Paging Mr. Darcy movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Paging Mr. Darcy

This romantic comedy by Hallmark is now streaming on the Peacock channel.

RATING: TVG

LENGTH: 1 hour 30 minutes

Movie Review Mom GRADE: B

IN A NUTSHELL:

Welcome to “Love-uary”, Hallmark’s celebration of romance in February. Paging Mr. Darcy is their first flick to kick off the month.

The story’s description by the Hallmark studio sounds just like one of a Jane Austen movie: a love of Jane Austen’s novels helps two people overcome their pride and admit to their believe in love.

The sugary-sweet romance was directed by Peter Wellington. Writing credits go to Reina Hardy.

THINGS I LIKED:

The leading couple is played beautifully by Mallory Jansen and Will Kemp.
I loved the scene with the afternoon English tea. Have you ever been to one? When I taught classes at Le Cordon Bleu Culinary College, I met an incredible pastry chef whose last name in real life is Sweetster. Amazing, right? When the college closed (so sad!), she decided to open her own tea room in Las Vegas. It’s absolutely fantastic, winning her well-deserved praise and several awards. If you’re ever in Las Vegas, definitely check out “Queen of Hearts.” You can see some of her scrumptious food and cute décor at https://www.queenofheartsvegas.com/gallery
There are a lot of comparisons between the characters in the movie and those in Jane Austen’s books. Fans will definitely see those and get a kick out of them.
We catch a quick glimpse of a movie playing on TV. It premiered in 2018 and is called Marrying Mr. Darcy.
I know that these Jane Austen conferences actually happen and I think it would be really fun to attend one someday!
We get to hear about and learn some of the Regency period dances and foods.
We see many of the characters learn and grow, just like in Jane Austen’s books.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

Hallmark is certainly aware that their target audience also loves Jane Austen, so this kind of tribute is sure to make fans happy, right? Well, the biggest problem about this movie is that the team that created it seemed to be in too much of a hurry to thoroughly research what it is about Jane Austen’s books that people love so much and then incorporate those things into the film. So many details could have absolutely delighted viewers. Instead, true Janeites might feel a bit frustrated.
Why are the female protagonists in Hallmark movies always so judgy, stubborn, unfun, and annoying? Lee calls her a “stuffed shirt.” It kind of makes men seem shallow that they would continue to pursue such a cranky woman simply because she’s pretty.
I thought it was funny when we see a teary-eyed young woman at the conference being offered “Praline and Prejudice” and “Mansfield Chunk” ice cream to console her broken heart.
So many scenes are ridiculous. For example, how can the character be a Jane Austen expert without knowing what some of the ballroom dances are?
It would have been more fun to see elaborate costumes. Instead, what we see are very basic dresses.
I definitely see the double meaning of the title of the movie, but no one uses pagers anymore.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Kids will be bored unless they’re really into Jane Austen.
Kissing
Bullying

THEMES:

Anxiety
Confidence
Being willing to try new things
Pride

FUNNY LINES:

“What do they care?” – Mia Cavendish (Lillian Doucet-Roche) “Well, a pretty girl in tears is always a subject of interest.” – Eloise Cavendish (Mallory Jansen)
“I hate to disappoint you, but you’re growing on me.” – Eloise Cavendish (Mallory Jansen)
“That sounds suspiciously like fun.” – Sam Lee (Will Kemp)

INTERESTING LINES:

“Women have to go above and beyond to get what they want.” – Jenny (J.D. Leslie)
“You know, you can still be a scholar and have fun.” – Sam Lee (Will Kemp)
“As if you had to take Jane Austen seriously in order to understand her.” – older blonde expert lady
“I don’t want to be put up with, Eloise. I want to be loved.” – Mia Cavendish (Lillian Doucet-Roche)
“Love is about putting yourself out there, risking it all.” – Mia Cavendish (Lillian Doucet-Roche)
“Just because someone’s joking doesn’t mean they’re not feeling.” – Sam Lee (Will Kemp) “Fools and heroines are not separate categories. You have to risk being one in order to become the other.” – Eloise Cavendish (Mallory Jansen)