Think Trainspotting without heroine. Think Mark Renton choosing love. Wait....this analogy isn't working.

Think Mark Renton choosing love after rehab at 32. Sad isn't it? That's how Bridget Jones, big time alcoholic and can't-quit smoker -- social addictions, is after 30 long years of existence in her British loft. She couldn't quite find the right man, couldn't quite find the right job either. Moreover, (and others think this as the worst of all her traits...) she's overweight. In a society where image is everything, Bridget Jones is surely a LOSER.

At the start of the movie, the viewer is given a large dose of that popular song by Celine Dion. (No, not the one from Titanic you w@nk*r!) I absolutely hate that song!!! And it ran on for a good 3 minutes with Renee Zellweger belting out hideously in her pjs and unruly hair. It was supposed to be funny (for some I guess), but I found it pathetic. It's too pop for an introduction. The film is more Brit than anything else and so having Renee Zellweger play the lead role was big enough shame for England. I take that back....Renee was really really good. SHe fit the role perfectly -- bubbly, often ditsy, early 30's blonde in denial of her age and the fact that her lovelife is null. The bunny outfit hits the funny bone too. Language-wise, she would've sounded funnier with a Scottish accent or at least something more unique to that effect. In the movie, if you don't listen well to the dialogue, you'll never find the essence of everybody else's laughter. Or, by listening well, you might find yourself the only one laughing at those witty exchanges. (I remember this one time when I was watching 10 Things I Hate About YOu with a friend in the moviehouse, we were the only ones laughing at "quivering member" and "pensive". Sh*te! Nobody else knew what those meant! Anyway, to end this discussion on Renee Zellweger playing Bridget...all I can say is bravo! A job well-done!

The plot: Pretty interesting I suppose. A lot of people do find themselves scrambling for a mate at the age of 30. And if you would find yourself lacking self-esteem at that age (packed with your vices and XXXXL sizes), finding "the one" would be an experience worth writing about!

Basically, Bridget falls for 2 men -- (played by) James Callis and Hugh Grant. Naturally, among both, you'd probably pick Hugh because he's more famous and all. Plus, he played good guy roles in 4 Weddings and Notting Hill. James, on the other hand, is this reserved all-British guy with medium looks and lacking in extroversion. Anyway, watch the movie first coz it's a fun little ini-mini-miny-moe ride for Ms. Jones. Before you'd think the obvious, the story shifts and you conclude anew. Later on, it changes again and you're left, maybe, with the right guy for Bridget. Bottom line, Bridget gets a guy.

Everything else like production, costumes, scripting -- these are all form-fitted into the movie so that you won't really notice them. Once in a while you'd comment on the costume or the hilarious comment or the cute slippers ... nonetheless, everything's just right.

The soundtrack's ok too. (Except for that Celine Dion song, of course). YOu'll find tracks like "Respect" by Aretha Franklin and other women-empowering tunes familiar to yesteryears like the recent (and shall I say CRAPPY revival) by Geri Halliwell, "It's Raining Men".

To end this article, a little advice for those who have diaries -- write everything you like, just don't leave them hanging around unguarded.

For those Renee Zellweger fans -- ask her how she LOST ALL THAT WEIGHT.

Recommended:
Yes

Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older