Becoming Jane

Unlike other great films adapted from Jane Austen novels, such as “Pride & Prejudice” and “Sense & Sensibility,” “Becoming Jane,” inspired by the Victorian-era’s author’s life and perhaps her only brush with love, is tiring and slightly uninspired. The beginning is slow and never truly picks up a healthy pace, making it difficult to feel completely involved in Austen’s family and love life. Anne Hathaway looks and feels right for the part, but her English accent seems a bit off, although I can’t claim that I’m an expert on such matters. James McAvoy, who plays Jane’s maybe one and only lover, is a charming lad with respectable morals and is the supposedly the man behind Austen’s self-created Mr. Darcy (minus the happy ending). Lacking a real heart and soul, the film eventually becomes a huge downer for all involved – audience included. And really, we never quite learn what it means to “become Jane” as the story is an all too bittersweet glimpse into the author’s one romantic encounter.