Film Review: ‘Austenland’

Film Review: ‘Austenland’
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Updated 01 January 2025
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Film Review: ‘Austenland’

Film Review: ‘Austenland’

“Austenland,” the 2013 rom-com directed by Jerusha Hess and based on the novel by Shannon Hale, is a delightful romantic comedy that combines satire, romance and a playful homage to the works of the very real Jane Austen. 

The story follows Keri Russell as Jane Hayes, an Austen-obsessed 30-something American daydreamer who decides to put her foot down and take charge of her own fleeting life by spending her entire savings on a trip to Austenland, a cosplay, Regency-era themed resort in England.

The resort offers an immersive Austen experience, complete with period costumes, scripted interactions with actors and a strict adherence to the social customs of 19th-century England. No mobile phones allowed.

The title “Austenland” itself reflects the central idea of the movie — a place where the dream of living in a Jane Austen novel can come true.

Set in a picturesque English countryside, Austenland is a vibrant and exaggerated portrayal of the world Austen created in her novels. The resort’s staff, led by the no-nonsense Mrs Wattlesbrook (played by the excellent Jane Seymour), ensures that all guests live completely immersed in the world they have created, while keeping within the strict parameters she has set.

But soon the line between fiction and reality begins to blur when real romance begins to blossom. And the discovery of a stealthily hidden mobile phone nearly ruins the whole thing. 

Russell delivers a great performance as Jane, a hopeless romantic who awkwardly navigates the increasingly absurd world of Austenland in search of love. One memorable line is: “I am single because, apparently, the only good men are fictional!”

Jennifer Coolidge, who most recently returned to the spotlight with the recent hit “White Lotus,” is both hilariously clueless and charming as her adopted namesake Miss Elizabeth Charming.

Of course, there is a brooding, Darcy-esque suitor in their midst, bringing a sense of romantic idealism to the film’s comedic heart.

At its core, Austenland is a commentary on the ways in which people seek fulfillment in unrealistic ideals. The film explores themes of identity and self-worth, questioning whether true love can exist in a semi-modern world constructed from fictional fantasies. Or not. 

As Jane navigates her own journey, she confronts the expectations that she has carried with her from Austen’s novels and begins to realize that love — and life — are more complex than any fictional tale could attempt to depict.

The pacing is quite breezy and light yet somehow stumbles a bit — arguably, reminiscent of an Austen novel.

While “Austenland” probably won’t appear on any must-watch classic list anytime soon, it remains an enjoyable watch and very Austen-esque.


Saudi comedy film ‘Ambulance’ to get sequel

Saudi comedy film ‘Ambulance’ to get sequel
Updated 19 April 2025
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Saudi comedy film ‘Ambulance’ to get sequel

Saudi comedy film ‘Ambulance’ to get sequel

DUBAI: A sequel is already in the works for “Esaaf” (“Ambulance”), the new comedy starring Saudi actor and stand-up comedian Ibrahim Al-Hajjaj and directed by British filmmaker Colin Teague.

The film premiered on Tuesday, making history as the first Arabic-language movie to be released by Imax. 

The plot revolves around two Saudi paramedics who discover a briefcase containing holding SR2 million (around $533,300) and find themselves caught up in a dangerous kidnapping scheme.

The movie is written by Alberto Lopez and produced by Al-Hajjaj’s House of Comedy, Saudi producer Talal Anazi’s Black Light Operations and former MBC Studios chief Peter Smith in tandem with Saudi Media Company. 

The film marks Al-Hajjaj’s first major release since “Sattar,” the 2023 wrestling film which grossed over $30 million, primarily from Saudi audiences.


Review: Netflix’s ‘North of North’ offers a fresh and authentic look at Inuit life

Review: Netflix’s ‘North of North’ offers a fresh and authentic look at Inuit life
Updated 17 April 2025
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Review: Netflix’s ‘North of North’ offers a fresh and authentic look at Inuit life

Review: Netflix’s ‘North of North’ offers a fresh and authentic look at Inuit life

Netflix’s new “North of North” series offers a fresh and authentic look at Inuit life, blending humor with emotional depth and cultural richness.

It is Netflix’s first original Canadian series, co-commissioned by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in association with the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network.

Set in the fictional Arctic town of Ice Cove, Nunavut, the series follows Siaja, a 26-year-old Inuk woman who publicly steps away from her marriage to a clueless husband, choosing to carve out a new space within her community and finding her own path while navigating the complexities of personal reinvention and staying rooted at home. 

While some of the slapstick comedy feels clumsy and redundant, it adds a sense of familiarity that ties together the everyday dynamics of life in a small community. 

The “we don’t need white saviors” theme is both timely and valid, though it leans on a somewhat cliche delivery.

However, the series makes up for this with rich cultural details — indigenous hand tattoos, handmade earrings and authentic Inuit clothing.

The elders speaking in their native tongue as part of everyday life, and Siaja’s responses in English, reflect the reality of balancing multiple identities and languages.

Written by Inuit writers Stacey Aglok MacDonald and Alethea Arnaquq-Baril, “North of North” presents an essential narrative told from an indigenous perspective. Their voices bring nuance and authenticity, ensuring that the series accurately represents the complexities of Inuit life. 

Siaja’s relationship with her young daughter, who is also discovering the world, as well as the adults in her life adds emotional richness to the series.

