With a different female lead, I might have really liked this for a Hallmark 'film'...I was particularly impressed when the classic Hallmark telltale sign that the final scene has arrived and you just know the credits will roll immediately...passed right by and the story continued, to provide a proper conclusion. Vaguely better writing with this Austen outing, and the odd fantasy elements meshed well with the book club, fan obsessed background. The fantasy element also consistently helped drive the plot along; Jane pushed the lead to make better choices in her life. Who wouldn't want Jane around to help us do that?
I'm pretty sure I've been a fan of Alison Sweeney in my younger years, on Days, but she's stilted and awkward throughout, and it is beyond distracting. She's not the ONLY poor actress (the "Jane" actress seems to be putting on a British accent - couldn't they find a Brit for the role? Otherwise, her acting is fine) in the cast, but as the lead, it's egregious. There were only a few moments of authenticity with her, like the popcorn fight with Jane. The bookseller's initial business idea was poorly conceived, to the point that nobody got it, but unlike others, I loved the sexy lead actor with the gravelly voice - or grew to love him, as we're meant to. Mr. Whitcomb was delightful! The Punjabi coworker/friend was good, too - both her acting skills and realistic subplot elevated the film's overall level and I wouldn't be surprised to see her in non-Hallmark fare. That is to say, there were a few bright spots, even among the actors, but the casting was...inconsistent.
