It's refreshing to see imperfection so perfectly portrayed.

Rating: Null/10 (23 June 2003)

weight: 8st, 10 lbs (message to film-makers: why imbue Bridget Jones's Diary with Brit terms such as, "having a slash" and "bugger" et al if only to score massive own-goal via BJ's weighing routine? UK women weigh in stones and pounds. Bridget is not "138 lbs" - Bridget is 9 stone, 12 lbs. Minor irritant - no doubt concession to Yank audience. S'pose it's too much to ask Yank audience to adapt for 135 mins).
cigarettes: 0 alcohol units: 0 boyfriend: 0.
Application to nunnery in post.
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Appears self is in unique club; able to enjoy novel upon which movie is based and captivated by celluloid version too. Key to this is recognising each as separate entities; both work in their own way. Vive la difference! No point expecting exact conversion of book to film with all scenes intact. How often Hollywood achieve this? At least this adaptation not as egregiously criminal as 1940 Pride & Prejudice movie starring Laurence Olivier, Greer Garson and incorrect century (impossible to review BJD and not mention P&P!).
Rom coms one of self's favourite movie genres - especially 30s/40s screwball variety (Cary Grant - ding dong!). Modern interpretations largely forgettable. Few jewels in the crown; "Annie Hall", "When Harry Met Sally" and "There's Something About Mary" instantly spring to mind. Not much else. However, self will add "BJD" to list of fave rom coms despite fact that it's not as clever as "Annie Hall" nor as witty as "Harry/Sally" nor as inventive as "Mary". Reason BJD joins list is because it's a delightful, perfectly cast little movie. Leaves one warm and snugly inside unlike "How To Lose Guy In 10 Days" which made self empty contents of stomach into nearest toilet bowl at way-too-corny denouement.
BJD movie not without flaws. Firstly, bit short. Needed 15 more minutes of biting observation of desperate singletons playing and failing at dating game. Could've achieved this via extension of scenes with BJ's wacky, neurotic circle of friends (Shazza, Tom and Jude).
Secondly, uncomfortable with some of the physical comedy. Example: Bridget arriving at hotel with Daniel and hair resembling candy floss. Struck wrong note. Infinitely prefer subtlety of comedy of manners scenes. Example: Una and Pam's hilariously obvious matchmaking attempts via pretence of lumpy gravy. Hahahaha! Mark and Bridget send up said gravy scene as they prepare food in her kitchen. They're all too aware what Una and Pam were up to - very sweet and funny moment. Melts your heart.
Have read reviews where some moaned couldn't see chemistry between Bridget and Mark. Get eyes tested! 'Blue Soup' dinner party segment is clincher! Positively crackled with electricity and sexual tension! Mark's warmth and obvious attraction makes B. coy. Marked comparison to the effect Cleaver has on B.
Cleaver makes B. horny - Mark makes her blush. BIG difference.
Finally, film needed more of Colin Firth. Even if he'd filled every single frame, self would still insist on more Colin Firth (!)
On the plus side: performances are wonderful! Ms Zellweger very commendable as BJ. Made her far more likeable than book version. UK accent is fine but what is really nailed is demeanour of insecure, neurotic, anxious, single woman in early 30s.
Hugh Grant a revelation as emotional f**kwit Daniel Cleaver. So good to see him expand his range and dump the fumbling fop schtick that he's lived on since '4 Weddings'. Brings a dangerous charm to his role - easy to see why Bridget falls for him. Heck, self wouldn't say no to tumble in sack with Cleaver! And who else in world but Hugh Grant can emit stupid, emasculating phrase, "Oh mummy!" during shag scene and make it sound so kinkily sexy?
Colin Firth is one aspect of celluloid adaptation that is vastly superior to book version. Picture perfect as Darcy in any century; Firth could play Darcy as cave-dwelling, Neanderthal and still produce same swooning effect on women. Defy P&P fans not to smile when Bridget addresses Mark as "Mr Darcy" during interview for 'Sit Up Britain'. Too funny! So glad Firth exhibiting sense of humour about the Darcy phenomenon. Out on his own when it comes to thawing reserved, repressed characters and giving them sex appeal, warmth and a dimension we never suspected existed.
But way, way, way out on his own in smouldering stakes: heart-fluttering ability to look at a woman with a mixture of both desire and tenderness, lust and fondness. It's all in his eyes. Eyes like a magnet - they draw you in. Phwoar! Watch his poignant expression during boating on lake scene as Cleaver and Bridget cavort around. Says a thousand words with one yearning look.
Considering that Firth's part is comparatively small, makes huge impression. Perfect foil for both Cleaver and Bridget.
Script not as hysterically funny as first BJ book but lines like, "You'll never get a boyfriend if you look like you've wandered out of Auschwitz" had self rolling in aisles.
Overall, film has freshness that is very endearing and appealing. Perfect date-movie and fab film to instil cheer on wet, rainy, grey Sundays. Gives rest of us singletons hope that we'll find our own Mark Darcy to love us just as we are. What more does one want or expect from a rom com?