Lost In Austen (DVD, 2009)

As a fan of Jane Austen and the many film versions of Pride and Prejudice, I was curious about this mini series/movie but also skeptical. However, I found myself drawn into the film as soon as I put it in! Lost in Austen is not a spoof or parody at all, much to my relief. I laughed aloud at many parts and loved all of the true-to-story bits that I could point out. I was able to follow the newly tweaked plot to the original story yet was cheering for the main character, Amanda Price, the entire time.

I find the idea of a modern day woman finding herself swapped with Elizabeth Bennet in the storyline clever. If you're a fan of Austen and her stories, this movie is worth at least renting and giving it a shot!

Lost in Austen is a perfect blend of the modern day romantic trials and tribulations of Amanda Price (Jemima Rooper) as she is sent back in time and lands smack dab in 19th century England at the beginning of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. This is not a spoof of P&P and Jane Austen lovers will adore all of the fabulous references to the book-pay attention because they start at the very beginning of the film. The way the story is spun is hilarious and quite well done. I've watched it over and over and still manage to catch something new each time. For anyone who loves the wit of Jane Austen you will not be disappointed with this storyline. And of course, if you love (or even better, loathe!) Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, its a must see. Although I still prefer him as portrayed by Colin Firth. Happy Viewing!!

I only saw 2/3 of this, I'm afraid. I caught the 2nd and 3rd nights of this mini-series and it was great. It is the story of a frustrated modern London woman called Amanda, disillusioned with love and mad for Mr. Darcy from her favourite book ever, Pride and Predjudice by Jane Austen. She stumbles upon a portal through which she is transported through time to Elizabeth's house in the reality the novel created while Lizzie pops into the 21st century. Naturally Amanda meets Mr. Darcy and falls hard, all the while trying to hold the story together because it is unravelling fast because Elizabeth isn't there to make it come out the way it was written. Several tongue in cheek scenes emerge which a modern Mr. Darcy lover will appreciate. What's a girl to do? Wonderful cast includes Jemima Rooper as Amanda, Elliot Cowan as Mr. Darcy, Hugh Bonneville as Mr. Bennet, Alex Kingston as an hilarious Mrs. Bennet, a yummy Tom Riley as Mr. Wickham, the gorgeous Gemma Arterton as Elizabeth Bennet,the always wonderful Lindsay Duncan as Lady Catherine De Bourgh. It's more than a time travelling ode to Jane Austen, it examines the clash of mores between women of today and women of the Regency era. It's a romp for fellow Mr Darcy devotees. I'd go through the portal, would you?

Laurel Ennis

I loved this crazy "swap" between Elizabeth Bennett and Amanda Price. Amanda doesn't realize that ultimately it is Mr. Darcy she is in love with, not just the "manners" of the time as she claims, and Elizabeth's ability to fit into the modern world is a delightful and satisfying surprise. I laughed and cried, and fell in love with Darcy and Elizabeth all over again. Although this isn't a Jane Austen story, it is highly entertaining, and Amanda's curtsy will tickle any viewer's funny bone.

I had to buy the Lost in Austen DVD after catching a view minutes of the mini-series on PBS. I giggled and cried with laughter watching the program. It's a must watch for any fan of the BBC/A&E version of Pride and Prejustice mini-series starring Colin Firth as the dashing Mr. Darcy. Viewing it was was a guilty, silly pleasure that tranported me from the 21st Century back to a romantic period of time. Or, maybe not after watching Lost in Austen? You decide.