Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004)
Same Bridget. Brand new diary.
Starring: Renee Zellweger, Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Jim Broadbent, Gemma Jones, Neil Pearson, Jacinda Barrett, Sally Phillips, Shirley Henderson, Paul Nicholls, David Verrey, Jessica Stevenson, Ian McNeice, Patrick Baladi, Donald Douglas, Shirley Dixon, Ting-Ting Hu, Jeremy Paxman
Director: Beeban Kidron
Running Time: 108 minutes
US MPAA rating: RUK BBFC rating: 15
Comedy, Romance
Someone played a nasty trick on me. I thought I was going to see 'Indiana Jones and the Hedge of Treason'. THAT would be a fantastic movie - Indy's films always are. But what's this? BRIDGET Jones? Well, I suppose it at least explains why all of the other men queuing in front of me to buy tickets looked a bit embarrassed - and also, come to think of it, why I was the only one wearing a brown leather hat and carrying a whip. Still, I was determined to make the most of this 'Bridget Jones' sequel, despite finding the first one to be a bit on the crappy side.
Renee Zellweger returns to play the squinting heroine of the title - and yes, she has been back on the pies in preparation. We pick up this latest diary instalment just a few weeks after the last one left off, with our Jonesy now secure in the joys of coupledom with plum-mouthed lawyer Mark Darcy (Colin Firth). You see, one of the few notable strengths of the 2001 original was that it wrapped everything up quite nicely - so now the writers are left with the headache of having to unwrap it all in order to provide us with a sequel. As a result, a good hour of this film is spent trying to convince us - less than successfully, I might add - that the pair of them would split up over quite literally nothing, purely for the purpose of getting them back together again in a predictable climax.
Jones' crumbling relationship with Darcy-Farcy isn't the only element of the film that feels forced and contrived. There's also her reacquaintance with old flame Daniel (Hugh Grant) who, just like Bridget herself in the first film, appears to have walked straight into a prime TV presenting job despite possessing no apparent qualifications or experience. But - and here's something you won't hear me say very often - thank God for Hugh Grant. He's the only one in the film who gets to deliver some decent comedy stretching beyond woman-says-something-embarrassing-only-to-realise-there-are-lots-of-people-listening (I actually lost count of how many times that one formula was used in an attempt to squeeze another painful laugh out of the audience).
But, after spending an hour or so teetering on the verge of losing it completely, the film finally takes a plot turn which sends the whole thing toppling over the edge of - well - reason. After having a stash of cocaine planted on her at an airport, Jones is carted off to a Thai jail and it turns into a bizarre light-comic version of 'Midnight Express', still sticking steadfastly to its bright, breezy humour despite the fact that the subject matter has long since turned sour (and even a bit worrying). A more bizarre, uncomfortable, and completely inappropriate attempt at comedy I cannot recall seeing.
It's Got: Mad hair and scary knickers.
It Needs: Someone who knows the German for "pregnancy test".
Alternatives: Bridget Jones's Diary, Love Actually, Notting Hill
Summary: Goes beyond the edge of not just reason, but comedy and good sense. Let's hope Bridget keeps her diary private from now on.
