If you are a Jane Austen fan, it is pretty hard not to enjoy 'The Jane Austen Book Club'. Sure, it's nothing on 'Pride and Prejudice', but all the allusions and 'Jane' discussions bring with them an indulgent sense of familiarity.

For everyone else, this adaptation of Karen Joy Fowler's novel of the same name (by writer/director Robin Swicord) will come across as a well-cast, if formulaic, chick flick.

An ensemble production, the film follows numerous threads which are woven together through the vehicle of the book club. As the club's six members explore Austen's six novels over a period of six months, they work through the problems in their own lives, using the stories as a form of therapy.

Bernadette (Kathy Baker), a six-time divorcee, is the matriarchal figure who gets the group started and helps the younger women with their problems. Sylvia (Amy Brenneman) struggles to find her identity and meaning in her life after she is suddenly abandoned by her husband Daniel (Jimmy Smiths) for another woman.

Her gay daughter Allegra (Maggie Grace) is a spontaneous young woman who rushes headlong into love and danger, while her best friend Jocelyn (Maria Bello) — a single woman who denies ever having been in love — is a control freak.

The two strangers to the group are Prudie (Emily Blunt) and Grigg (Hugh Dancy). Prudie is a highly repressed and self-constructed French teacher who dresses immaculately and annoys everyone with her pretension. Grigg on the other hand — the only male in the group — is an easy-going charming sci-fi buff who brings a fresh perspective to the oestrogen-infused group.

The characters are familiar, but this is in part because they have been modelled on Austen’s heroines. This homage to Austen is successful largely because of the talented ensemble of actors who bring the characters to life and while it lacks the author’s acetic wit and penetrating insight, it will tide fans over until a new bunch of directors attempt to remake the classics.

Extras

The DVD has a generous offering of bonus features including the obligatory commentary and behind-the scenes features. There is also an interesting little documentary on Austen and a deconstruction of the film in relation to her works.