Anna Lambe’s portrayal of Siaja captures the character’s vulnerability and resilience, making her journey relatable. You feel you could be her friend. 

Overall, “North of North” is a fun series that balances humor with heartfelt moments.

While some elements may feel predictable, it seemingly succeeds in authentically portraying Inuit culture, according to early feedback from the indigenous community. 

The show cleverly explores themes of personal reinvention and community dynamics which are universal, while keeping the culture central to the unfolding story.

It is grounded, relatable and necessary. Definitely binge-worthy. While the characters are constantly surrounding — and occasionally engulfed — by snow, its warmth is felt all around.


Benson Boone to perform in the UAE

Benson Boone to perform in the UAE
Updated 17 April 2025
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Benson Boone to perform in the UAE

Benson Boone to perform in the UAE

DUBAI: US singer and songwriter Benson Boone will open this year’s Yasalam After-Race Concerts, part of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend in December.

Boone, known for chart-topping hits like “Beautiful Things” and “Slow It Down,” is set to take the stage at Etihad Park on Dec. 4.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Yasalam (@yasalamae)

Last week, organizers announced that pop superstar Katy Perry will headline the event’s grand finale on Dec. 7.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Yasalam (@yasalamae)

The 2024 lineup featured performances by Teddy Swims, Peggy Gou, Maroon 5, Eminem, and Muse.


Disney+ launches limited-time immersive experience in Riyadh

Disney+ launches limited-time immersive experience in Riyadh
Updated 17 April 2025
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Disney+ launches limited-time immersive experience in Riyadh

Disney+ launches limited-time immersive experience in Riyadh

RIYADH: For one weekend, Disney+ has unveiled an interactive activation at U Walk in Riyadh. From April 17-19, this pop-up invites families to immerse themselves in their favorite stories from the entertainment company, transforming beloved movies and series into an experience that blends film and food.

The experience includes interactive zones like the “Roar Challenge,” inspired by “Mufasa,” and rhythmic drumming experiences set to the beats of “Moana.”

For one weekend, Disney+ has unveiled an interactive activation at U Walk in Riyadh.  (AN Photo)

Saleh Al-Anzi, one of the attendees, remarked: This is a very special occasion, and it’s the first time this happens in Saudi Arabia. When I got the invitation, I was so excited and came here with my children. Everything here was amazing—the hospitality, the food, the cupcakes, and the desserts. We had a really fun time with the kids. I like this activity because it's not only for children; it's also for adults like us. We also watch Disney+ with our kids.”

Disney+ partnered with the Saudi premium confectionary brand Milaf to craft a bespoke menu of desserts and dishes available only at the event. Merging local heritage with global storytelling, the menu was tailored for the Saudi audience, blending iconic Disney+ tales with the rich flavors of Saudi cuisine. From Hanini and Masabeeb to Kleija, each creation celebrated Saudi culture while offering a journey through Disney+’s most iconic stories.

Tamim Fares, Director of Disney+ Middle East & North Africa, remarked: We were thrilled to bring this one-of-a-kind Disney+ activation to Riyadh, providing families with a unique experience that transcended streaming. This event was more than just entertainment — it was a celebration of stories that resonated across generations, brought to life with a local Saudi touch.”
 


Review: Jon Hamm breaks bad in ‘Your Friends & Neighbors’

Review: Jon Hamm breaks bad in ‘Your Friends & Neighbors’
Updated 17 April 2025
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Review: Jon Hamm breaks bad in ‘Your Friends & Neighbors’

Review: Jon Hamm breaks bad in ‘Your Friends & Neighbors’

LONDON: Another month, another stellar new original series from Apple TV+, now pumping out hits with noteworthy regularity and deservedly seeing its viewer numbers steadily creeping in the right direction.

In his first TV leading role since his career-defining work in “Mad Men,” Jon Hamm plays Andrew Cooper, a recently divorced New York hedge fund manager whose life spins out of control when he loses his big-money job. Unable to admit to his family and friends that he’s now unemployed, ‘Coop’ suddenly finds himself in need of cash to maintain the flashy standard of living to which he and his dependents have become accustomed. After a number of epiphanies regarding the fickle nature of most of his so-called friends and colleagues, Coop begins stealing from his wealthy neighbors to fund that lifestyle.

But this wealthy, suburban spin on “Breaking Bad” comes with its own set of unique risks. The first of nine episodes (two are available at launch, with weekly installments to follow) shows us a glimpse into Coop’s future as he wakes up in a pool of blood next to a dead body. From there, we flash back four months to see how Coop winds up in this mess. It’s a real “I bet you’re wondering how I ended up here" moment — a cheap and somewhat overused trope, truth be told, but “Your Friends and Neighbors” quickly rewards us for being willing to overlook such a hackneyed plot mechanic.

As you’d expect, Hamm is the show’s MVP. He paints Coop as a complex and flawed individual. A bit of a jerk, sure, but far from the worst guy in the world when you compare him with an ensemble of truly obnoxious characters (played with verve and humor by a great cast which includes Amanda Peet as Coop’s ex-wife, Olivia Munn as a fellow rich divorcee and Hoon Lee as his brutally honest business manager). Indeed, with each crime, Coop’s point of view actually starts to make an alarming amount of sense.

Making audiences root for a kind-of-obnoxious money-grabbing robber is no small task, but Hamm is more than up to the job.