Dear Diary, Saw A Great Movie Today
Bridget Jones' Diary
Cast: Renee Zellweger, Hugh Grant, Colin Firth
Director: Sharon Maguire
Movie Help Web Popcorn Kernels:
Last month, while watching the Oscars, I couldn't help but notice that Renee Zellweger looked absolutely glamorous in her flowing lemony-yellow gown. While all the fashion experts dwelled on Julia Roberts and Catherine Zeta-Jones, I felt that Renee was robbed of attention. Who knows - maybe that created a soft spot in my heart for Renee - maybe that's what compelled me to run out and see Bridget Jones' Diary - maybe it was the TV interviews - whatever the reason, I'm glad that I did!
Bridget Jones' Diary is not a movie that screamed out, "Come see me!" I understand that it was created by the same folks that brought us Notting Hill. I (dare I admit it?) am one of only two people I know who hated Notting Hill - my husband is the second. Needless to say, he was a bit perplexed when I insisted that we run out to see Bridget. Being the loving husband that he is, he dutifully tagged along. Well, Bridget, you "had me from hello". From the opening scenes through the closing credits, this film kept us thoroughly entertained.
There is really nothing new or unique about this movie - it's a classic romantic comedy. Girl searches for Mr. Right and meets Mr. Wrong along the way. Lust, sex, heartbreak and happy ending - all of the necessary ingredients are there. Yet somehow, Bridget Jones' Diary sucked me in from the opening scene, and kept me laughing, smiling, and cheering until the closing credits.
Bridget is a spunky 32 year old Brit; struggling with her weight, failing in her attempts to quit smoking, desperately trying to get ahead in her career, and always looking for Mr. Right. From her sad, but dramatically-hilarious rendition of All By Myself, through her struggles to choose the correct "clothing" for her dates, to her pathetic attempts to entertain her friends by cooking a gourmet dinner, Bridget reminds us of ourselves or, at least, of someone that we know. She is likeable, and perhaps that's what keeps us riveted and laughing through her story. We really want her to succeed, we really want her to fall in love, and we really feel good when the movie closes on a happy, if predictable, note. Nothing in this movie is groundbreaking, yet the humor is quite wickedly delicious.
Renee Zellweger is fabulous as Bridget. I found her British accent to be believable, her emotions to be genuine, and her performance to be delightful. Hugh Grant co-stars as Daniel Cleaver, her sexy (well, ok - that's a matter of taste, but Bridget clearly finds him to be sexy) and flirtatious boss who pushes the envelope on professionalism. Also co-starring is Colin Firth playing Mark Darcy - a handsome, but somewhat "stiff" neighbor, and Bridget's mother's latest attempt at matchmaking for her daughter.
I'm not one to give away the story line in my reviews. Suffice it to say that this is a hilarious film about one woman's search for Mr. Right. It's been a while since a movie character endeared herself to me as quickly as Bridget has. I laughed and cheered with her throughout this movie.
Rated R for profanity and sexual content, Bridget Jones's Diary may not be appropriate for young audiences. While I can't say that I found the language offensive in any way, there are a lot of four letter words that some may find distasteful. Also, while there are no explicit sex scenes, there is a strong sexual theme throughout the film.
Ladies, run out to see Bridget Jones' Diary. It is a wonderful movie experience to share with your best girlfriends!
Gentlemen, taking your lady to see Bridget Jones' Diary is sure to score you some points. My husband laughed throughout this film, but when I asked him what he liked most about it, he responded "that it made you laugh so much". A "chick flick" through and through, this movie is one that you, too, can thoroughly enjoy.
Let's face it, you aren't reading this review to find out the plot of the movie. You just want to know if Bridget Jones' Diary is a movie worth seeing. I generally prefer dramas to comedy, but this movie is going on my top-ten list of funny, feel-good films. My advice, go out and see it, it just may end up on your favorites list as well.
