Bridget Jones - Un amore di ragazzo

Renée Zellweger was just past 30 for the first Bridget Jones movie, now she will turn 56 later this year, 2025. Today is Valentines Day and it seemed fitting that my wife and I decided to watch this movie, released just yesterday, streaming on Peacock.

It has a very slow start, we both looked at each other after about one-half hour and said, "Are you enjoying this?" We weren't and both hoped it would soon get good. All the characters were annoying and inappropriate, even the kids. In one scene the little girl is running around the house and banging on a pot for the longest. In social gatherings all the lady friends are intrusive and most of the interactions are silly. Fortunately, by tolerating all that it did pick up during its second half.

As this story starts Bridget's husband died in an unfortunate accident four years earlier, leaving her with a young son and an even younger daughter. She was still trying to cope and had not been back to her job as a TV show producer. All her friends wanted to know when she would find a man. One even started her a dating ap.

Later, as the story winds down, good things start to happen for Bridget and the kids. The son is worried that he might forget his dad and his science teacher helps by reassuring him that his dad is everywhere, his energy is, because energy can neither be created or destroyed, it just changes its form.

I would watch the second half again, but NOT the first half, neither interesting nor entertaining. And I did just that, a few weeks later. I started at the middle and the second half is an excellent one-hour movie.

Later I got the DVD from my public library and re-watched the original Bridget Jones movie. The closing credits of this movie contains a number of still shots from that original.

Let me be brutally honest: I didn't have much hope for "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy." I mainly didn't because I felt that "Bridget Jones's Baby" wrapped up the story fittingly. Sure, Daniel Cleaver was revealed to be alive, but I didn't want the happily ever after with Jones and Mr. Darcy to get ruined, especially considering that he's shown to be dead in this fourth installment. I should also mention I only saw the other three Bridget Jones movies a few months back without having read the books, and aside from "The Edge of Reason" leaving me disappointed, the romantic comedy fan in me wondered how it took this long for me to check them out. All three have immense charm and are anchored by an iconic central performance from Renée Zellweger. In theory, I should be excited, but the death of Darcy and the fact it was a Peacock exclusive made me nervous. After seeing it, I can't believe I'm saying this, but this is one of the best romcoms I've ever seen.

To begin with the positives, Zellweger remains the same lovable Bridget Jones we knew from her three prior outings. Now a mother, more the wiser but no less desirable, Jones is a sympathetic yet tragic figure who never ceases to entertain and compel.

The rest of the actors are generally incredible. Hugh Grant hasn't been in a romcom since 2014, so it's appropriate to see him in one of his most iconic roles in the form of Daniel Cleaver. He has his sex monster energy dialed down, but Cleaver's a lot more genuinely likable rather than lovably sloppy. In addition, Jones's two love interests - Chiwetel Ejiofor's Mr. Wallaker and Leo Woodall's Roxster - manage to be enchanting "forces," to quote Wallaker. Nico Parker's Chloe was pleasant, too. I like Chloe.

The comedic spark is never the duller. However, those expecting the same amount of humor as the other Bridget Jones films should prepare for disappointment. It is much more emotional than any of the other installments, managing to be heartwarming and heartbreaking at multiple intervals. A tissue box is almost a necessity when going to see this film.

I have to give props to Michael Morris's direction. I was hesitant to see what he would do since I'm used to the magic that director Sharon Maguire implemented into the first and third films, and I don't think Beeban Kidron meant to make "The Edge of Reason" as underwhelming and oddly cliched as it is. Thankfully, Morris takes the task much more earnestly than I expected. Numerous shots blew my mind and held emotional meaning.

Finally, Abi Morgan, Dan Mazer, and original author Helen Fielding's screenplay is the best in the entire series. The care they paid to the characters and the overall narrative can't be understated. There are no spoilers here, but this is Bridget Jones's final adventure, and they gave an even better ending to her story than what "Baby" gave to us nine years ago.

Overall, I'm blown away by how fantastic "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy" was. It genuinely baffles me that Universal wouldn't put it in theaters. I know that "Captain America: Brave New World" and "Paddington in Peru" are in theaters the same weekend this is debuting on Peacock, but when watching it, it didn't feel like a streaming movie at all. I feel jealous of the other countries showing the film in their cinemas, as I would've gone to the theater. These films are consistent money-makers, and while "Baby" was the least-grossing domestically, it still made waves internationally. I strongly feel that because of its status as the final installment, it would have made bank.

There's nothing wrong with the film at a technical level, so by default, the technical score is a 10/10, but the acting, directing, screenplay, and Suzie Lavelle's cinematography help.

Now, for the enjoyment score. For a point of reference, I feel that "Bridget Jones's Diary" is a strong 8, "The Edge of Reason" is a sad 4, and "Baby" is a respectable 9. I never thought I'd say this, but "Mad About the Boy" is the best installment. It's the hardest to watch due to its emotional nature but said nature enhances this film's impact. Renée Zellweger and the supporting characters remain as delightful as ever, while the film's comedy is ever so pure, and they end the story right. For those reasons, it's a 10/10 enjoyment score. I'll always be a fan of romcoms, but this was on another level. Thinking about it, "The Edge of Reason" is the least important of the four movies. Given that fact, the perfect romantic comedy trilogy just concluded. Watch it on Peacock. It's more than worth it!

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy delivers exactly what fans expect-heartfelt emotion, slapstick comedy, and romantic fantasy-while offering just enough fresh twists to keep things engaging. Picking up four years after Mark Darcy's death, the film follows Bridget as she navigates modern dating, leading to plenty of hilarious and endearing mishaps.

Director Michael Morris enhances the storytelling with immersive visuals, particularly in a standout single-shot sequence that captures Bridget's chaotic yet lovable world. The humor shines in classic Bridget fashion, from an awkward school interview to a laugh-out-loud tree rescue scene. Renée Zellweger effortlessly reprises her role, supported by a stellar cast including Chiwetel Ejiofor and Leo Woodall. Though some jokes about technology feel a bit dated, the film's emotional depth-especially in Bridget's journey of self-reinvention-keeps it grounded.

With a nostalgic yet refreshing energy, Mad About the Boy is a charming return to Bridget's world, reminding us that love and laughter only get better with age.

"Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy" is a beautiful, heartfelt return to the world of Bridget Jones, bringing both nostalgia and a fresh, deeply emotional perspective. This time, we meet Bridget as a widow and single mother, trying to navigate a new chapter of her life while raising her children. The film delicately explores grief, resilience, and the messy, sometimes hilarious reality of starting over. While it still has the humor and charm we love, there's an added depth that makes this story feel more mature and profoundly moving.

Renée Zellweger shines once again, effortlessly embodying Bridget's warmth, wit, and vulnerability. Her performance is both endearing and authentic, making us laugh one moment and tear up the next. The film perfectly balances lighthearted moments with genuine emotion, reminding us why Bridget has always felt so real and relatable. Whether you've been a fan since the beginning or are just meeting her now, "Mad About the Boy" is a touching, uplifting addition to the series - one that stays with you.

The final installment of this wonderful series was a tad disappointing. Hugh grant was his flawless Daniel Cleaver but the other characters just seemed forced. The story seemed a bit compartmentalized, and the film never seemed to catch its rhythm. I just expected more From this incredible team of seasoned actors. However wonderful to see all the familiar faces, It was just a bad reminder of how quickly Life passes by. But for all the Bridget Jones fans in the world, it's a must see to say farewell to our beloved characters Who have brought Love, laughs and hope to all us romantics. Thanks for the memories!