Austenland is an entertaining comedic film that will appeal to fans of Jane Austen and romantic comedies, examining the effects of loving Austen’s world.

Austenland is a close adaptation of Shannon Hale’s novel that both pokes fun of and honors the obsessiveness of Jane Austen fans in a romantic comedy setting. Keri Russell and Jennifer Coolidge are standouts in a cast full of breakthrough performances. The film’s timing could not have been more perfect with the recent wave of Jane Austen adaptations including BBC’s upcoming Death Comes to Pemberley starring Russell’s The Americans costar Matthew Rhys; Jo Baker’s upcoming novel, Longbourn; and the popular webseries The Lizzie Bennet Diaries flooding the market. Unlike those adaptations however, Austenland does not adapt one of Austen’s works, but instead looks at the experience that fans crave after consuming it.

Keri Russell, of Felicity and The Americans fame, stars as Jane Hayes, a woman obsessed with finding her Mr. Darcy and achieving the ideals of the Regency Era. Lured by an attractive travel advertisement, Jane travels to Austenland where women can act out their Jane Austen fantasies, if only for a price. On her journey to find herself and live out her ultimate fantasy, she encounters a range of eccentric characters from the actors to the host to the patrons alike. Bret McKenzie, of Flight of the Conchords fame, and J.J. Fields, best known to Austen fans as Henry Tilney in the Masterpiece adaptation of Northanger Abbey, shine as Russell’s romantic foils. Jennifer Coolidge is a constant scene stealer with her one-liners and over-the-top mannerisms.

As a Jane Austen fan and someone who has seen the various versions of Pride and Prejudice, too many times to count, the film was thoroughly entertaining. It both honored Austen and pointed out the high expectations that her leading men tend to create. There are nods to Pride and Prejudice, and its famous BBC adaptation in the dialogue and plot points that Austen fans are sure to appreciate. Keri Russell was instantly relatable in her wishes and actions and the audience identified with her as they journeyed with her through the ridiculousness of Austenland. Keri Russell’s Jane is smart, sassy, and just the right amount of starry eyed to be genuine. For fans of the original source material, the film adaptation is pretty faithful to the novel with some minor changes for dramatic effect.

The humor of the film was previewed in the trailer, however the degree to which the film took control of the humor was unexpected. The movie is funny with Jennifer Coolidge stealing the scenes in that regard with James Callis also contributing. It is no wonder that the film is as funny when the director is Jerusha Hess. Hess wrote both Napoleon Dynamite and Nacho Libre, two oddball comedies that preview what one can expect with Austenland. A tip to those who are planning to see the film, stay for all of the credits. They are hysterical.

The English countryside and the attention to detail with the Regency era touches make the film’s world more recognizable and easier to step into. The music evoked a 1990’s era feel and was slightly nostalgic, but fit well with the plot and themes of the film.

The film has been marketed to women with girls’ only screenings and for good reason. It is a romantic comedy in genre and features many references to Jane Austen, the attractiveness of Mr. Darcy, and female friendship.

Should you see this film? If you’re a fan of romantic comedies, Keri Russell, and Jane Austen, then absolutely yes. If you’re looking for a film to make you laugh in its semi-ridiculousness, it is a great film for you. If you’re looking for a serious film or yet another adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, check your expectations at the door.

Grade: A

Rated: PG-13 (for some suggestive content and innuendo)

Austenland opens in theaters on August 16, 2013 in New York and Los Angeles.