I wouldn’t consider myself a big fan of the Bridget Jones films. I enjoyed the first one, disliked the second and was lukewarm on the third. Naturally, my expectations were muted for what felt like an unnecessary addition to a franchise that probably shouldn’t have become one. To my pleasant surprise, Mad About the Boy is a poignant and hilarious final chapter in Bridget Jones’ diary. this film recaptures the spirit of the original with a newfound sense of maturity, making for a series best instalment.
As a standalone romantic comedy, this movie doesn’t reinvent the wheel, nor does it offer any big surprises in its plot structure. The characters fans came to know and love 24 years ago are back. The sense of humour has been preserved and updated impressively for modern audiences. This entry plays like a love letter to long time fans, but doesn’t bank solely on nostalgia. I was shocked that this didn’t feel like a tacked on cash grab, but instead like the natural next chapter of Bridget Jones’ life. It’s like visiting an old friend after many years, reminding you of what you loved about them way back when.
Where this film truly excels, though, is in its adept portrayal of grief, and the challenges that come with losing a partner in the middle of your life together. I did not expect this movie to gut punch me emotionally, but it paints a beautiful portrait of loss, and the ways in which one picks up the pieces and moves forward in life. Yes, there’s still plenty of awkward flirtations and swoon-: worthy romantic moments, but the backbone of the movie is far more mature and meaningful than this franchise is known for.
Renee Zellweger slips effortlessly back into this role like she never skipped a beat. It’s been 9 years since she last portrayed Jones but she crushes it once again. Bridget has matured as a character, now a mother and a widow, but she’s still full of that same loveable quirkiness. There are actually a ton of other returning characters too, which will delight those who’ve spend the last two and a half decades with these films. Hugh Grant is once again terrific as the sleazy but charming Daniel Cleaver, stepping up as an uncle to Jones’ children. Colin Firth is used sparingly but very effectively as the late Mark Darcy. The new cast members are wonderful too. Leo Woodall plays the titular boy, who is Jones’ age-inappropriate love interest. Chiwetel Ejiofor plays a no-nonsense elementary teacher, and it’s so much fun watching him clash with Jones as the two bicker over how and what he’s teaching her kids.
Mad About the Boy bookends this franchise handsomely, with a final chapter fans will surely go mad for. A newfound poignancy adds surprising emotional depth, but the movie never forgets why we fell in love with that quirky love-struck publishing assistant 24 years ago.
3.5/5
Review by: Benjamin Garrett