Austenland: Pride & Prejudice Fanaticism, With Bret McKenzie [Trailer + Pictures]

The premise of Austenland is simple – by today’s standards at least - Jane Hayes loves everything Jane Austin and Pride & Prejudice. She loves the regency era, the clothes, the accents and the drama, but most of all, she well and truly loves Mr. Darcy. We’ve all been there, right? (I’m talking to the boyfriends).

As if filling her with bedroom all manner of Austen-themed memorabilia wasn’t enough, Hayes – played by Keri Russell – embarks on an adventure to the ultimate Austen experience in England, something that strips her of her life savings. But, hang on a minute; the world that Austen brought to life in her books isn’t actually that swell. Where’s the Internet? Facebook? NO CONTACT MUSIC?! Well this won’t do.

Check out the Austenland trailer right here, right now

There is a love interest, though, and it’s not Mr. Darcy. No, it’s Flight of the Conchord’s very own Bret McKenzie, who plays Martin in the movie. This romantic comedy is Twilight author Stephanie Meyer’s her first foray into film producing. And unfortunately for her, the film was met with mixed reviews when it made its way round the festival circuit.

“Austenland doesn't really satirize Austen's world (or fans) so much as use them as a pretext for a mixture of middling burlesque and routine romantic comedy,” said Variety in a pretty negative review. But it’s not all bad: Screen International said it’s “A costumed pageant and the wild spoof of a costumed pageant, Austenland is a clever romp for Jane Austen fans and for those who see Jane Austen mania as an infinitely expanding punchline,” while The Guardian called it “smart and surprisingly literate”

The chaps and ladies enjoy a spot of shooting

JJ Field, Bret McKenzie and Keri Russell in what can only be described as a 'promotional shot'