Renée Zellweger is back as the beloved Bridget Jones, but it is Hugh Grant who seems to have stolen the show in the latest instalment of the iconic romcom series. While fans may be eager to embrace the return of the hapless London singleton, critics have offered a decidedly mixed response to Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy.
The film, directed by Michael Morris, arrives in UK cinemas on Valentine’s Day, bringing audiences a fresh yet familiar tale of love, loss, and self-discovery. Zellweger reprises her role for what is being touted as her final outing as Bridget, while Grant returns as the ever-charming Daniel Cleaver. However, despite the nostalgia factor and the addition of fresh faces, the film has received varied reactions from critics and audiences alike.
A beloved but controversial character
Despite Bridget Jones’s enduring popularity, the character has not been without controversy. Some critics have labelled her as problematic in today’s cultural landscape, arguing that she embodies outdated tropes of female insecurity and self-deprecation. However, Zellweger has firmly defended her character, dismissing such criticisms.
“I don’t find it toxic, in my opinion. I love Bridget Jones. I’ve always loved Bridget Jones, and I love her more with every reunion,” Zellweger told The Sun in response to concerns that Bridget exists in a misogynistic culture. Fans of the original books and films, many of whom have grown up with the character, will likely appreciate the film’s nods to its predecessors, with numerous Easter eggs scattered throughout the two-hour runtime.
But does nostalgia alone make Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy a worthy addition to the series? That depends on whom you ask.
Critical Reception: A divided response
The reviews for the film have been as varied as Bridget’s romantic misadventures. While some critics have praised its humour and emotional depth, others have found it lacking the wit and charm of the earlier entries.
The Standard: Two stars
Nick Curtis of The Standard was underwhelmed, awarding the film just two stars. He noted that while the original cast is back, the film feels like a less sophisticated version of its predecessors. “All the old cast is back together, with some lubricious young blood pumped in,” he wrote, referencing Leo Woodall’s role as Jones’s much younger love interest, Roxster. Curtis ultimately lamented that the series has “decreased in sophistication and wit.”
The Guardian: Two stars
Similarly unimpressed was The Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw, who criticised the film for lacking the wit and sparkle of the first three instalments. He felt the performances were uninspired, writing, “With the exception of Grant and Thompson, really all of the actors are phoning (or rather voice-noting) it in.” He added that Zellweger seemed distracted and that Woodall, despite his previous impressive performances, failed to bring the necessary charm to the role.
The Times: Four stars
On the other hand, Kevin Maher of The Times found the film much more enjoyable, awarding it four stars. He singled out Hugh Grant’s return as Daniel Cleaver as a highlight, stating, “It’s Hugh Grant, returning as the ageing, inveterate ladies’ man Daniel Cleaver, who steals the show.” He also praised the film’s thematic depth, saying it “dovetails neatly into its most poignant theme: time devours all. But with gags.”
Empire: Four stars
Laura Venning of Empire also gave the film a positive review, rating it four stars and describing it as “a sweet, surprisingly mature story of an imperfect woman letting herself fall in love all over again.” She commended Grant’s performance and appreciated the film’s numerous callbacks to previous instalments.
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A film for fans or a missed opportunity?
Ultimately, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy seems to be a film that will divide audiences. For die-hard fans of the franchise, the return of familiar faces and the continuation of Bridget’s story will likely be enough to warrant a trip to the cinema. However, those looking for the sharp wit and originality of the earlier films may leave feeling disappointed.
With Grant’s performance receiving widespread acclaim and the film offering plenty of nostalgic moments, it may well find its audience among long-time devotees. But for those who had hoped for a reinvention of the beloved character, Mad About the Boy may fall short of expectations.
Bridget may be back, but whether or not audiences are still mad about her remains to be seen.
