It’s an unfortunate fact of life that when a film is really kind of special, it’s sequel is bound to disappoint. This appears to be the case with Bridget Jones: Edge of Reason. It’s a shame too. I never used to like Renée Zellweger very much, but in recent years she’s begun to win me over (a fact that I’m totally sure helps her sleeps better at night), and I’ve ALWAYS been a big fan of Hugh Grant.
The first film had a lot of charm and wit that kept me (who otherwise doesn’t really enjoy that kind of film) engaged and interested. It’s sad to see the response this one seems to be getting. Here’s what some of the critics are saying about it so far:
“There’s a flatness in the writing, a slapdash feel to the directing and an over-reliance on what worked the first time.”
— Moira MacDonald, SEATTLE TIMES“On those rare occasions when The Edge of Reason isn’t regurgitating material from Bridget Jones’ Diary, it is taking ill-advised excursions into unfunny slapstick and sappy melodrama.”
— James Berardinelli, REELVIEWS“Philosophers say that those who can’t remember the past are doomed to repeat it. If you remember Bridget Jones’s Diary fondly, spare yourself this one.”
— Colin Covert, MINNEAPOLIS STAR TRIBUNE“Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason is a jolly movie and I smiled pretty much all the way through, but it doesn’t shift into high with a solid thunk the way Bridget Jones’ Diary (2001) did.”
— Roger Ebert, CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
The reality is that the fans of the first film are going to see the second one pretty much no matter what the critics or I say. I find that women especially, who enjoyed the first are FANATICAL about their love for the film, much like geeks like me who love Star Wars and will continue to see the new films no matter how good or bad the next one is. If you’d like to see more reviews for Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason you can slip over to RT.
I was so disappointed by the sequel. As a fanatical fan of the first, I couldn’t wait to see the second. But as I watched it I kept hoping beyond hope that it was going to get better. It didn’t – aside from a few touching scenes. It was like when someone has told a hilarious joke, and then they just repeat it – only BIGGER – hoping to get the same laugh over again.
Being a Bridget Jones fanatic myself, I’d have to say that even though there were a lot of so-so reviews, I really did enjoy it, AND I will probably buy it when it comes out on DVD. That being said, I would really, really, really recommend the book version. It would be a shame to think that people being in any way disappointed by the movie would change any plans they had to read the book. It is amazingly funny, especially if one is a fan of Pride and Prejudice. If you’ve read it, you know what I’m talking about…
My wife went to see it and hasn’t stopped talking about it since. Chick flick. Yawn…
I liked BJ1 a lot, but not enough to become excited enough to read the books or see a sequel. Am I the only chick who feels this way? (Oh, and I hate Hugh Grant! I have the most excellent story to post one day about Hugh being pissed on by film critic friend… literally.)
I hate to admit it, but the first Bridget Jones was a bit of a guilty pleasure for me….my girl friend made me watch it, and I of course said I hated it, but it was actually a funny movie.
Now I could never actually go to the theaters to watch this, but maybe she will rent it…..