn't work in this movie. It's distracting in a way. This is one of those concepts that you either leave untouched or you pull it off, otherwise it just makes the whole movie weird.

I feel like the relationship development between the two leads is lacking. For whatever reason, it felt dry. I didn't get the impression that they actually grew closer together on a personal level. They just "ran into each other" a bunch of times and started to be nice and civil towards each other. This makes the ending awkward. We all know how these movies end, it's a requirement for the genre, and therefore, the romantic storyline that came before has to at least work a little bit in terms of romance. They missed that boat with this movie because the romantic relationship between the leads is so dry.

In short, it's rare for me to say to skip a hallmark movie but this one is definitely not worth your time.

The first time I watched this I thought it was a little choppy, I wasn't disappointed as much as not as satisfied as I thought I would be with a Hallmark Love-uary 2024 Austen inspired film starring Allison Sweeney, who I love, and Benjamin Ayers.

When I watched it the second time, I appreciated it much more...and I want to unpack that a little bit.

During my second viewing I wasn't distracted by thoughts of 'where is this story going?', because I already knew and it allowed me the freedom to appreciate all of the great classic literature quotes (not just Austen) and the references or imitation of Austen like a marriage obsessed mom who has multiple daughters and the matchmaking that Lilly does that is very Emma-esque. I also had more time to appreciate the quirky tech savvy male lead Trevor Fitzsimmons, played by Benjamin Ayers. He may be one of those socially awkward tech geniuses, often lost in their own thoughts and minds...I really appreciated that he was still well read, and how books have special meaning for him thanks to his librarian mother. This gave him a great interconnection with Allison Sweeney's Lilly. I also liked the discussion around change, that people have the ability to change...and like the lesson of Persuasion sometimes deserve a second chance.

The story itself is about Lily, who works for an advertising firm, and is the president of a Jane Austen book club. Seven years ago she won a literary award, but hasn't capitalized on her talent. One night she wishes she could ask Jane Austen herself for help and then she appears.

There is a whole subplot about confidence, which I appreciate but am not sure it was as fully fleshed out as they think it was.

I think this is still a recommendation from me to fellow romantics and fans of Jane Austen, but like me you might have to give it more than one viewing. I will say that my favorite character was the truck driver Barry, who was enjoying Austen on his longhauls via audiobooks!