Mad About The Boy: A Bridget Jones Film Review

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Post on Feb 14, 2025

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Mad About the Boy: A Bridget Jones Film Review - Does it Live Up to the Hype?

Bridget Jones's Diary. The name alone conjures images of disastrous dates, questionable fashion choices, and a whole lot of relatable awkwardness. The films, based on Helen Fielding's beloved novels, captured the hearts of millions. But did Mad About the Boy, the third installment (and the only one without Renée Zellweger), manage to capture the same magic? Let's delve into a comprehensive review.

The Premise: A New Chapter, A New Man

This time around, we find Bridget (played by Sarah Solemani) a decade older, a successful single mother juggling work and the complexities of modern life. Gone are the days of Mark Darcy – instead, Bridget's caught up in a whirlwind romance with a much younger, social media-savvy, and arguably less charming, Roxster. The story explores themes of grief, reinvention, and finding love again after significant loss.

What Works:

• Relatable Struggles: Even with a different actress, the film maintains the core essence of Bridget's character: the endearingly clumsy, often self-deprecating, yet ultimately strong woman navigating the ups and downs of life. The struggles of single motherhood, career aspirations, and the ever-evolving landscape of dating are portrayed with a degree of authenticity.
• Humorous Moments: While not quite reaching the comedic heights of the previous films, Mad About the Boy still delivers moments of genuine laughter. The portrayal of the complexities of social media and modern dating provides ample comedic fodder.
• Exploration of Grief: The film doesn't shy away from the complexities of grief after Mark Darcy's death. This element adds a layer of emotional depth, allowing for a more mature exploration of Bridget's journey.

What Doesn't Work:

• The Absence of Renée Zellweger: This is arguably the biggest hurdle. Zellweger's portrayal of Bridget Jones became iconic. While Solemani gives a commendable performance, she simply doesn't capture the same magic and charm. The change feels jarring to long-time fans.
• Roxster's Character: The age gap between Bridget and Roxster feels forced and unbelievable. His character lacks the depth and charisma that made Mark Darcy such a beloved character. The relationship feels less developed and somewhat unconvincing.
• Deviation from the Book: While adaptations inevitably make changes, some deviations from Fielding's book feel jarring and detract from the overall storyline. Certain plot points are rushed, and others feel underdeveloped.

The Verdict: A Worthy Sequel?

Mad About the Boy attempts to capture the spirit of the original Bridget Jones story, but falls short in several key areas. The absence of Renée Zellweger is deeply felt, and the replacement, while competent, doesn't quite capture the essence of the beloved character. The plot, while attempting to tackle modern themes, feels somewhat disjointed and rushed.

While the film has its moments of humor and relatability, it ultimately fails to live up to the legacy of the previous films. For longtime fans, it may prove a disappointing experience. However, for viewers unfamiliar with the franchise, it might offer a mildly amusing, if somewhat predictable, romantic comedy. Ultimately, the film suffers from a fundamental issue: it simply isn't the same without Zellweger's iconic portrayal.

Overall Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2 out of 5 stars)

Keywords: Mad About the Boy, Bridget Jones, Bridget Jones's Diary, film review, Sarah Solemani, Renée Zellweger, romantic comedy, book adaptation, modern dating, single motherhood, grief, movie review, Colin Firth, Mark Darcy, Roxster.