By Cynthia Ayala

“Bridget’s focus on single life and her career is interrupted when she finds herself pregnant, but with one hitch … she can only be fifty percent sure of the identity of her baby’s father.”

—IMDB

The one thing I was very worried about with this movie was the comedic element of the film. After three films one always has to be skeptical if the magic will still be there, especially after so many years. But don’t doubt it, the magic that made Bridget so popular is still there.

I’m no one for romantic comedies, but the Bridget Jones’s franchise has always had a special place in my heart, probably because Bridget as a character has always been structured very realistically. She’s charming and always has her foot in her mouth, she’s flawed and that is what makes her so relatable. Not to mention the fact that the film itself presents multi-dimensional characters throughout giving depth to the film as a whole. And basically the film is about Bridget being in a happy place in her life. She’s single and successful and about to be at an age where everyone is really pushing her to have kids before it’s “too late.” But after a wild weekend with the charming Jack (played by Patrick Dempsey) and then a rekindling with Mr. Darcy (played by Colin Firth), Bridget finds herself pregnant. And she has no idea who the father is. Quite the dilemma for her, and the way the film goes about the entire situation is both realistic and hilarious at the same time. There were parts of this film that were so outrageously funny making the film completely lovable.

With all the hesitation I had going into this film I found it almost flawless. The direction the film took with introducing Jack into the film was great and definitely the smart move. It made way for freshness instead of bringing back Daniel Cleaver (played by Hugh Grant) which would have been dull and boring. That door was closed, very well in Edge of Reason and in this new film, the freshness and the outlook that both the character has as well as the film make for an enjoyable experience all fans could love. It also touches upon the makings of a relationship, that there needs to be some give and take. Not only that but there also needs to be love. The one thing that was quick was the dynamic between Jack and Bridget. While the two actors clearly have wonderful chemistry with one another, what is problematic is the whole scene where they decide to “make the beast with two backs.” The language and dialogue at that one moment seemed very forced, but everything before and everything after was flawless. That is probably the only scene that could have been flushed out just a little more. Other than that, it was a nearly perfect bundle of joy for all us Bridget Jones’s fans. Also, Colin Firth is one dashing man and he’s worth seeing anything. (★★★☆ | A)

—Film Credits—

Directed by Sharon Maguire

Screenplay by Helen Fielding, Dan Mazer & Emma Thompson

Based on Characters by Helen Fielding

Starring: Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth, Patrick Dempsey, Jim Broadbent, Gemma Jones & Emma Thompson

Rating | Length | Genre: R | 2h 3min | Comedy, Romance

Distributed by Universal Pictures