Bridget Jones Mad About The Boy: Bridget Jones 4 Movie Review

Bridget Jones has aired its fourth and final instalment, and it truly feels like the end of an era.

I’ve been a fan of Bridget Jones for as long as I can remember, thanks to my mum and aunt, who were both huge fans of the movies. What appealed to me about Bridget was how 'normal' and ordinary she was. Her clumsiness, her trials, and tribulations were a breath of fresh air in a world full of perfection that dominated the noughties. Looking back now, it’s beyond shocking that Bridget was ever considered “fat.” However, it’s a reminder that this movie, as well as the third, did such a great job showing progression and portraying a more authentic, modern-day version of living. It was really well done.

Mad About the Boy begins four years after Mark's death, as Bridget emerges from the shock of grief to start dating again - Now, being a huge Darcy fan, I was really, (with capitals) not looking forward to this movie. I couldn’t imagine how it could be good without Colin Firth. However, as a dedicated blogger, I powered through and found myself pleasantly surprised at how well this movie was done. In fact, according to The Daily Mail, it’s tipped to be a box-office smash.

As a solid Team Darcy member, my younger self absolutely hated Daniel Cleaver. But Hugh Grant does an absolutely smashing job in this movie, and I’m so glad he returned. His part was the only one that felt more like the classic Bridget Jones movies. I will admit, while the third movie was great, it did miss that Daniel Cleaver “sleazy” charm.

This might be slightly controversial, but I have to agree with The Guardian review that says there’s no chemistry between Bridget and her two leading men. Now, don’t get me wrong, I don’t think it’s “that bad,” but when you have an epic love like Darcy’s, with all due respect, no one else can compare. That being said, it was still an awesome movie. As hilarious as it was, it was the most bittersweet of all the movies and incredibly emotional. I was literally close to tears at parts where Bridget was coming to terms with Darcy’s death.

My only negative point is that I wish Colin Firth had a few more flashback scenes. I feel slightly robbed that we didn’t get to see Darcy as a dad. But I won’t complain too much because I’m always happy to see Bridget Jones.

Honorable Mentions & SPOILERS:

I love how the #MeToo movement made a small but subtle and incredibly important appearance, where Roxster ASKS if he can kiss Bridget. Considering how the first movie depicted Cleaver constantly making inappropriate advances on Bridget, it’s nice to see Bridget Jones evolving with the times. In fact, there were several mentions of Bridget living and adapting to modern-day sensibilities, which was refreshing to see. This included her age-gap romance, which, honestly, would never have been a thing in the first movie. I also love that they didn’t mention Bridget’s weight, which had been a major factor in all the previous films.

Friendly warning: You’ll need some tissues to wipe those tears.