WWJAT?

Title: Lost In Austen
Format: DVD
Rating: A-

What would Jane Austen think?

Lost in Austen, a 2008 British miniseries, explores the idea that so many of us dream of-- a modern day girl getting thrown into her favorite book, Pride and Prejudice. I know it's something I've dreamed of, especially with this book.

Description (from Barnes & Noble): Amanda Price is sick of the modern world. She yearns for the romance and elegance found in the books by her favorite author, Jane Austen. But she's about to get a rude awakening as one fateful evening, she is propelled into the scheming 19th century world of Pride and Prejudice while that book's Elizabeth Bennet is hurled into hers. As the book's familiar plot unfolds, Amanda triggers new romantic twists and turns within the Bennet family circle as she clumsily tries to help the sisters nab husbands and even captivates the tantalizing Mr. Darcy herself. But what about Elizabeth ... and what will become of one of the world's greatest love stories?

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When I saw Barnes & Noble advertising this on their website, I almost bought it right then, without ever seeing it. It would be like watching my own dream come true. But I counted to ten, stopped hyperventilating, and decided to rent or Netflix the movie instead. Imagine how happy I was when I got home, and my sister said, "I was on Netflix and there's this movie called Lost in Austen so I moved it to the top of the queue." Such an awesome sister!

After watching the series, and recovering from such an amazing love story, I had to sit back and think, "WWJAT? What would Jane Austen think about this series?" With Amanda Price's arrival into the novel and Elizabeth Bennet's departure thereof, a chain of events is set in motion that completely rocks the P&P world. Would Austen be amused? Or would she react the way Amanda thinks she would?

Amanda: "Hear that sound, George? Duh-uh-uh-uh! That's Jane Austen spinning in her grave like a cat in a tumble-dryer. " (They call it a tumble-dryer! I love the British!)

I don't want to give too much away, but let's just say that if you're a Jane Austen purist, you will not be very happy. Surprisingly enough, I wasn't too fazed by the changes Amanda makes, but my 15-year-old sister, who just read P&P for school, was offended by some of the character changes. Go figure. I think the change that upset her the most was George Wickham's role and character. Wickham is always supposed to be the bad guy right... right?

Another reason (or 3) why this series is amazing....

Mr. Darcy :) ............... Mr. Bingley................ Mr. Wickham



Pretty good reasons, huh? ;)

My only complaint was that this wasn't something I could watch with my whole family. They are all Austen or P&P fans, and I think they would have enjoyed this. But there were some modern elements thrown in by Amanda Price that I wouldn't feel comfortable letting my younger sisters see. Otherwise, I have no other complaints. A-

And my favorite image to take away from this film (I hope it makes you laugh as much as I did).