#REVIEW: BRIDGET JONES: MAD ABOUT THE BOY

By Mr. Will Wong

We catch-up with an icon and dear friend in BRIDGET JONES: MAD ABOUT THE BOY, our first time checking-in since 2016’s excellent BRIDGET JONES’S BABY. Author Helen Fielding has gifted us with a series of novels and a beloved relatable heroine, who may or may not have inspired our journey as a Blogger, chronicling her infectious daily adventures in life and love.

This latest installment is directed by Michael Morris and here Bridget (Renée Zellweger) is coping with the loss of her husband, Mark Darcy (Colin Firth), as she raises their children alone. She keeps in touch with former flame Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant), who still is a playboy, as she ponders a return to Television as a Producer. She meets and falls for the very forward and hunky Roxster (Leo Woodall), who sweeps her off her feet. We meet also Mr. Wallaker (Chiwetel Ejiofor), who teaches at Bridget’s children’s school, amplifying her insecurities as a mom. Her greatest challenge however, is accepting aging and being widowed in a modern world.

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy possesses a quieter strength and maturity as it explores some darker themes. Noticeably missing here is that same laugh-out-loud energy in some of the Franchise’s earlier entries, but somehow that makes sense and feels authentic. How many of us are as spirited and hungry for the things that mattered to us 24 years ago? Still here though, is the same Bridget that we love, her family, the same old friends – the judgey ones too – and humbling outbursts and antics that make it all so endearing. But beneath it all, this is a sobering look at life, loss and remembering to appreciate what’s before us.

Renée Zellweger once again is a pure delight and even if the Film isn’t getting the same theatrical release its predecessors received, what we get is a meaningful and worthwhile catchup that you can enjoy from your living room. Grab a bottle of Chardonnay and your hairbrush!

Prime Video Canada release BRIDGET JONES: MAD ABOUT THE BOY Friday, February 14, 2025.