Between you and me, the movie was not bad--perhaps even, dare I say, somewhat good. It is a smart, funny, unabashed chick-flick. Moreover, there really is something nice about seeing some immensely talented actresses of all ages, races, and shapes being given a rare opportunity to star in a movie, not to mention dominate one. That is precisely what writer-director Robin Swicord has offered Kathy Baker (age 57), Maria Bello (age 40), Amy Brenneman (age 43), Maggie Grace (age 24), and a personal favorite, Emily Blunt (age 24), who portray women facing various life crises and finding guidance and inspiration through each other and the texts of one Jane Austen, around which they come together and form a book club. For the women I saw the movie with, though, the most memorable aspect of the film was every frame featuring pretty-boy Hugh Dancy (age 32, in fairness), who does a good enough job as the quirkly lone male member of the group. Jimmy Smits (The West Wing), who enhances anything in which he appears, and Keven Zeger (Transamerica), who does the opposite, also appear in supporting parts.

Is this movie going to win any awards? Absolutely not. That said, it may very well develop a cult following as the intellectual woman's guide to the galaxy. Upon seeing the first rough-cut of the film, Sony Pictures head Amy Pascal excitedly told Swicord, "This is crack for women!" That was certainly the case for the women I saw it with. At the very least, it is certain to prompt a number of women--and perhaps even some men--to start reading those Jane Austen novels they've been putting off.