BECOMING JANE — *** — Anne Hathaway, James McAvoy, Julie Walters; rated PG (vulgarity, violence, brief nudity, mild profanity, brief sex, slurs)

"Becoming Jane" tries to tell the life story of author Jane Austen by turning her into a tragic romantic character that might have come from one of her novels.

It's a move that pays off nicely. While the movie may not be as memorable as recent film versions of Austen's classics, "Sense and Sensibility" and "Pride & Prejudice," it's still a smart and well-acted drama that is a refreshing change of pace from this summer's overblown blockbusters.

It's also another good starring vehicle for American actress Anne Hathaway, who adopts a credible British accent to play the younger version of Austen.

In this fictionalized version of events, Jane hasn't begun her writing career yet. Instead, she's penning witty essays and letters for her family and neighbors.

Her parents (James Cromwell and Julie Walters) are financially strapped and are trying to marry her off to improve their economic standing. So far, the best offer has come from the kind but dull Mr. Wisley (Laurence Fox, from the BBC series "Lewis").

However, Jane is more intrigued by roguish Irishman Tom Lefroy (James McAvoy). Tom is visiting relatives in the countryside, and despite his initial brusqueness toward her, he's become smitten with the sharp-tongued Jane.

He's nearly penniless, though, and his petition to marry Jane has fallen on deaf ears. (Ian Richardson, in his final role before his death earlier this year, plays Tom's wealthy guardian.)

A couple of subplots are underdeveloped, especially one about the relationship between Jane's soldier brother (Joe Anderson) and an older lover (Lucy Cohu). And Maggie Smith doesn't get nearly enough time as the Austen family's patron.

But the script — courtesy of two British television writers — is witty, and director Julian Jarrold ("Kinky Boots") never lets the tone get too oppressive or melodramatic.

Obviously, a lot depends on the chemistry between Hathaway and McAvoy ("The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe"). Fortunately, they're fairly convincing as would-be lovers.

"Becoming Jane" is rated PG for suggestive language and mild profanity, violence (boxing), brief male nudity, brief sexual contact and slurs based on nationality. Running time: 113 minutes.

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E-mail: jeff@desnews.com