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Pride and Prejudice: A Latter-day Comedy
I pay very little regard... to what any young person says on the subject of marriage. If they profess a disinclination for it, I only set it down that they have not yet seen the right person. (Jane Austen, Mansfield Park)
 Pride and Prejudice: A Latter-day Comedy is a rather unrefined version of Jane Austen's classic novel, Pride and Prejudice. The film comedy version takes place around Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah with five female roommates, and the story revolves around one of these roommates. Elizabeth (Kam Heskin) is quite an oddity in Happy Valley. She is a 26-year-old grad student and isn't married yet; she is more interested in first taking care of her education.
Three guys, though, attempt to help her lose her focus. Jack (Henry Maguire) is a somewhat good friend and handsome suitor, but Elizabeth just isn't interested (probably because Jack needs rides and money to go out on dates). Collins (Hubbel Palmer) is a big, fat, delusional goob, whose delusions concerning Elizabeth's love culminate in him proposing to her. Darcy (Orlando Seale) starts out as an English snob to Elizabeth, but later finds himself "strangely attracted" to her. Darcy and Jack have a past with each other, and this in turn reinforces Elizabeth's dislike and distrust for both of them. Will Elizabeth eventually give her heart to either or neither of them?
This is not a religious movie. The LDS religion is simply the backdrop or context in which the film unfolds. It is rather a character and love story, which is typical of Jane Austen. But within the culture of Mormonism, it seemed rather odd that Elizabeth didn't seem to care what the religion was of her suitors. It was probably something taken for granted given the religious community in which she lived.
I somewhat liked this movie. The actors kept my attention by their good looks as well as their acting. But I did think much of the comedy was pretty silly stuff.
Finally, for more reviews and information on Pride and Prejudice: A Latter-day Comedy, click here.
R. M. Sivulka
Salt Lake City, UT
March 29, 2004
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