Rating: 
Summary: Finally a Real Role Model That Connects Across the World!
Review: I cannot rave enough about 'Bridget Jones' Diary'! It is so marvelous that finally there is a woman conveyed on film who's got a real body and has problems she's trying to control, and she can still get the man of her dreams. Renee Zellweger does excellent as a thirty-two year old singleton who is having problems with cigarettes, alcohol, and men. Her mother is constantly trying to set her up and the latest is Mark Darcy, who has recently gotten a divorce. But Bridget has other ideas and is soon flirting with her boss (not to mention making a total fool of herself, but that's why we love Bridget!) Nonetheless, the story is very sweet and enduring. And it is HILARIOUS! I haven't laughed this much at a movie since 'Meet the Parents'. I just loved the fact that this movie had a smart heroine who wasn't afraid to mess up and to just be herself. And it's nice to finally see Hugh Grant as a real bad guy instead of his usual roles. And I loved Colin Firth. This movie is definately a must-see! Bridget rocks!
Rating: 
Summary: mildly amusing
Review: This movie definitely has its moments. As a Washington Post critic so brilliantly put it:" any movie where Hugh Grant gets punched in the face is definitely worth seeing". That's a guy opinion, of course. As for us girls: HG is even more attractive as the scoundrel in this movie than he is in his usual mister-nice-guy role. The nice-guy slot in this movie is filled by Colin Firth, who does a stellar job as the dorky, stiff upper-lip, akward, but good-looking and as we find out weird but good-hearted "top barrister". He grows on Bridget and us in the audience like a very slowly rising yeast dough. As for Bridget: Rene Zellweger does a surprisingly wonderful job as the porky, chain-smoking, self-pitying british middle-class single girl who says the wrong things in the wrong places. The real weakness of this movie is that plot and general concept seem to borrow heavily from the previous successes of this very successful British film team: Notting Hill and 4 Weddings. There is the slightly to very off-beat cast of characters, there is the odd couple getting together under the worst of circumstances as far as British social protocol is concerned, and there is the madatory happy end. In Bridget's case another weakness is that none of the characters really pulls you in and there is that spark that puts it all together. It is a movie of good moments, some great laughs and very solid acting, but an overall mediocricy that pulls it down to 3 star or matinee ticket level.
Rating:
Summary: She's Every Woman
Review: I recently saw The Bridget Jone's Diary, assuming I was in for a sappy romantic comedy...and I was so wrong. I have never come across such brilliant casting-- Colin Firth is the most convincing Mark Darcy (that stare!), Hugh Grant is a believably charming, seducing scoundrel, and Renee Zellweger does an adorable, right on the mark portrayal of Bridget Jones. Anyone who calls herself a woman will find herself living this movie. It is funny, touching, realistic...it is perfect. Get up, go to the theater, and immerse yourself in the movie that anyone can relate to. This is a must see!!!
Rating:
Summary: V.v. good! My new favorite
Review: I loved it! Pleasantly surprised by R.Z.'s performance. H.G. is utterly delicious (previously never found him nearly as attractive as do after viewing this film). Co-screenplay writer, Andrew Davies, is one in same as co-screenplay writer for Pride & Prejudice resulting in many similarities btw. BJD & P&P - v.happy to see that. C.F. gave similarly wonderful, restrained, smoldering performance and did not disappoint (except in the lack of wet shirt scene). Was somewhat surprised to find "urban family" of close friends not central part of movie, though the few scenes with said friends were quite amusing. Too many humorous things in book to fit in a 2-hour movie but, all in all, a MUST see. Crossing fingers for sequel.
Rating:
Summary: Not Just a Chick-Flick
Review: This is like a 2-hour Ally McBeal episode (except, of course, that our heroine is overweight instead of anorexic), which isn't such a bad thing. With the exception of the corn-ball ending, Bridget Jones's Diary is funny, well-acted and very entertaining -- well-worth the 5-dollar matinée admission. Hugh Grant is excellent as a womanizing scoundrel (at last, a nice departure from his typical sheepish good-guy role), and Renée Zellweger is convincing as a neurotic, insecure, chain-smoking, borderline-alcohlic and overweight "singleton" gal. Oh, her British accent is just fine, thank you very much. I think she is one of the most adorable actresses in Hollywood today.
Rating:
Summary: Bridget Wins in This Modern Pride & Prejudice
Review: I just returned from seeing the film, and I must say that I was NOT at all disappointed. Although I heard all the adulation piled upon the film, there was a lingering worry in my mind that it might turn out to be just another tedious romantic comedy. In fact, "Bridget Jones's Diary" is a breath of fresh air, resurrecting the romantic-comedy genre, pulling it out of realm of The Typical. First and foremost, the beautiful Renée Zellweger is a very gifted comedic actress. Her timing, her adorable facial expressions, and her willingness to let go and immerse herself in a role are all evident in "Bridget Jones's Diary." I doubt another actress could have played Bridget with such charm and abandon. Zellweger allows the audience to peak into Jones's life without any reluctance, from exposing less-than-perfect legs to wearing a bunny outfit. Also of important mention...her accent! She carried the English accent brilliantly. After a while, I forgot she was American and completely believed her. Hugh Grant, usually known as the "good guy," does a 180 degree turn here, playing the slimey jerk that is Daniel Cleaver to perfection. Handsome? Yes. Insulting? Absolutely. And every moment he is on screen is an entertaining one. Colin Firth, of whom I've never heard, also turns in a dramatic and terrific performance as Mark Darcy, the arrogant and contemptuous man who seems to pop up throughout the film. He plays off the hard-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside bit quite well. It is without doubt that American audiences will be seeing more of him in the near future! The best part is, this is a film you can watch again and again. The moments are often hilarious (the actors, fortunately, seem to be genuinely enjoying themselves), the jokes delivered sharply, and the pacing is near perfection. Most importantly, audiences can relate. Run-of-the-mill comedy it is not! Run to the bloody theatre now!
