Much maligned by many critics and even movie-goers, I feel this film is still a ton more enjoyable, smart and engaging than 99% of the romantic comedies that are thrust upon the public on a yearly basis. 10 WAYS TO LOSE A MAN anybody? It’s not as good as the original, it goes to the embarrassing Bridget well a few too many times, it recycles jokes and rips off plot points from other movies, but in the end the characters that made the first film great are expanded upon and just as likeable.
The plot picks up four weeks after the first film and follows the budding relationship between Bridget (Renee Zellweger, COLD MOUNTAIN) and Mark Darcy (Colin Firth, GIRL WITH THE PEARL EARRING). The film has an observant eye for little details that bring a richness to the characters. Bridget may be an exaggeration of female insecurities, but it is rooted in truth. There’s an argument between Bridget and Mark right after a party that is one of the more honestly written relationship scenes I’ve scene in awhile.
Of course, Bridget and Mark split, the lecherous Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant, FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL) returns to seduce Bridget and we all know Bridget will get back together with Mark, but how it happens is within an episode that only Bridget could get herself into.
I love these characters and love spending time with them. That’s key to making a successful franchise. Though it’s flawed, the film is still funny, smart, well-acted and most of all charming as hell.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
