Bridget Jones's Baby

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)

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 wanted to be harsh and give it one less star, but why? Because it's about something completely different than the book? So? The story was just as good, though not as believable. But then again, it didn't have as much farting, which is great. In short, this episode is also a treat for lovers of British humor, and Bridget Jones fans will at least get what they expected. And maybe even more. The soundtrack is also perfect, one hit after another. Traditionally, I didn't understand Bridget in the middle of the film and cursed her for her indecision, but she still won me over in the end. Because she's just plain old Bridget. 4.5 stars. (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)

Bridget Jones's Diary was once an ideal representative of romantic comedy, which attracts couples to visit the movie theater, where she will be excited and he will not be offended at all. After a rather average and easily forgettable second installment, the third part returns to the quality level of the first film. The difference is that while the rivalry between two men for one woman was somewhat more believable in the first movie, here we are in the realm of romantic fiction of a dream factory. In real life, I would rather believe that the unhappy protagonist would be vainly persuading anyone to take on the role of the father, rather than encountering such interest in a paternal role. And the second handicap is the age of the main characters. Renée Zellweger attained her position in Hollywood as a relatively mature actress, and the roles of crazy teenagers passed her by. She portrayed the character of Bridget Jones for the first time as a thirty-something and after 15 years, during which she was also affected by unfortunate plastic surgeries, she looks more like she wouldn't have to worry about contraception at all. Colin Firth was 56 years old at the time of filming and he also looks his age. His natural dignified charm cannot be denied, but in general, he is more someone who should be preparing for the role of a grandfather and an active retiree, rather than setting up a nursery and playing dad. By the way, if I were to have the role of a film heroine, I would try to convince myself and my offspring that the father is Patrick Dempsey, even if it wasn't true because he is infinitely more likable than the cold and aristocratically aloof Colin Firth. The most likable character is indeed the small but noticeable role of Emma Thompson as the gynecologist. In any case, it's a decent 3-star film and I basically only have the above-mentioned reservations. In this relaxing genre, it doesn't make sense to focus on details. Overall impression: 60%. (10/30/2016)