Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy – A Hilarious, Emotional, and Unforgettable Farewell

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As a gaming enthusiast, I’d say: Who’s counting if we want more Bridget Jones adventures? Frankly, I don’t think so! The final installment, “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy,” has wrapped up the series in an explosive and satisfying way.

Many women have uttered the phrase ‘I feel like Bridget Jones’ at least once a year since 2001, and I am no exception, particularly when listening to ‘All By Myself’ or donning the oversized trousers from a Marks & Spencer 5-pack (which I wore for the screening). Renée Zellweger’s portrayal of Bridget is both contemporary yet eternal, capturing a sense of disarray that resonates with us all.

It’s no surprise at all why the original is considered one of the greatest uplifting films ever made. To be honest, it didn’t have a truly disappointing sequel, not even when people felt it didn’t quite live up to the first. The announcement of a fourth installment brought on nothing but excitement and relief, as we were finally going back to our beloved chaotic world (and gaining a boost in spirits along the way).

Despite the fact that Bridge remains unchanged, the world around it seems different – a stark contrast I wasn’t prepared for as I watched the new film. Many viewers, including my editor Tom and even him when not munching on dubious crisps with her face printed on them, found themselves shedding tears at some point. In her unique way, she has captured the essence of loss and love in a world that no longer feels as welcoming, albeit with a few stumbles along the path. Beware: minor spoilers follow!

What is Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy about?

Approximately a decade since Bridget Jones’ Baby, our beloved “disheveled Englishwoman” now has two school-aged children. Unfortunately, her husband, Mark Darcy (Colin Firth), met his untimely end during a humanitarian mission in Sudan about four years prior. Eager are both old and new acquaintances for her to reenter the dating world, including the resurrected Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant).

On her way back to work, Bridget navigates through fellow moms during school pick-up hours and an unexpected tree-climbing incident (which becomes clearer in the show), leading her to develop relationships with a young man from a dating app named Roxster (played by Leo Woodall) and the reserved science teacher, Mr. Wallaker (portrayed by Chiwetel Ejiofor). But, it will take effort and comedic scenes for things to fall into place nicely.

It’s Hugh Grant’s world and Bridget’s living in it

As a devoted fan, I must say that diving into Mad About the Boy is like wrapping myself in a cozy cardigan. Within mere moments, it envelops me in its charming chaos that feels like a long-lost friend – a dose of middle-class madness I didn’t know I missed so much. In all honesty, this might just be the cream of the crop among sequels.

Apart from consistently delivering on traditional humor (which showcases their knack for contemporary wit), this production also delves into the depths of emotional turmoil, offering an intimate exploration of loss and mourning. In essence, we’re given a fresh perspective of Bridget, revealing the profound impact of her grief that has lingered since the past four years. The mere mention of Mark in various scenes is enough to stir emotions and bring a lump to your throat.

Nearly everyone who’d be ideal for a cameo in this production is present (with a minor complaint about not enough Celia Imrie), but it’s Hugh Grant’s character Cleaver who outshines them all. Despite only appearing for approximately six minutes, each of his lines feels like a treasure to revisit. Cleaver remains as charismatic, devious, and inappropriate as ever, and his sex appeal hasn’t diminished one bit.

Man, let me tell ya, this Bridget Jones 4 is really packing a punch – some highs that’ll make you laugh your socks off, but also some lows that’ll tug at your heartstrings. It’s quite the balancing act, blending comedy and tragedy like it’s no big deal. I mean, who needs the drama, right? But hey, every story worth its salt has got to go through the tough times to reach its happy ending, and trust me, you won’t be left feeling shortchanged.

Does age really matter?

A few days following my viewing of Bridget’s last dance, my older girlfriend shared with me a Radio 4 interview featuring Helen Fielding, the character’s creator, discussing the film’s younger love interest. She elaborated on how the initial novel aimed to shatter conventional stereotypes such as “cougar” and “toyboy,” moving away from the Miss Havisham-esque middle-aged woman of times past.

In my opinion, the film might be overestimating how well it portrays age-gap relationships. Given that I’ve been exploring this theme on screen since I joined the industry and am currently in a loving relationship where I’m the younger partner, I believe I can offer a valuable perspective on this matter.

In Bridget Jones 4, there’s a persistent use of stereotypes that can’t entirely be ignored, such as the term “toyboy,” portrayals of women fibbing about their ages, and unflattering nicknames for younger characters like Roxster (seriously, what does that even mean?). These elements seem unintentional, but it’s worth noting that attempts to avoid making a relationship with a younger man problematic – primarily during the middle section of the film – are commendable.

However, considering contemporary films such as The Idea of You, making a fourth installment might turn into an amusing trick, given that Anne Hathaway is the sole actress who portrays a character unconcerned with her partner’s age on screen, setting a unique example in film.

Bridget is exceptionally cognizant of her actions with Roxster, and it aligns with her character. However, she repeatedly seeks approval before getting involved with someone who deviates from societal expectations regarding love or dating.

Isn’t this the same woman who, on one occasion, attended a family gathering dressed as a Playboy bunny? And wasn’t she the one who defied convention by engaging in an open relationship similar to the Cleaver affair? It might be expected that people become more cautious with age, but condemning consensual actions between adults isn’t a positive takeaway from this situation, especially when considering the subtle politeness involved.

As a devoted fan, I sometimes ponder if I’m delving too deeply into the details. However, with Bridget having endured nearly two decades as the subject of an ongoing social jest, it seems long past due for her storytellers and romanticizers to give her characters the same depth and justice she deserves.

TopMob Review Score: 4/5 – Very Good

Ah Bridget, you’re just what we need to soothe our souls. In these times, a sprinkle of bashful flirting and unintentionally broadcasted secret-spilling might be just what the doctor ordered. There’s no doubt that Zellweger embodies Bridge perfectly, but it’s debatable whether the story could have been more beneficial for her character development.

Despite some reservations, this movie is well worth watching due to its entertainment value, humor, and the charm that only Hugh Grant can bring. Frankly, I challenge any romantic comedy or sequel released this year to match the satisfaction this one offers.

In other words: Although there might be doubts, this film is definitely worth your time because of the fun, laughter, and unique Hugh Grant appeal it promises. In fact, I’m willing to bet that no rom-com or sequel this year will be as fulfilling as this one.

Starting February 13, 2025, you can find “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy” on Peacock! Don’t forget to explore our top picks for romantic comedies, Hallmark films, and other great movies streaming this month.

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2025-02-12 12:23