Here's another transatlantic success

Rating: Null/10 (15 April 2001)

STAR RATING:*****Unmissable****Very Good***Okay**You Could Go Out For A Meal Instead*Avoid At All Costs
With the outwardly British Bridget being played by Texan Renee Zellweger,it's not so hard to understand why this comedic vehicle is enjoying similar audience on the other side of the Atlantic as well as it's homeland.Zellweger's accent certainly had to work to impress here ,she manages to cover up her Southern drawl well.However,Bridget Jones's Diary is more of a girl's film than a boy's,who are likely to find it slightly dull.There are some impressively comedic moments that will appeal to both genders,however,and comedy certainly seems to be the genre theme that is in main effect here.The performances are involving,it's especially nice to see Hugh Grant taking a break from his regular nice guy schtick to play a slimy,manipulative bad guy and there's a rarely seen few appearances by Honor Blackman as a company employee.However,for a reputed 90 minutes,the film seems to have a tendancy to meander on,with certain scenes overlapping in their conveyance.Overall though,Sharon Maguire's film is a pleasing addition to the current trend of homegrown successes.***