FILM REVIEW

Bridget Jones's Diary  (2001)

Starring: Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth, Hugh Grant
Director: Sharon Maguire
Rating: R

Studio: Miramax/Universal

Review Posted: 4.20.01

Rating: 3/4

By Angelo.

"Bridget Jones's Diary" is the latest romantic comedy to hit the big screen, but unlike recent ones like "Someone Like You", "Diary" is an ever so charming film that will keep you smiling from start to finish.

Renee Zellweger is 32-year old Bridget Jones, who makes a New Year's resolution to take control of her life. She vows to drink less, cut down on smoking, lose weight and find a man. Bridget also starts a diary that chronicles her ups and downs, and we tag along as she tries to find happiness.

She makes remarkable progress in her resolutions, except of course for the one about a boyfriend, although she does have two potential prospects. There is Mark Darcy (Colin Firth), a handsome well to do barrister. He is somewhat of a snob, but there's something about him that Bridget finds irresistible. Then there is Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant), her flirtatious and charming boss, who initially sweeps Bridget off her feet. The two men used to be really good friends, until something happened (which I will not disclose), and now they have stopped talking to each other.  Bridget now has to decide who is right for her...

Renee Zellweger is wonderful as Bridget. I didn't think she could pull off the British accent, but that she does. She makes the unlikely heroine endearing and delightful. She may not be perfect and may not look like a model, but she's trying hard to make things better for her and we love her for it. She is an average girl with everyday problems. The supporting cast is also wonderful, Hugh Grant with his mannerisms and Colin Firth (from "The English Patient" and "Shakespeare in Love") with his stoic facade.

The film is witty and has lots of funny moments, although I had minor quibbles about it. I thought that the subplot with Bridget's parents was sort of weak. It wasn't really well developed and could have just been left out. Also, the ending gets to be a bit predictable and sluggish. The "secret" that Bridget finds out near the end should have been disclosed much earlier since we can sort of infer it from the start.

Nevertheless, this movie has enough charm to spare and that's what won me over. Renee Zellweger is great, and "Bridget Jones's Diary" is worth taking a peek into.

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