Score: B-
Director: Sharon Maguire
Cast: Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth, Patrick Dempsey
Running Time: 122 min
Rated: R
Bridget Jones’s Baby sets its tone as soon as the first scene, as we watch our dear Bridget celebrating her birthday alone with a sad cupcake and “All By Myself” playing in the background. Then, she nixes that song for the more upbeat “Jump Around”. The film immediately tries to make clear that this film will be the best of both worlds – the charm of Bridget Jones with a modern day setting. Even though Bridget Jones’s Baby more often than not feels too stuck in the past, it’s an enjoyable and fluffy wormhole to years gone by.
At a time when “rom-com” is practically a taboo word, it was gutsy to bring out another Bridget Jones film, especially twelve years after the sequel. Bridget (Renee Zellweger) is quick to point out that she’s changed. Sure, things didn’t work out with the dashing Mark Darcy (Colin Firth), but she’s got an amazing job as a top producer for a leading news program and has finally hit her goal weight (aka Zellweger didn’t want to gain weight like she did for the last two). However, as assured as Bridget is in the beginning, it becomes clear that she’s still the clutzy, embarrassing mess we all know and love. This is especially evident when she becomes pregnant and the father could be either her long-time love Mr. Darcy or dashing American billionaire Jack (Patrick Dempsey). Forgoing an amniocentesis as too dangerous for her “geriatric pregnancy”, Bridget, Jack and Mark must wait until she gives birth to determine the father. And so begin the shenanigans.
Bridget Jones’s Baby relies heavily on the goodwill of its audience. Sometimes, as with the use of “All By Myself”, references to previous films feel more leaden than nostalgic. But there is something sweet about watching such a classic rom-com in 2016. Although peppered with modern pop culture references like a cameo from Ed Sheeran and hipsters with man buns and beards, you feel like you’re watching a relic from the past. Sure, at this point it’s cliché to have two men fight over a woman (and that was literally the plot of the first two films) but that doesn’t make it any less enjoyable. Because, really, what person wouldn’t want Colin Firth and Patrick Dempsey fighting over them?
At the heart of the film is Zellweger as Bridget Jones. Bridget is as loveable as ever with her blunt opinions and embarrassing gaffes. She’s Jennifer Lawrence before Jennifer Lawrence was a thing. Zellweger plays her with the right mix of confidence and cluelessness. As unnecessary as the film is, it’s a joy to have her back on the big screen, especially alongside Colin Firth. Firth, who has apparently dedicated his life to playing Mr. Darcy in all forms, is as swoon-worthy as ever. All sad eyes and British reserve, he’s a perfect if predictable foil to Dempsey’s Jack, who does what he does best and exudes the charm and enthusiasm of a puppy.
Bridget Jones’s Diary is a mix of silly, physical humor and heartwarming, romantic moments. Equal parts groan inducing and giggle-worthy, it’s a thoroughly charming and fun ride for any fan of the Bridget Jones franchise.
