Bridget Jones's Baby
SoberFilmChick




Directed by: Sharon Macguire

Starring: Renee Zellwegger, Colin Firth, Patrick Dempsey, Emma Thompson, Jim Broadbent, and Gemma Jones

Initially, I was underwhelmed at the prospect of a new Bridget Jones film.  To be frank, I did not think a sequel would resonate so many years later, and I would be left with the same “meh” feeling I had after watching My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2.  Much to my surprise and delight, Bridget Jones’s Baby delivers laughs and warmth.  In fact, it’s the best romantic comedy released in years.

The film starts as Bridget (Renee Zellwegger) celebrates her birthday alone.  Bridget and her longtime boyfriend Mark (Colin Firth) are no longer together.  Bridget is now in her early 40’s.  She produces a hard-hitting news show; she has a group of new friends; and Bridge has finally reached her goal weight.  Although, Bridget is generally content, she feels like something is missing because many of her older friends have settled down with marriage and children.

To lift her spirits, Bridget goes away for a girls’ weekend with one of her co-workers, Miranda (Sarah Solemani).  Bridge thinks she is going away for a spa weekend, but Miranda takes them to a hippie, rock camping ground.  Bridget and Miranda meet Ed Sheeran and get wasted.  One night Bridget drinks entirely too much and has a one night stand with a handsome stranger Jack (Patrick Dempsey).  A week later, Bridget stumbles into her ex, Mark.  Because of their history and undeniable chemistry, Bridget and Mark sleep together.  A few months later, Bridget discovers that she is pregnant.  However, she does not know whether Jack or Mark is the father of her child.  Shenanigans ensue.

Written in part by Emma Thompson, Bridget Jones’s Baby is smart, funny and heart-warming.  It literally delivers everything audiences want in a romantic comedy: relatable characters, biting wit, passion and a happy ending.  I went into the film expecting to roll my eyes through much of the film.  However, Zellwegger quickly reminded me why Bridget Jones is one of the best heroines in the romantic comedy genre.  Jones is so infectious that you cannot help caring about her character, laughing at her antics and ultimately rooting for her to find happiness.  In addition, the rest of cast, notably Dempsey, Firth and Thompson are highly entertaining.

“LOL” is overused to the point of being meaningless.  It is a statement people make to indicate a mild form of amusement, not genuine laughter.  During Bridget Jones’s Baby, I laughed out loud so many times that I was almost embarrassed.  One scene in particular made me cry actual tears of laughter.  My genuine delight with the film made me realize that it has been some time since I truly enjoyed a traditional romantic comedy.  Many recent comedies focus on adults behaving badly.  Bridget Jones’s Baby is a refreshing change of pace.

Bridget Jones’s Baby earns a strong 0.03% rating.  Sit back with a wine cooler and enjoy the fun.