Bridget Jones Mad About the Boy is the fourth and final instalment that will no doubt pull at the heartstrings.
Bridget Jones seems to be one of these film franchises that no matter what mood you are in, how busy you are, or even where in the world you may be, you will always sit down and watch the entire movie if it is on.
It is difficult to believe that it has been almost 25 years since we first met Bridget, the loveable and relatable 30-something singleton, and her catalogue of friends and infamous boyfriends as she paved her own path to happiness.
Now, in 2025, Renee Zellweger is back for her fourth appearance as Bridget on the big screen and quite possibly her last.
But just how well did Bridget Jones Mad About the Boy stack up compared to its three predecessors?
Well, first things first, she is single once again. It has been no secret and well-reported that Mark Darcy (played by Colin Firth) has sadly passed on since the third movie nine years ago, leaving Bridget with their two young children, Billy and Mabel.
Making a delightful appearance as the occasional babysitter and now loyal confidant, Hugh Grant has again reprised his role of Daniel Cleaver. Grant is, as usual, the blissful blend of comic relief and poignancy, keeping his trademark cheek and savvy, flirtatious behaviour.
Instead of the classic love triangle of Jones, Cleaver and Darcy, this time, two new faces have taken on the role.
Leo Woodall (One Day) and Chiwetel Ejiofor (Love Actually) have joined the cast, making quite the impression. Woodall, as young park ranger Roxster, offers Bridget a new lease on life, while Ejiofor enters her life as her son Billy’s science teacher.
As expected, Bridget has a dilemma on her hands, making it, quite simply, a charming and emotional voyage through the difficulty of dating later in life, motherhood, and the stresses of solo parenthood.
To be frank, Bridget Jones Mad About the Boy won’t be remembered as the film that redefined cinema, but who cares! At this stage, Bridget seems like a member of the family.
As an entire generation grew up relating to Bridget’s dating disasters, it is only fitting to continue her story, which is why the movie feels more fan-focused than the other three.
Riddled with Easter eggs and surprise cameos, it was pleasant viewing to catch up with her pals Shazza, Jude and Tom, as well as new fan favourites such as Dr Rawlings (played by the ever-so-fabulous Emma Thompson) and television presenting colleague Miranda (Sarah Solemani).
One noticeable theme was how Bridget has evolved over the years but still miraculously stayed the same. Gone are the red wine and cigarettes, replaced instead with hummus and rice cakes, as well as a new sense of fashion. However, fans will be relieved to know her famous red penguin pyjamas are recycled once again.
Overall, Bridget Jones Mad About the Boy felt like catching up with an old friend. Who knows if she will be back or not, but if she isn’t, fans will be satisfied to know happiness will prevail once again.
OUR RATING:
3/5
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