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Bridget Jones's Diary Customer Reviews (16 - 18 of 59 Reviews)
A terrific evening's entertainment
_Bridget Jones's Diary_ was a very funny book and it makes a very funny movie. Renee Zellweger has been making movies for a decade but only recently has she begun to hit the Big Time. She certainly hits the mark here as a lovable, loopy Londoner in her thirties (same age as the actress) who is trying to deal with the prospect of spinsterhood. Whatever comes into her mind is likely to come right out her mouth without traveling by way of her brain, and Zellweger comic sense makes the most of the opportunities. She has a real sense of visual comedy, mugging without quite seeming to and performing pratfalls that seem almost unstudied. Though a Houston native, she also manages a respectable Brit accent. Hugh Grant plays a somewhat slimy "Hugh Grant" character with his usual disreputable charm, and Colin Firth plays a stiff, haughty barrister who is drawn to Bridget against his better judgment. Gemma Jones, of whom I have long been a fan, is terrific as Bridget's dissatisfied Mum who leaves her husband for the Shopping Channel. The whole film is a hoot and a half.
Even better than the book
A thoroughly enjoyable contemporary re-imagining of "Pride and Prejudice" (via Helen Fielding's novel), which is actually more faithful to the satirical spirit of Austen than many previous adaptations have been. Renée Zellweger plays the introspective, thirtysomething Bridget Jones: physically, professionally and romantically dissatisfied, and saddled with a humiliating family. The tale of her romantic and professional misadventures - and ultimate victory - will have you cringing and crying with laughter at the same time. In any other year, Zellweger might actually have secured the Oscar for this role. Not only did she display incredible physical commitment in mastering a British accent and packing on real pounds to play the part, she perfectly captures the endearing insecurity of the contemporary woman along with its necessary antidote - a bedrock of self-respect which has her rejecting the kind of man who thinks he can always have her (Hugh Grant), and hanging on for the one she really wants (Colin Firth). Helen Fielding's novel has been brilliantly adapted - improved, even - thanks mainly to the peerless comic flair of co-writer Richard Curtis. Where the book eventually slipped into a dull repetitiveness (which I suppose one could argue is deliberately emblematic of the lifestyle it portrays), the film is more focused, more funny, and knows precisely when to call it a day. First-time director Sharon Maguire directs with remarkable confidence, revealing a great eye and ear for gags. This is, quite simply, a perfect comedy. They don't come any better than this - either side of the Atlantic.
One of the best comedy films for some time.
Bridget Jones's Diary was one of the best films of 2001, and genuinely funny: that is the big difference between the modern American teen flicks which try hard to be funny, and this film which is effortlessly hilarious. Renee Zellweger was a surprising choice to play the completely English and dumpy Bridget, but she pulls it off brilliantly, particularly with the dull middle-class English accent which is very realistic. Bridget is 32, overweight, underpaid, and without a boyfriend. The flim, through the eyes of her diary, follows her amusing attempts to shape up, and get a man. In fact, she gets two men; her swarmy boss Daniel Cleaver, and a lawyer who she has known and detested from the age of five, Mark Darcy. Hugh Grant is wonderful as the slimy but irresitable Cleaver, and Colin Firth just as good as the slightly abrupt and reticent Darcy. There are good cameos from Jim Broadbent as Bridget's bumbling but likeable dad, and Gemma Jones as her snobbish mum. There are even surprise cameos from Jeffrey Archer and Salman Rushdie, both playing themselves. This cocktail makes for a most enteraining movie. There is emotion and seriousness in the right places, but lighter moments are never far away. The film will probably appeal particularly to younger women, but there is plenty in there for everyone, mainly because the film produces so many wonderful human charactitures. It's well worth buying, and bringing out over Christmas and when friends and family come round. If nothing else, the music soundtrack is brilliant.
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