The romantic chemistry is topsy-turvy

Rating: Null/10 (11 April 2001)

Of late, cinematic writers of romance have been finding the urge to steal from Jane Austen irresistible. The creators of "Bridget Jones' Diary" are no exception. Colin Firth even plays a character named Mr. Darcy. The transferral of characters and plots is not a detraction however; it's all done in plain view and, morally speaking, the trotting out of Miss Austen's manners and morals in modern-face is perfectly above-board. The gem of the picture is Renee Zellweger as Bridget Jones, a delightful blend of Elizabeth Bennett and Emma Woodhouse. Hugh Grant, as the publisher, Mr. Cleaver, successfully reprises a role done previously, the dashing rotter. Ms. Jones, like her fictional predecessors, wishes to marry well. When Mr. Darcy first reappears in her life as a stern critic of her apparant fatuity, she flies into the rakish embraces of her employer, Mr. Cleaver. Herein lies the arch flaw marring this substantial confection: the love chemistry between the shallow boss and the adoring wench possesses a wattage and a charm far greater than that found within the propriety of her ultimate union with Mr. Darcy.