It's only been a few weeks since Bridget Jones (Renée Zellweger), in cute underpants, jumped into the arms of the hunky Mark Darcy (Colin Firth). And it looks like the likeable plump heroine has got the man of her dreams. Only, if that were the case, we wouldn't have seen episode two. Bridget will have to deal not only with the skinny lady who revolves around her prince, but also with Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant), for together they will travel to Thailand to do a report.
Bridget Jones's Diary was an enjoyable comedy that showed that English filmmakers were mainly involved in its production. The sequel, while also entertaining, is too close in style to American productions for my taste. Thus it loses some of its charm and uniqueness. Bridget Jones: S Sense in Ends is undoubtedly an above average film, but with regard to the first installment, it loses. Whereas in Diary, the main character was a believably inept woman who solved mundane problems (that is, if you can consider her blue string soup) in the sequel, she becomes a classic comedic "gut". While some of Bridget's escapades may be stylistically reminiscent of those so beloved by the audience in the original title, the script clearly pushes the central character violently into situations in which she becomes a klutz beyond klutz. In addition, there are also many references to gags from Bridget Jones's Diary. Some will put a nostalgic smile on your lips, others will make you say, "It's been there before."
Happily, the main cast is back, which obviously benefits the film. The central trio of Zellweger, Firth and Grant are the main draw of the entire film and none of the aforementioned usually slip up and show off their comedic potential. The high quality (as in the first installment) is maintained by the soundtrack, which offers the usual serving of quality pop and R'n'B from both well-known and lesser-known (but talented) musicians.
I'm a little embarrassed by Bridget Jones: With sense in the end. This is hilarious comedy that can boldly compete with most titles in its genre. But it comes out of the battle with the first part as a clear loser. It lacks the main of what Bridget Jones's Diary delivered - funny but believable gags, an awkward but likeable heroine. Bridget Jones: With sense in horses, in fact, offers funny but over-the-top gags and a sympathetic heroine who is clumsy to the point of being too much. The story itself is not bad. Some of its moments don't match the real events, but others don't seem to belong. There aren't many, but there are enough to detract from the individuality of the whole film and push it into the waters of standard comedies.
I'd hate to sound like I wasn't having fun with Bridget Jones: With reason in the end. I did, but not as well as I did with the first episode. What disappointed me was that it retained less of what was so enjoyable about the original title. That in itself is the biggest flaw the project has. It's a shame that the creators decided to experiment and didn't stay with the original style. So we can give them points for courage, but at the same time deduct for the quality of the film. If I were exaggerating, I might say that Bridget Jones: With sense in ends is a parody of the first episode.
Why should you see the film?
- Because it's often really funny.
- Because it has a likable cast.
- Because you must have liked the first episode.
What doesn't everyone have to like?
- The fact that it doesn't live up to the first episode.
- The fact that it's too close to standard comedy.
- The fact that Bridget is no longer sympathetically awkward, just awkward.
