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Perhaps there's a reason a feature-film version of Pride and Prejudice hasn't been attempted in 65 years. It doesn't do the novel justice.

The appeal of this film will most likely depend on whether or not you're familiar with (and a fan of) the popular BBC Pride and Prejudice miniseries made 10 years ago starring Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennett and Colin Firth as Mark Darcy. Of course, a running time of 300 minutes (5 hours) allows for an extremely exact adaptation, which lovers of the novel adored. When forced to condense the entire story into a 2-hour window it becomes much more difficult to please Jane Austen's loyal fans.

This Jane Austen adaptation is the story of the Bennett Family, especially the two oldest sisters � Jane (Pike) and Elizabeth (Knightly). When wealthy bachelor Mr. Bingley (Woods) moves to the neighborhood, accompanied by his friend Mr. Darcy (Matthew MacFayden), it turns the lives of these two sisters upside-down.

The film's star, Keira Knightly, did a wonderful job as Elizabeth Bennet, and Judi Dench turns in a typically high-calibre performance as Lady Catherine de Bourg. Even Matthew MacFadyen, who had the nearly impossible task of filling Firth's shoes as Darcy, satisfied expectations.

But the rest of the supporting cast is a horrible disappointment. The extreme natures of the characters in the novel and miniseries have all been softened � especially for Mrs. Bennet. She's so wonderfully annoying and embarassing in the miniseries (played by Alison Steadman) that you physically cringe for Elizabeth at her mother's outrageous manner. But Brenda Blethyn's portrayal of Mrs. Bennett is far too calm, as is Jena Malone's performance as Lydia Bennett, Elizabeth's youngest sister. In fact, Mrs. Bennett's and Lydia's natures are so subdued that it's difficult to understand Darcy's objections to the want of propriety in certain members of the Bennett family � whereas in the BBC miniseries, once Elizabeth's anger has subsided at Darcy's arrogance, she entirely understands and even agrees with his criticisms.

A similar complaint applies to Tom Hollander as Mr. Collins. The audience can understand why Elizabeth herself doesn't fall for him, but he doesn't inspire the same emotions David Bamber did in the BBC version. With Bamber, you watch Mr. Collins' antics through your fingers � he's so humiliating without realizing it but you just can't look away because it's too hilarious.

As for the villian everyone loves to hate, Mr. Wickham, he's given almost no screen time and no character development. The entire situation between him and Lydia is neatly resolved almost as soon as it's occurred. There's no suspense whatosever.

And, last but certainly not least, as a final disappointment the film ends without Darcy and Elizabeth ever having kissed. What kind of romantic comedy doesn't show the leading couple at last kiss at the end? Instead, in a scene that wasn't in the original novel, the film ends on Mr. Bennett after Elizabeth reveals to her father Darcy's role in helping her youngest sister Lydia.

Fans of the miniseries will be sorely disappointed with this feature film adaptation. Although, since so many critics seem to love it, those who have not seen the BBC adaptation may enjoy it. The locations and costumes are beautiful, and the film does have its wit and charm.

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