Fun, but not to be taken seriously

Rating: Null/10 (8 May 2001)

This film is full of the comedy moments we've come to expect from Richard Curtis. I found it lighter hearted and the main character more likeable than in the book. Renee Zellweger was charming, very "real" - I forgot she wasn't English! I found certain aspects of the character annoying - the fact that she couldn't seem to be happy for herself, without a man in her life. I know quite a few single 30-somethings who are like that and I can't understand why they're not enjoying their personal freedom. I think in Britain we're very much pressurised into marrying and having a family "before it's too late" whether that's what we want to do with our lives or not. It's a shame more film and book characters aren't rebelling against that conditioning. I also thought the two leading men were very lacking in charm, which made me wonder why Bridget was bothered about either of them. Still this was a book adaptation and the plot couldn't really be changed. And I guess Bridget's weakness of character made the film funnier - we all have friends like her don't we?