It isn't the most tightly plotted thriller, but it offers some true surprises. But that's not saying much.
Freeman deserves better, and so do viewers.
To some extent, that's the effect director Ted Demme wants, but the movie goes too far. Also stars Penelope Cruz, Cliff Curtis, Paul Reubens. Based on Helen Fielding's incredibly popular book, this is a constantly amusing chronicle of the romantic misadventures of a brainy young publicist. It's chock-full of delights, including the brilliant acting of star Renee Zellweger as Bridget, fine performances by Hugh Grant and Colin Firth as her wayward lovers, effervescent dialogues and crackling monologues, the limber direction by Sharon Maguire, and the way the whole movie seems to gleam and dance as you watch it. At its best, the film is sharply amusing, full of attractive characters and clever lines.