What a joy laden movie. This could just be the best of the four Bridget Jones films, that date back to 2001 and we have had to wait nine years since the last one. Mad About the Boy, which Jones also narrates, is filled with laughter, romance and reverence. Best of all, she (Renee Zellweger) gets to be a cougar, with a toy boy hot to trot for her.
So, to the story. Her husband, the love of her life, Mark Darcy (Colin Firth), is no longer. He was killed in an explosion while on a humanitarian mission in Darfur four years earlier, leaving Bridget as a widow, with two small children to raise. She still dreams of Mark and misses him terribly, as do the kids, 10-year-old son Billy (Casper Knopf) and daughter Mabel (Mila Jankovic), 6. Her life though is chaotic and she hasn’t moved on.
Most of her friends tell her she desperately needs a shag. So, one day she decides to try to take control of her own future. With a choice description, one of her besties even signs her up to a dating app. But it is while trying to rescue her children from the branches of a large tree in a park that fortune really smiles upon her.
That is when she, and they, are rescued by a handsome groundkeeper in his late 20s, Roxter McDuff (Leo Woodall), who later texts her. Suddenly, everything is looking up, including the fact that Jones has reclaimed her old job (she hadn’t been working) as a television producer. Also in the picture is Jones’ male pal and former lover, the lascivious Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant).
And that is not to overlook a new science teacher at the school that Billy and Mabel attend. Scott Wallaker (Chiwetel Ejiofor) has a distinct way of rounding up children before school to ensure they are on time.
Helen Fielding, who wrote the book Bridget Jones’s Diary, which was the starting point for the film franchise, has also had a big hand in writing all the film scripts. Also back on the writers’ desk is Dan Mazer, who co-wrote Bridget Jones’s Baby, with Abi Morgan also playing a hand in this one. Collectively, they have done a terrific job. Many of the sight gags and one liners are priceless.
Each Bridget Jones’ film has a different director. This time it is Michael Morris, who takes to the task with relish, injecting a great deal of feeling. As for the cast, they are in fine form and what a formidable group of actors they are too. With Jones never taking herself too seriously and primarily upbeat, Zellweger is delightful and assured as the film’s centrepiece.
Grant is in his element as the gleefully inappropriate Daniel Cleaver. Leo Woodall says and does all the right things as Leo Woodall, while Chiwetel Ejiofor is intelligent and responsible as Mr Wallaker. Emma Thompson is flawless as Jones’ friend and gynaecologist. Isla Fisher makes sure she is noticed as a harried mother and neighbour, in a memorable cameo. And on it goes, because there are so many juicy parts in this offering.
One thing is for sure. Mad About the Boy outshone my expectations. I was worried about the filmmakers going back to the well … again. I needn’t have fretted because, truth be told, I really enjoyed myself. The movie hangs together beautifully and puts a big smile on your face. Who could ask for more?
Score: 8 out of 10.
Alex First
Here are Greg King’s thoughts about the film:
I was not expecting much from this fourth instalment in the Bridget Jones series, but I was pleasantly surprised by this film. which comes nine years after Bridget Jones’s Baby. Much of my enjoyment was due to Zellweger’s committed performance as Bridget Jones, who experiences many awkward and embarrassing incidents.
Author Helen Fielding adapted her own novel for the screen, with input from Dan Mazer and Abi Morgan. They deliver plenty of physical comedy, with lots of pratfalls as well as snappy one-liners and sight gags. But the film also deals with some more serious themes, including overcoming grief, family, the trials of single parenthood and balancing work and personal life.
Leo Woodall steams up the screen as the hunky Leo, while Chiwetel Ejiofor lends dignity to his role as the aloof teacher Mr Wallaker, who lightens up as the film progresses. I also liked the way the filmmakers have included small cameos for most of the familiar characters from the earlier films. That adds a nostalgic touch to the material.
Colin Firth appears mainly as a ghostly figure here, while Jim Broadbent briefly reprises his role as Bridget’s ailing father. Emma Thompson is a hoot as Bridget’s gynecologist. Hugh Grant is superb as Daniel, her former lover. Nobody plays a lecherous reprobate like Grant. Director Michael Morris has spent the better part of the past decade working in television. He brings a suitably light touch to the material.
However, I felt that there were some scenes that smacked of padding, unnecessarily stretching the run time to two hours. The film could have done with some trimming. Nonetheless fans of Bridget Jones will enjoy this one!
Score: 6 out of 10.
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Alex First is the editor of The Blurb. Alex is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He also contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.
I really enjoyed this. A movie about life, love, loss and grief. It will make you laugh and cry, good to see many cast members from the other 3 movies. Emma Thompson and Hugh Grant have relatively small roles but are great in this, as are Bridget’s two kids. This movie ties it all together. Bridget finally finds her place in life. Make sure you stay till the end of the credits and take some tissues.