Bridget Jones's Baby

“You turn disasters into victories.” Bridget Jones’s Baby is a mostly successful attempt at making a tasteful romantic comedy for adult viewers that will make you forget the dreadful second Bridget Jones film while remembering the best of Working Title’s genre productions. However, the filmmakers try too hard to fulfil high expectations, which becomes apparent in the excessive runtime (and the resulting problems with pacing), and to play it safe (e.g. impressive but not very effective slow-motion shots and the autotelic inclusion of catchy pop songs). What we see is basically the third variation of the same story template, which is very predictable from start to finish despite the addition of a new unknown feature (the unborn child). Nevertheless, the film offers some surprises at least with small things like the generally believable behaviour of all of the main characters (Bridget finally acts in accordance with her age), who are able to reflect on their idiotic conduct (Jack apologises for lying to Mark). The incomprehension of today’s world of internet dating, photos of cats resembling Hitler, hipsters and Pussy Riot may not be as striking as in Marie Poledňáková’s films, but in places it is still painfully obvious that the filmmakers are stuck in a different era and are trying in vain to catch up with the times. What works best are the universal jokes on the topic of “men vs. women”, most of which co-screenwriter Emma Thompson stole for herself (a great line involving childbirth and a burning pub), that you will remember days after the screening. But you probably won’t remember much else. 70% (09/16/2016)

Too bad about the first two episodes, because even together they are not as entertaining as this one, which is smart, mature, with effortless humour. Sharon Maguire serves up a film showing a main character that has matured over time, leaving behind infantile gags and lame jokes, as well as the bitterness about how she's old and fat, single, etc.; she’s know dealing with important life milestones. The male acting duo is a hit and forms an equal counterpart to the traditionally excellent Renée Zellweger, their bickering and interestingly set-up characters are exactly the spice this series needed. And the gap in years has done wonders. It doesn’t warrant a sequel, there’s nowhere to go, but as a worthy ending to a comedy film trilogy, it's great. (09/24/2016)

The unwelcome addition of a long-forgotten joke that turned into a confident surprise. It's obviously over the top in a few places, because Bridget can't do it any other way. But the rest? The moderate Renée Zellweger, the perfectly matured Colin Firth, and finally once again my beloved Patrick Dempsey just the way I like him, as the ideal guy with everything. This trio works even better than when it was Hugh Grant competing with Mr. Darcy, and that's saying something, considering the romantic-comedy merits of that British scamp. The last chapter of the adventures of the very crazy girl next door is romantic, touching, and in a few places unbelievably funny. I didn't expect this to be the best part of the series by any means, so I can now wish it even more success. (09/20/2016)

I was truly curious to see the continuation of the story of Bridget Jones, as the first part is a favourite of mine and the second part was also a good comedy. I have to admit that they have really managed to return with grace after twelve long years. The acting and writing by Emma Thompson certainly helped a lot, but the original cast were no slouches either. The film has a lot of funny scenes, innuendos and awkward situations that had me laughing out loud more than once, which is a major achievement in a comedy. All in all, I left the cinema really satisfied and I'm curious if there will be a sequel, as the "cliffhanger" at the end of the film literally encouraged it. (09/22/2016)

The third look inside the life of this chubby goofball was definitely a disappointment. The creators, like me, apparently thought the first film was a success and figured out that all it would take was to rip it off and the third one would be just as entertaining. They couldn't have been more wrong. The two-hour runtime was downright excruciating, I was bored all the way through. The one star goes to Emma Thompson, who was the only one who actually made me laugh a few times. I understand that certain time had passed since the first installment, but watching a very worn-out cast dealing with the same problems over and over again just wasn't fun for me. It was rather sad to watch. Plus, I absolutely didn't get that awful disco soundtrack, which might have been suitable for a teen comedy. I guess a fourth installment is coming in about ten years, with hip replacement as the central theme. Yay, I’m sure it’ll be a blast! (02/24/2017)