Review by Gary Panton
Review Date: 12th November 2004
External Links
Official Web Site
Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason at the IMDB
Comments23 Comments |
| Just been to see this with high expectations. I'm afraid to say I was sadly disappointed. Definitely not enough of Hugh Grant and nothing really believable about the storyline. This is a classic case of making a sequel just for the sake of it. They should have left it well alone. |
| Comment by:- Sue Whitehead | | 13 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| Saw the movie yesterday, I actually thought they did a pretty good job of a much weaker novel. The novel spent much more time in the prison and drug at that point, some of the new portions added by film writters was actually pretty good. Was a little weak in the comedy area, compared to Briget Jones Diary. |
| Comment by:- Brenda Sneed | | 14 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| Just returned from the cinema. Thought it was a great film, worked for me. If James bodn can have umpteen sequels with essentially the same plot and be the most successful film series in terms of box office success and longevity then why complain about a similar polt in Edge of reason. My favourite bit was all the couples in the houses around Bridget's having a perfect relationship and hers in ruins. I have often felt that but never seen in dramatized so effectively. I read a review saying it was a crap film, I think that statement says more about the reviewer than it does about the film. |
| Comment by:- Gordon | | 14 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| I saw the movie a couple of days ago and I must say that I was a little disappointed but I can't put my finger on why. I hate to sound superficial but I couldn't get over how "not cute" the character Bridget was in this film. I mean in the first film she was suppose to be slightly over weight but at least she was cute - I mean her hair and skin. I can't say the same in this film. I would have liked to have seen more interaction between Bridget and Mark because there seemed to be a lack of intensity that was there in the first movie. I don't think that it was crap but it's definitely not going to be classic. |
| Comment by:- Star | | 14 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| Saw the Film oN friday night and must say that it was better that the first movie. Bridget is funny and charming as usual and Colin Firth is just as gorgeous as the first movie. Favourite scene was without a doubt the fight scene between Mark and Daniel. Also the Bridget and Mark scenes were all adorable!!! Definatly 10 out of 10!!!!! |
| Comment by:- Brooke | | 15 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| I liked it..Not as much as BJD, but I liked it enough to see it again. Colin Firth was dead on as Darcy and Renee Zellwegger was born to play Bridget Jones. She was fantastic..again. Hugh Grant was a perfectly nasty cad, as usual. They all did a great job with the material they were given. I just wish we had more Bridget friends and family scenes..and, of course, more Bridget and Mark. They are magic together. I hope we get another BJD. |
| Comment by:- Rosmaria | | 15 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| If you're thinking of going to see this film STOP!!......don't waste your money. Loved Bridget Jones Diary but the same cannot be said for Edge of Reason. Hyped beyond belief. Great soundtrack though. And Bridget didn't even get between the sheets with Mark!! Disappointed from Birmingham. |
| Comment by:- Michael Cross | | 15 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| This review is really good and i love the way how you have not told us the ending. This has really let me see that i do really want to go and see this movie. |
| Comment by:- Casey Gillespie | | 15 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| This review is really good and i love the way how you have not told us the ending. This has really let me see that i do really want to go and see this movie. |
| Comment by:- Casey Gillespie | | 15 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| Adorable. Had been told that the movie wasn't good so I went to see it with a low level of expectation. Was delightfully surprised to find it amusing entertaining, and Renee is too winsome for words as Bridget. Will there be a Bridge 3 I wonder? Hope so! |
| Comment by:- Allegreta Blaru | | 15 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| From the opening scene I knew I was not going to enjoy the film. Predictable as ever, the film tries to rejuvinate old jokes from the first one hoping that the audience will find them just as funny the second time round. Bridget's tired, haggered appearance throughout the film makes her look like she's fed up of being Bridget Jones herself! It's not all bad though, there are some great shots of London! |
| Comment by:- Natasha Higgins | www.movie-gazette.com/cinerevi... | 17 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| i heard that it wasnt ment 2 be that good so i went 2 she it and anyone who didnt like this film is mad!!!! it is the best film ever it it so funny a was cryin with laughter and it was sad 2 but u can really relate to it like you are bridget a think Renne , colin and hugh are all very good at acting |
