Mini Movie Review: "Unleashing Mr. Darcy" (2016)

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Jane Austen's "Pride & Prejudice" meets dog shows in this Hallmark Channel offering. "Unleashing Mr. Darcy" is very loosely inspired by Austen and follows the typical Hallmark romance formula. Elizabeth (Cindy Busby) teaches at a private school and is sacked for running afoul of the school's biggest donor. Her passion is her spaniel and during a show she is competing in, Elizabeth meets Donovan Darcy (Ryan Paevey) who is a judge and naturally a handsome millionaire. Their encounter is awkward and he grates on Elizabeth which immediately signals mutual attraction. At loose ends, Elizabeth goes to New York to train a friend's dog and lo and behold, guess who just happens to live across the street and judges every show: Donovan. The road to romance is rocky or rather doggy. The major complication is the nasty duo of Donovan's haughty Aunt Violet (Frances Fisher) and Felicity who has her cap set for him. "Unleashing Mr. Darcy" is a pleasant diversion that dog lovers should particularly enjoy.