[yasr_overall_rating]
The continuing adventures of British publishing executive Bridget Jones as she enters her 40s.
The new saga in the Bridget Jones movie pulls remnants of the Bridget we know and love, merged with a new elegance creating a familiar world full of surprises. Director Sharon Maguire is back for the third part of Bridget Jones’ story, trying hard to maintain the relics of British humor prone in the first two films. Despite the more American feel to the humor, this movie keeps the audience in stitches with inappropriate laughs usually at the expense of Bridget’s re-vamped self-esteem.
Bridget is once again in her eclectic apartment with a drink in hand as she lip syncs to “All By Myself.” Renee Zellweger’s new makeover creates some difficulty in recognizing the beloved Bridget in her new face. Not only is our frumpy friend no longer a few pounds overweight, but also her facial changes draw the eye repeatedly away from her decidedly familiar performance. The diary element quintessential to the previous two films is an afterthought in this new movie but does not diminish from the storyline or characters. Old friends and family are re-introduced seamlessly along with new characters with slight age-based changes. A memorial is held for Bridget’s first love, Daniel Cleaver, who was lost in adventure seeking more sexual conquests. True to form, Daniel left behind many just barely of age mourners filling the pews. Bridget’s best pals, Una, Jude, and Tom, have moved farther in life, creating their own families complete with hectic schedules. Despite life carrying Bridget away from her friends’ paths, their connection is still active. Mark Darcy is quickly found on screen recreating his and Bridget’s awkward chemistry despite their inevitable split of five years.
On a wild girls weekend with the new charismatic and slightly trampy lead reporter Miranda, Bridget seeks a break from fawning over her lost love with a muddy introduction to Patrick Dempsey’s character, Jack. McSteamy smokes the screen with a steamy fleeting interlude with our girl before she heads back to her normal day-to-day. Just days later, Bridget finds herself paired with Darcy as God-parents. Bridget discovers her old flame is on the market again as his marriage is ending in divorce. A romantic evening ensues after which Bridget runs, hoping to avoid more emotional loss from Mark. Once she finds out about the pregnancy, she is back up to her usual bungling tricks working with her friends to determine if Jack is her baby daddy before confronting stoic Darcy with the news he could be the father. Both men respond favorably to her news, unaware of their competition. A new geriatric pregnancy is not enough to slow Jones down; hip new executives at work reiterate her age, determined to pull her job. Up to the challenge with her baby belly in tow, Bridget tries hard to keep her job instead, creating hilarious bungles worthy of her past insecurities.
Jones, uncertain if she wants Jack or Mark, enjoys the benefits of both men fighting for her as she tries to figure out who the father of her baby is, as well as which man is the love of her life. Sadly, the highly anticipated fight scene from her two love interests is missing due to the crunchy personality of Jack and over analytical Mark who are unwilling to cause dissent as Bridget’s uncomfortable belly grows. Both characters easily lead to many opportunities for Bridget to create conflict and humorous impromptu situations. A new baby doctor portrayed flawlessly by Emma Thompson, ups the humor with her satire willingness to assist Bridget in her antics. Finally baby is ready to be born, which of course is a problem-riddled experience with Jones locked out of her apartment, without a mode of transportation, and a parade of protesting foreigners.
The climax reveals a beautiful baby, the identity of the father, and who Bridget wants to spend her life with in a genuine scene she finally does not mismanage. Both candidates carry a certain quality or chemistry making the triangle more wrenching as Jones struggles to make a decision. Dempsey’s character is a delightful contrast from Hugh Grant, integrating himself smoothly into Bridget’s life as believable competition for Mark who still loves Bridget ‘just as she is.’ The addition of Thompson and the full cast of floundering family and friends creates a winning comedy worth the watch.
In theaters Friday, September 16th
