film evaluate
BRIDGET JONES: MAD ABOUT THE BOY
Operating time: 124 minutes. Rated R (language and a few sexual references).
Cheers to Renee Zellweger, who for twenty-four years has given us the best romantic-comedy heroine of the millennium.
Again in 2001, her casting as Bridget Jones, writer Helen Fielding’s intensely relatable English klutz beloved by Brits, precipitated an uproar. An American as Bridget?! Outrageous.
However Zellweger proved good because the vodka-soaked Londoner in her thirty second yr of being single. The actress, who was nominated for an Oscar for that efficiency, nonetheless is, 4 presidents and eight prime ministers later. Bridget, in the meantime, has remained her lovably imperfect self.
The actress closes the diary with “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy,” the fourth and certain ultimate chapter of the movie collection. Her humorous heart-tugger, which is unfortunately forgoing a theatrical launch for Peacock, performs like a feel-good ending of your favourite TV present.
Sure, the story is previous its prime. The primary film was too nice and groundbreaking to ever prime. However No. 4, directed by Michael Morris, nonetheless digs deep on the ultimate stretch. “Mad About the Boy” was
Because the credit rolled, it was harder than I anticipated to say goodbye to a personality who’s been with us so lengthy. I choked up. Deep down, although, everyone knows that is the precise time to hold up the ugly Rudolph sweater and granny pants.
Some followers (those who haven’t learn the books, anyway) may be dismayed to be taught that Mark Darcy (Colin Firth), 51-year-old Bridget’s husband and the daddy of her two children, has died. 4 years later, she’s nonetheless in a state of whole emotional paralysis — taking her son and daughter to high school, not working, not dwelling.
Her associates — sobbing exec Jude, foul-mouthed Shazza and one-hit-wonder James — help her with encouragement and martinis. That the trio is extra prominently featured right here is a large enchancment from “Bridget Jones’ Baby.”
The youngsters are rising up with out a dad, so the previous third in her love triangle, lothario Daniel Cleaver, acts as their drunken uncle — educating them helpful life classes resembling the best way to make cocktails. A little bit older, Hugh Grant, easily smarmy as ever, peppers his punchlines with pathos.
However Bridge’s hearth is reignited by a 29-year-old looker named Roxster (Leo Woodall from “The White Lotus”), a park ranger who gallantly helps her and the kids down from a tree. He messages her on Tinder, and a Might December romance commences.
Final yr, the films delivered a number of of these. Two starred Nicole Kidman. That the cougar is Bridget provides a brand new dimension, although. So does the girl being a widow. She’s so harm, flawed and bumbling that the situation isn’t cheaply sentimental.
Winking on the previous — “Mad About the Boy” does that lots — there’s one other man ready within the wings: Bridget’s son’s logically minded instructor Mr. Wallaker (Chiwetel Ejiofor). Uptight and stern, the prof is the other of nature boy.
Zellweger has cracking chemistry with each.
The ending — an important massive celebration scene the place characters from all 4 films collect — is tad rushed in after an affecting climax.
However the vibe is spot-on. Finally “Mad About the Boy” is very similar to Bridget herself: endearing, foolish, messy, wacky, sort.
I prefer it… simply as it’s.
