There’s a lot to enjoy about Bridget Jones’ Baby, even if you’ve never watched the first two movies, but as usual, there’s still a kink or two in the system.
When I first learned that they were making another Bridget Jones movie, I distinctly remember moaning and groaning about it. This has never been a franchise that I’ve returned to after a first watch. They’re enjoyable enough, but not my favorites.
Bridget Jones’ Baby is a great chapter in the saga, and will undoubtedly find its audience. This movie has a lot to offer that you just don’t expect.
Strengths
Renee Zellweger
Renee Zellweger has been the greatest gift that these Bridget Jones’ movies has given us. Throughout her career, we’ve seen her take on all kinds of dramatic roles with varying levels of success, but the Bridget Jones’ series has shown us just how fabulously funny she can be. Bridget Jones’ Baby is a fabulous chapter in Zellweger’s career in comedy, and we’d love to see her take on a few more roles like this in the future.
Chemistry
The Bridget Jones series has largely relied on the chemistry of its stars to keep its loyal fans coming back, and that was in no short supply here either. Even without Hugh Grant’s ridiculous brand of comedy, the third movie in the franchise was hugely successful in the chemistry department. In fact, Dempsey and Zellweger’s chemistry was so believable, I was largely rooting for him throughout the film, despite the history between Bridget and Mark’s characters.
Sense of Humor
This movie perfectly balanced the absurdly funny with the situationally funny. It’s a fine line to walk, and many times a movie can tumble over the appropriate level of absurdity and lose its audience. Bridget Jones’ Baby never takes it too far. Bridget may do some crazy things, but they are always rooted just firmly enough in reality that you absolutely believe this is just how insane her life can be.
Weaknesses
Nostalgia
Parts of this movie just don’t work if you haven’t seen the previous two installments, and/or haven’t seen them in a long time. You do get the occasional flashback to remind you of exactly how far these two characters have come, but Bridget Jones’ Baby largely depends on you remembering the history of the series. It’s a minor qualm with the movie, but it can affect how you see this chapter in the Bridget Jones saga playing out.
Unbelievable ignorance
One of my biggest pet peeves is when an otherwise street-wise and intelligent female character has one area of her life where she is absolutely dumb. In the case of Bridget Jones, that area is condoms. What single gal in her forties wouldn’t know that condoms have an expiration date. There are some things you just don’t take chances with and accidental pregnancy seems like a big one.
Ultimately
There is so much more to love about Bridget Jones’ Baby than to be critical about. It’s a funny, endearing movie with a hell of a lot of heart. The trouble that Bridget gets herself into is light-hearted and entertaining considering it revolves around her getting pregnant. The cast is fabulous in their roles, and you’ll probably find your loyalty shifting around throughout the movie.
If you’ve been waiting for a movie to take mom to this summer, this is a pretty safe bet. There’s something for everyone to love and more than a few laughs to be had. Bridget Jones’ Baby has managed to do what Bad Moms just couldn’t do for me. It found the funny, but it did it on its own terms, without devolving into obnoxiously raunchy jokes for the hell of it. Give this movie a chance and I don’t think you’ll regret it.