Bridget Jones's Baby (2016)

Genres

Comedy | Romance

Director

Sharon Maguire

Country

UK | USA

Cast

Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth, Patrick Dempsey, Sally Phillips, James Callis, Shirley Henderson, Sarah Solemani, Neil Pearson, Emma Thompson, Jim Broadbent, Gemma Jones, Celia Imrie, Jessica Hynes, Kate O'Flynn, James Faulkner, Katia Elizarova, Ed Sheeran

Storyline

Single and focuses on her career only, now 43-year-old Bridget Jones (Renée Zellweger) finds herself pregnant and she can only be fifty percent sure of the identity of the father.

Opinion

More than 10 years after the disappointing "Bridge Jones: The Edge of Reason", another female director has brought the life of Bridget Jones back to the screen. I have to admit that I was sceptical about it, but "Bridget Jones's Baby" turned out pretty good. Sure, it's not as good as the first one, but it still is a funny romantic comedy.

The story isn't anything new, it's basically the same of the previous two films with a slight difference, there's a baby involved this time around. It is very predictable - although I've read three different endings were filmed, you'll totally see that happy ending coming - still it kind of keep you guessing and engaged for the whole time.

About the new guy, Patrick Dempsey's American billionaire, I'm not so sure about it. A part of me would have loved to see Mark and Daniel both still fighting for Bridget, although I realise Daniel wouldn't be the father kind of guy. The other part of me is actually happy with the new character because, let's be honest, Patrick Dempsey is ridiculously handsome. And I never liked Grant.

But let's move onto the comedy. It feels fresh because instead of relating only on the (mis)adventures of Bridget and on she constantly making a fool of herself, the film benefits from the fantastic Emma Thompson. She plays Bridget's gynaecologist in such a humourous way, and her performance alone is worth the watch.

As for Renée Zellweger, she nails Bridget for the third time. She is able to bring to the character than craziness, goofiness and uniqueness that made me fall in love with her character in the first place.

Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004)

Genres

Comedy | Romance

Director

Beeban Kidron

Countries

UK | USA

Cast

Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth, Hugh Grant, Gemma Jones, Jim Broadbent, Celia Imrie, James Faulkner, Jacinda Barrett, Sally Phillips, Shirley Hendeson, James Callis, Neil Pearson, Donald Douglas, Charmian May

Storyline

Though Bridget (Renée Zellweger) is happy in the arms of Mark Darcy (Colin Firth), her jealousies get the best of their relationship when she meets Marc's intern (Jacinda Barrett). To make matters even worse, Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant) comes back into her life.

Opinion

The problem with sequels to successful films is that the expectations are high and it's very likely they won't meet reality, and, unfortunately, that's what happened with "Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason", a slightly funny romantic comedy that completely lacks ideas.

That's the film's biggest problem. There isn't even a new, original idea. It feels more like a reboot than a sequel, only instead of being funnier, it ends up being rather pathetic because it's all an exaggeration of the first film. As a British might say, it's all so over the top, and it's unbearable. I kinda loved that scene where Bridget tries to speak German though.

The lack of ideas doesn't only affect the gags and jokes, basically the same but less funny, but the story as well. There isn't much of a plot - for that reason the story of the first film doesn't develop any further -, it's just an hour and forty-five minutes of Bridget Jones making a fool of herself. And by the way, the character begins to be a little annoying, and instead of rooting for Marc or Daniel, it's more likely you'll wish she ends up alone at the end of the film. Because that's what she deserves.

However, the film still benefits from "Bridget Jones's Diary"'s cast. The film relies completely on Renée Zellweger and the actress, appealing as usual, definitely makes the film more enjoyable. And both Colin Firth and Hugh Grant provide her with a good support.

Another aspect of the film I really enjoyed was, once again, the soundtrack. I have to admit that at times the music is too loud, but I just loved the songs, so it's all forgiven.

Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)

Genres

Comedy, Drama, Romance

Director

Sharon Maguire

Countries

UK, USA, France

Cast

Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth, Hugh Grant, Jim Broadbent, Gemma Jones, Celia Imrie, James Faulkner, Shirley Henderson, James Callis, Sally Phillips, Lisa Barbuscia, Donald Douglas, Charmian May, Paul Brooke, Embeth Davidtz, Patrick Barlow, Felicity Montagu, Neil Pearson, Dolly Wells

Storyline

32-year-old Bridget Jones (Renée Zellweger) is determined to improve herself while looking for the right man.

Opinion

I never cared for Bridget Jones's Diary but over the years I've heard a lot of good words about it and since recently I've been craving romantic films (don't even dare ask me why) I decided to spend a quiet evening, alone in my pyjamas, watching it. And I really enjoyed this corny but hilarious chick flick.

Don't expect anything new from this film because it tells a predictable story that has been done to death, it is incredibly clichéd and the twists, although there are a few, are just as corny as they can get, but frankly I didn't care because in spite of all those flaws the story was engaging and entertaining, and I found myself rooting for one of the guys.

However, what makes this film so different and quite charming is the main character, Bridget Jones. Her personality is simply spectacular. She is funny, clumsy, sincere, genuine, sweet and a total charmer. Plus Renée Zellweger gives such an amazing performance - you can see how much she committed to the role - it's impossible to dislike her. Also, Bridget is so normal it's easy to relate to her.

The guy characters are solid as well having, on the one hand, Daniel Cleaver, a handsome and charming womaniser, and on the other hand, Mark Darcy, an arrogant and rude man that will slowly win your heart and the credits go to Colin Firth for giving such a delightful performance.

Other than the character, arguably the best part of the film is the soundtrack. Although I've been given the impression not everybody shares my opinion, I loved each song and I think they really fit the film well.