#Review Bridget Jones’s Baby: Lovely but lacklustre

Renee Zellwegger returns as the unapologetically spunky and disaster – prone heroine we came to love over a decade ago – except this time, she’s PREGNANT…and a tad boring?

In the third instalment of the popular franchise, we are reunited with some of our favourite characters including the enigmatic Mr. Mark Darcy (Colin Firth) while also being introduced to a new love prospect, Jack (Patrick Dempsey) replacing the notorious Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant). Unfortunately, Hugh Grant did not join the ensemble cast this time around, but the ending has viewers guessing that there is a possibility we will see him again in a potential fourth dose of Bridget Jones. 

It is highly unlikely to believe that anyone who has seen and read the popular books would feel anything but love and adoration for the titular protagonist – yet somehow, in spite of the abundance of laugh out loud moments and at times, longer than life gags, the movie fell short of its original “wow” factor.

While Zellwegger delivers brilliantly – giving Bridget a chance to finally feel at ease in her own skin and essentially, the confidence she desperately lacked in the latter films, the plot did not do anything other than repeat the same formulaic structure if not, completely wear it thin to the point of ruthless predictability.

Bridget (who is now 43) has finally gotten herself somewhat together – no longer smokes cigarettes, drinks less and finally reaches her ideal body weight –  sets out on a whimsical trip to a music festival and meets Jack  with whom she spends the night and then moves on. Soon after, she reconnects with Mark Darcy, and the two also share a very friendly encounter.

A few weeks later, Bridget’s world is turned upside down when not only does she realize she is pregnant; she can’t seem to figure out who the baby daddy is and must now tell both men what they’re in for and that one might not be the father. The problem? She likes them both. Whom does she choose, Mark Darcy, or the new guy on the block? Without giving any spoilers, if you know your Jones history, you will will be quick to make your own assumptions about the conclusion. Dempsey, while doing his best to fill the spot for the notorious, and apparently deceased Daniel Cleaver , does not pale in comparison. If there is a fourth film, I hope Grant does make a comeback -because his absence was dearly and painfully felt.

Of course, one cannot completely disregard the point of the movie and while it did carry a heavy weighted cast and quick witted, one liners – I walked away feeling as though Bridget was a bit lifeless along with everyone else. Loyal fans will still see the movie but may feel slightly disappointed by the perpetual hum drum and recycled jokes. Yes, Bridget has finally grown up, but the question is, did we ever really want her to?

Universal Pictures Canada releases Bridget Jones’s Baby on Friday, Sept 16, 2016

[Review by Alessia Youkhanna]