Love & Jane

I really wanted to like this one but the magical realism stuff isn't for me. The script was very weak and lots of stuff required suspending belief. Ali Sweeney is 47 years old but this script felt like it was written for a 27 year old. Can we please match actors to more age appropriate stories? I know Hallmark wants more younger and new viewers but they also have a loyal and aging fanbase and need to find that balance that appeals to both groups. Ali Sweeney and Ben Ayres do have chemistry but I don't think they're good screen partners because they're too similar. The Chronicle Mysteries were an absolute snoozefest too. This may have worked better with different actors but still a weak script overall.

Also, the set design was horrible. The bookstore looked more like a university library and wasn't welcoming at all. I did like the message about the importance of bookstores and the community aspect but the policy change at the end was ridiculous.

The first time I watched this I thought it was a little choppy, I wasn't disappointed as much as not as satisfied as I thought I would be with a Hallmark Love-uary 2024 Austen inspired film starring Allison Sweeney, who I love, and Benjamin Ayers.

When I watched it the second time, I appreciated it much more...and I want to unpack that a little bit.

During my second viewing I wasn't distracted by thoughts of 'where is this story going?', because I already knew and it allowed me the freedom to appreciate all of the great classic literature quotes (not just Austen) and the references or imitation of Austen like a marriage obsessed mom who has multiple daughters and the matchmaking that Lilly does that is very Emma-esque. I also had more time to appreciate the quirky tech savvy male lead Trevor Fitzsimmons, played by Benjamin Ayers. He may be one of those socially awkward tech geniuses, often lost in their own thoughts and minds...I really appreciated that he was still well read, and how books have special meaning for him thanks to his librarian mother. This gave him a great interconnection with Allison Sweeney's Lilly. I also liked the discussion around change, that people have the ability to change...and like the lesson of Persuasion sometimes deserve a second chance.

The story itself is about Lily, who works for an advertising firm, and is the president of a Jane Austen book club. Seven years ago she won a literary award, but hasn't capitalized on her talent. One night she wishes she could ask Jane Austen herself for help and then she appears.

There is a whole subplot about confidence, which I appreciate but am not sure it was as fully fleshed out as they think it was.

I think this is still a recommendation from me to fellow romantics and fans of Jane Austen, but like me you might have to give it more than one viewing. I will say that my favorite character was the truck driver Barry, who was enjoying Austen on his longhauls via audiobooks!

If you are a Jane Austen fan, you will really enjoy this movie. It's a little quirky at times, but it has the imagination, allure & romanticism of Jane Austen at her best. In modern day, a frustrated writer, who is inspired, and at times, obsessed, by Jane Austen's work, struggles with her own life, friends & aspirations. A book club, a book store, and a small group of friends, real and imaginary, are the fabric of a sweet, intriguing story line. Imagine! If only! What if? Like a Jane Austen novel, this movie opens doors to possibilities. I wasn't really crazy about the choice of the male lead, but if you can get past that it's quite enjoyable.

IN A NUTSHELL: The story is about a woman who is a literary enthusiast who works at an ad agency and runs a Jane Austen book club on the side. When she wishes Jane Austen could help her with life decisions, the famous author materializes and offers tips for love.

The Hallmark channel is featuring movies about Jane Austen fans during February. They're calling it "Love-uary." The story was written and directed by David Weaver.

THINGS I LIKED: The diverse cast includes Alison Sweeney, Benjamin Ayres, Kendra Anderson, Aadila Dosani, and more.

Many of the characters represent those in Jane Austen's books.

It's nice to see a romance with a woman who isn't 20.

If you love the famous lines in Jane Austen novels, you'll enjoy how often they're quoted in the movie. You'll definitely feel the passion for her books.

As an author of 31 books, myself, I'm always fascinated by movies about authors and where writers get their inspiration.

The last scene is pretty cute and a wink to something that Jane Austen said earlier in the film.

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE: There's an odd, dusty filter on every scene. Is that supposed to make the modern world feel old?

The dialogue feels so stilted.

So many awkward acting moments.

It takes a long time before we see Jane Austen appear in the film.

The actor who plays the Darcy character looked more like a villain than a romantic lead.

Sadly, I didn't feel any chemistry between the two leads.

A side story halts the pacing.

Lilly's character acted like a young, awkward girl rather than an older woman settled in her career.

TIPS FOR PARENTS: Kids will be extremely bored unless they're big Jane Austen fans.

We see a lot of cleavage.

Alcohol No profanity. Yay!

To see my full review, go to my YouTube channel called Movie Review Mom!

Love and Jane is a sweet movie, with a very charming plot. Alison Sweeney is her usual upbeat, emotional self, a pleasure to watch in any film. This reviewer has only one concern about Love and Jane.

It refers to Benjamin Ayres' appearance. This actor is mature, serious, very gifted leading man. He is a pleasure to watch in any romantic story. However, recently there has been such a dramatic change in his appearance, it leaves one wondering what the reasons might be for such a strange physical presentation.

It was first noticed in a Christmas movie, A Miracle in Bethlehem, PA. Mr. Ayres was presented with a "grungy" unshaven face, his good looks altogether diminished by this new dark image, his hair was a disheveled mess, hanging into his forehead, in a strange uncombed style.

And, now, again, in Love and Jane, he appears in the same manner. Unshaven face, and messy uncombed hair.

Is there a new look being explored for this mature, very handsome actor? And what modern woman would be attracted to such a look in a man? Mr. Ayres deserves to be seen in his full, handsome, best way. He is a wonderful, emotional actor. He is a romantic lead with a mature presence and very appealing style. Why now present him in this grungy, messy manner?

If anyone has the answer to this question, please help. If anyone agrees with my confusion about the new "presentation" of Mr. Ayres, please contribute your feelings.

This viewer is left confused and very put off by the new look. Give us back a clean-shaven, combed hero. He is such a great actor, and deserves to be seen in his best handsome style.