an unexpected gem...(some spoilers,mates.)

Rating: 10/10 (4 November 2001)

Ok. I will be the first person to admit that I really didn't expect much from this film. In Fact, I did all what I could to get out of seeing it.(Faking colds,financially challenged,I have an impending surgery..etc.) But I must thank my wife for her tenaciousness and curse the creators of the video tapes..With a big all encompassing grin on her face and video in hand, I knew the jig was up,as it were..... Well,from the beginning,this wonderfully enchanting film had me. Renee Zellweger's Bridget is a happy go lucky single woman in her early thrities who is in search of true love(hoping to avoid all the "commitment phobic" blokes that she often falls for)and a slimmer waist line. I immediately fell in love with Renee's almost flawless performance in this picture. She,at least to me,took control of this character and breathed life into it. She made me care for Bridget as if she was one of my own friends,who was going through life's ups and constant downs. This is an oscar worthy performance by Zellweger.It seemed like it was tailor made for her. Written by Helen Fielding,Andrew Davies,and Richard Curtis(who wrote some stuff for Mr.Bean as well as the movie)this movie takes through the times and trials of Bridget Jones.All involved in this picture did a splendid job. Colin Firth, who sometimes plays a bit of jerk in films,does a great job playing the rather stiff but honorable,Mark Darcy...The movie,at first,makes him out to be rather a snotty sonofagun,but as it progresses,we see that's not the case. Hugh Grant,plays Bridget's wolf in sheep's clothing,boss,Daniel Cleaver. He is very effective as this womanizer that gets his claws into our dear Bridget,but fear not....all turns out well in the end. This movie was a real unexpected gem. It's not just a "chick flick".It's about accepting yourself and others.About making changes in your life,for yourself,and not for anyone else.Having good friends who love you,just as you are. It's a great film.Don't pass it up.