Funny, insightful if occasionally cringeworthy

Rating: 8/10 (12 April 2001)

Having never read the books and not been over influenced by the hype for this movie, I went to see it with an open mind, and was thoroughly impressed. Renee Z is distinctly likeable as the eponymous heroine who's New Year resolutions slowly come to fulfilment throughout the year. Her unlucky stumblings through relationships, public speaking and fancy dress parties keeps the viewer entertained throughout and often induces the odd empathic cringe (Salman Rushdie's experience especially). And to be brutally honest her british accent isn't that bad. Hugh Grant is also well cast in the part of the office cad and Colin Firth plays the british barrister to perfection (trust me, I know enough) In all well made, well acted, well funny 8/10