Rating:
Summary: Loved it!
Review: I just saw a sneak preview last night and I highly recommend this gem of a comedy! I think it is a film that both men and women can enjoy, but that single women can particularly relate to (e.g. a meddling mother and fear of "couple dinners"). The cast is particularly appealing. Renee Zellweger does a good job with the British accent and with her eccentric character. Hugh Grant is his usual charming self but with sly edge that separates him from his previous characters in "Four Weddings" and "Notting Hill." However, the scene stealer is definitely Colin Firth (sigh). If you appreciated his performance in "Pride and Prejudice," you'll completely enjoy him in this film (and coincidentally, his character is named Darcy here also). In fact, comparisons to "Pride and Prejudice" are easy to see. I don't want to give away too much off the plot but, let me assure you, it's worth the trip.
Rating:
Summary: Comic Gold
Review: I just got back from seeing a sneak preview of this movie and... It was hilarious, having never read the book, I wasnt sure what to expect and since my ticket's were free, I said what the heck and went and watched it. It was really well written, acted, directed, although a little predictable, but the story was strong enough otherwise to carry it over the weak moments. Everyone involved did a great job, women will (as happend in the theater I was in) probably find it funnier than men, but as I said I loved it, so what more do you need, go see it.
Rating:
Summary: A Chick Flick We Guys Can Love Too!
Review: Bridget Jones (Renee Zellweger) is a single, London female in her 30's, frustrated with her job, her body, and the lack of romance in her life. She works in a male-chauvinistic publishing house, is overweight (actually, I thought she looked pretty cute most of the time, but I have a thing for little blondes with that Tinkerbell look), and is constantly made to feel pathetic by her elders and peers for not having any marital prospects. But Bridget Jones has decided to make some changes in her life, and she plans to keep track of them in a diary. Things get kicked off at a Christmas party, when Bridget is introduced to an insulting, but equally frustrated and single Mark Darcy, played by Colin Firth. She immediately forms a disliking for the man after hearing his opinion of her, but nevertheless, takes his overheard insults to heart. This is the beginning of her diary, when Bridget decides to take action in her life. She begins losing weight, cutting down on her smoking, and dressing coquettishly for work. This third move catches the eye of her playboy boss, Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant), whom Bridget has fantasized about for some time. They soon start a sexual relationship. Unfortunately, what Bridget sees as the romance she's been searching for, Daniel sees as just another good time. When the truth comes out, Bridget valiantly tells Daniel off and leaves her job, searching for something more fulfilling. After some low points, Bridget finds herself in the role of a TV personality, doing on the spot reporting for a wild television network. With the help of Mark Darcy, whom Bridget still dislikes somewhat, particularly after hearing more about him from Daniel, Bridget's new career is given a much needed boost. The romantic feelings between Mark and Bridget gradually become more and more clear to them, but misunderstandings continue to plague their would-be relationship; not to mention the problems of Mark's new fiancee and Bridget's undaunted ex-boyfriend. Most people, particularly most males, would probably write off "Bridget Jones's Diary" as just another "chick-flick." This would definitely be their loss. As a single, straight male in my 20s, let me say that this is a great, fun flick. Highly entertaining from beginning to end, and that's all there is to it. Yes, it's the story of a frustrated, single woman in her thirties overcoming the odds and changing her life to suit her, and finding romance to boot, but that doesn't mean it has to be boring or anti-male. It's not! The Lifetime Network could take a lesson from this flick. This movie is truly funny when it wants to be, and heart-wrenching at times as well. The lead character is genuinely beautiful and loveable and it's impossible to watch this movie without rooting for her throughout (despite her awful taste in music). One really feels for Colin Firth's character too, and you can't help but hate Daniel once his true colors are revealed. But no doubt, Hugh Grant is much more likeable in these despicable roles. Excellently written, directed, cast, and narrated, "Bridget Jones's Diary" is a must have for anyone who likes to laugh and enjoys a little romance sometimes. And assuming Renee Zellweger will be reprising her role, I can't wait for the sequel!
Rating:
Summary: It's a gem, a keeper, a library addition
Review: Bridget Jones's Diary was an unexpected surprise for me. I suppose I expected a sappy Renee and Hugh love story. It's not. Substitute sticky for sappy and lust for love and your getting in the right neighborhood. I didn't have to identify with Bridget's (Renee Zellweger) biological clock to get the squirmy wormies during her multiple awkward situations or to feel triumphant when she overcame in spite of her embarrassment. Hugh Grant plays the lovable rogue and the object of Bridget's heart. Even though the role of the scoundrel is a departure for Grant he plays it much as he does when he's the victim of love. If anything his good guy history adds to the allure of twists in the movie. I am a Renee Z fan anyway but her portrayal of an undesirable, overweight, out of the game English spinster was amazing. None of these terms come to mind when I think of Ms Zellweger yet she was completely believable. Oh yeah, I forgot the most important thing; I laughed out loud a lot. This is a very funny movie. The story is great. The cast is great. Buy the movie.
|
