A-1 at Lloyds

Rating: Null/10 (29 April 2001)

I went to see this film with the sister of my old girlfriend yesterday, and from the cues of people who were waiting round the block to see it, I knew I was not going to be disappointed.
I, like most of the entire cinema-going population of Britain, were apprehensive at the thought of an American playing a character that would be deemed to be quintessentially British, but I need not have no fear, Renee Zewellgger as Bridget perfectly captured the neuroses and worries of modern-day life, making them all the more pointedly because we were shaking our heads off in fits of laughter that threatened to demolish the whole cinema.
I, (who could be described as a thirty-something male singleton), could relate to Renee as Bridget, a person constantly on a state of alert about her job, her weight (Memo to Cosmo - Stick-Insect Women are not sexy, they look ridiculous), and about whether they will ever meet a soulmate for their life (Memo to Feminist Reviewers of this film - this does not portray women as gooey morons, just real people). Hugh Grant to me encapsulated perfectly the arrogant so-and-so who women will always go for and ultimately be broken hearted over to a T. But Hugh Grant as the mean and moody Mr Darcy, (now there's a coincidence!), to me shows that just perhaps just being there for someone shows their true worth.
Bridget is not a pushover, her treatment of Mark as she revenges his treachery is an outstanding hoot, and she will not be deflected from her life, at the risk of losing the one person who would be best for her life, (apart from her dad, brillantly and poignantly portrayed by Jim Broadbent.)
The snow at Christmas time in London and at Bridget's parents may seem to be contrived, but I've experienced White Christmases before and it only enhances a film in which you cheer for the happy ending yet hope she will not lose one iota of her dignity.
99 out of a 100. for you losers who don't like it, get yourself a reality check and a life!