About a Boy (2002)

Hugh Grant often plays such unlikeable characters — Bridget Jones's Diary, Two Weeks Notice, and Paddington, to name a few —, he has over the year become an actor I particularly dislike. His charm is undeniable though and since he's also quite a good actor, I figured I should check out more of his work. About a Boy was my first pick — Netflix has been shoving it on my face for the whole month — and I'm glad I gave it a shot because it is a funny, sweet and heartwarming feel-good film.

Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)

While I've heard of Four Wedding and a Funeral many times over the years, always from people who enjoyed the film, I never watched it because of Hugh Grant — I'm probably the only woman in the world who feels this way but I don't like him. 

The story follows a small group of friends as they attend four weddings and a funeral of mutual friends or acquaintances — hence the title —, and it mainly focuses on Charles (Hugh Grant), a carefree bachelor who is some sort of perpetual Best Man. At the first wedding though, he meets Carrie (Andie MacDowell), a young, free-spirited American woman, and falls in love with her, and over the course of the four following gatherings, he reassesses his thoughts on marriage.

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.