The ultimate antidote for the singles' blues, ladies, do pop it in the tube whenever you need it!

Rating: 9/10 (5 January 2009)

Bridget Jones (Renee Zellweger) is headed to her parents' home for a New Year's gathering. Again, she is going alone, with no boyfriend in tow. Once there, her parents re-introduce her to an old childhood friend, Marc Darcy (Colin Firth), who is divorced and a hot-shot, human rights lawyer. However, Marc insults Bridget, accidentally, and Bridget sees him as a stuffy, boring gentleman, too. So, a romance between the two of them seems mighty improbable. Back at her small apartment, Bridget gets a bit tipsy but makes a New Year's resolution to keep a diary. It will record the doings of a thirty-something, biological clock-ticking lady in London. Soon after, book publicist Bridget receives some overtures from her handsome but lothario-like boss, Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant). Unbelievably, Daniel takes a shine to Bridget and they begin a "thing". Yet, this leave-it-to-Cleaver has wandering eyes and Bridget is about to be on the receiving end of his infidelity. Horrors! On the upswing, Bridget and Mr. Darcy, that is, Marc, meet time and again, by happenstance, and their icy feelings for each other appear to go through a semi-thaw. Is it likely that "our Bridget" will find true love in the early 21st century? This is a wonderful movie and a true antidote to the cares of the world, especially for women everywhere. Most of us, like Bridget, are insecure, a bit overweight, and clumsy at love, among other things. Therefore, it warms the heart to see the underdog succeed. As the main character, Zellweger is nearly flawless, exhibiting high humor, a sunny nature, and self-deprecation in perfect pitch. Then, too, Firth and Grant are likewise terrific as her love interests; in truth, no one could have played these roles better, either. All of the secondary actors, Jim Broadbent, Gemma Jones, Shirley Henderson and the rest, are quite fine, too. As for the setting in London, it is lovely, as are the nice costumes and camera work. Above all, the script, based on Helen Fielding's best-selling book, and the skilled direction are to be greatly admired, for they absolutely capture the essence of the unhappy, aging-by-the minute single woman in her thirties. If you were to keep a diary of your own movie views, dear reader, do make certain you include BJD as an entry. In fact, it is one of those films to watch whenever a spiritual "pick me up" is needed.