| Comment by:- Grace | | 17 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| Ok...this is definitely a chick flick but if you let it stand on its own without the knowledge of BJ1 it falls flat on its face. Only redeeming feature is Hugh Grants facial expressions and quick one liners. High point: The lesbion snog and HG's reference to a**l sex. Low point: the drug thingy. |
| Comment by:- Boanerges | | 18 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| I loved this film!!! Renee was wonderful once again! I had heard all the critic's reviews but decided to form my own opinion. If I had listened to them I would have really missed out. The critics must be a bunch of grumpy old men who shouldn't be watching in the first place. Hurrah for the sequel!!!! |
| Comment by:- sylvie | | 20 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| I just got back from watching the film and looked for a place to place my comments. It's FABULOUS!!!! Loved it! If you read the book or loved the first BJ, you'll love this one too. I was not disappointed! |
| Comment by:- Samantha | | 20 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| What a total disappointment this movie. The story and twists were far too predictable. The acting was only adequate. It suffers from the same problem Forest Gump did. It was poorly made. It dragged, and the predicably pleasing end was not enough to make up for having to endure the rest of the movie! |
| Comment by:- Rod | | 20 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| I thought this movie was good in parts but not as good as the original, they shouldn'y have included the same scenes, bum on national tv, fight between the men(smashing thru the glass on the first was much better!! also the scary knickers and the same opening with the turkey curry buffet and the jumpers! It did make me laugh though, i think the skiing bit was great! |
| Comment by:- Rach | | 26 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| I abslutely loved the film!! Was pleasently surprised with change from the book to film. You really have to watch and listen to pick up on small bits that give you info on Mark and Bridgetts relationship. Bridgett always felt Marks house was "off limits" and he was always at her flat. Yet the scenes in his townhouse clearly prove that Mark is never there either. He could never find anything in the kitchen. He liked Bridgetts flat better because it was more "cozy". Also, in the scene when she asks Mark, "Would he ever stand up for her or fight for her?" You wonder because he never answers her, yet you clearly see the anguish on his face. But remember in the first and now the sequel the two "fight" scenes? Both times he was fighting for Bridgett and her honor! I loved this film and I loved how they left it open at the end for another. We just have to see Bridgett get married! This is what both movies have been about, her hope to find a husband. They have to make a third and final to wrap things up. |
| Comment by:- kelly | ip | 26 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| If Kelly's right and they make a third one, I'm going to shoot myself in the eyes. |
| Comment by:- Keyring | | 26 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| The movie was entertaining despite trying too hard, but would someone please tell me--were they purposely being mean to Rene Zellweger? She is so gorgeous--and to allow her to go beyond pudgy to double-chinned and to not let her EVER have a good-hair day--seems malicious. I mean after all, two gorgeous men were supposed to be in love with her, so what would be the harm of letting her be lovely but pudgy and stuggling to watch her weight? Surely enough women could relate to that. Don't we go to movies to escape from the everyday harsh reality? What happened to the first director? She was too busy to direct another big hit money making movie with huge stars? This current director's reputation should be deservedly lowered--give me a break. Not only did she make Rene look bad physically, she made her look bad in other senses of the word too--Bridget didn't have to be THAT stupid did she? To live in England and not know where Germany is? To fall in the bushes and not have enough sense to take the leaves out of your hair? Not funny. I blame the director. Where was Helen Fielding when the movie was being filmed? |
| Comment by:- Rosemary | | 29 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| Just saw the movie this morning. I thought it was funny at some points, but I do feel it was a bit ridiculous. I very much agree with Rosemary. I think Rene looked awful. One can be big and still be beautiful; one can be different and still be cute. But the way they made Bridget this time was just not cute. I think people tried to make things look ridiculous in order to gain some laughs. But that didn't work for me. Well, after all it was just a movie. Just another fairy tale. |
| Comment by:- mousy | | 09 December 2004 | ip: logged |
| I absoloutely adored it; I prefer it over the first one, which makes a nice change. Colin Firth was gorgeous, Bridget was charming, the 'shrooms made me laugh. -Like a virgin, ****ed, for the very first time!- |
| Comment by:- Nicci | | 23 December 2004 | ip: logged |
| OMG! what's wrong with all of you?!?! it's hugh grant and oh my good lord... COLIN FIRTH! hes like 30 years my senior but he is soooo gorgeos! i kind of liked it more than the first... i dont no why because i was a huge fan of the first as well. but man... that fight seen was amazing! |
| Comment by:- bri | | 31 December 2004 | ip: logged |
