User Reviews

But, oddly enough, I still liked this version of The Edge of Reason.

It's hard to put my finger on why -- because I'm not quite sure why some of the book's original plot lines were ommitted, and because I thought the Rebecca subplot was gratuitous -- but I did like it.

The first book was not-so-loosely based on Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice." The first movie left a lot of that in, and even included a lot of "inside jokes" for those of us who are familiar with that delightful book and the filmed version starring Colin Firth as Fitzwilliam Darcy. "The Edge of Reason" was not-so-loosely based on another Jane Austen novel, "Persuasion," but any overt Austen references are completely wiped out here.

The character of Giles Benwick is based on an Austen character named Benwick who has recently lost his fiancée, but that is the only Austen reference from the book left. It's a shame, too, because I liked that particular subplot in both Austen's "Persuasion" and Fielding's "Edge of Reason."

Given that I've complained about several aspects of this film, I'm still rather surprised that I liked it. Could it be because Bridget is still Everywoman and because Mark Darcy is still the Perfect Man (and probably because he's still played by the ever-dishy Colin Firth)?

Who knows. All I do know is that it was cute, it was funny and it was entertaining. You can't ask for much else.

A great soundtrack and the delightful performance of Renee Zwelleger aren't good enough reasons for this "Bridget Jones" sequel: "Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason," the 2004 film starring Hugh Grant and Colin Firth as Bridget's suitors. The film continues as the relationship between Bridget and Mark develops, with Bridget's insecurities driving it toward disaster. Because of a promotion, Daniel is back in her life again - but out just as quickly. To top it off, she winds up in a Thai prison, and while there, she teaches fellow prisoners the right moves to "Like a Virgin." Finding enough of a plot to for a feature-length script was obviously tough, so tough, in fact, that large parts of it become music videos. Everyone is very good, but one can't help asking why someone like Mark puts up with Bridget. They're not a realistic couple. At all.

I'd have been furious if I'd paid to see this in a theater; in fact, I would have been unhappy if I had rented it. I saw it for free on TV and on that basis, it's okay and fun to see the actors and listen to the songs. Alas, it's the only way to see it without feeling you've been had.

First, the positives – Colin and Hugh are still hitting their marks. Even though he might not know why, Mark positively adores Bridget. Colin gets that and twinkles, melts and warms in all the right places. Same goes for Daniel– he's drawn to his Bridge for some inexplicable reason. Hugh Grant really ought to be looking for a patent for that mojo he works so well. All of the original actors are back as Bridget's parents and her "dating war command" of pals and all have a natural, easy chemistry that works. But, the negatives, they are a-plenty.

Biggest problem here was the complete tone change. In the first film, we were on the ride with Bridget...seeing things through her eyes, groaning as she put her foot in her mouth again and cheering for her to finally get it right. However, in this movie, it feels like someone stuck her up on a stage and spent 2 hours throwing pies and tomatoes at her cause it seemed real cool. She's not in on the joke here, she IS the joke. Her few extra pounds are no longer just a part of the package – they are the end-all of her worth as a person. It feels like the folks behind this film don't even LIKE the character – they just think it's real cool to humiliate her as often as possible. It doesn't even look like they bothered to send Renee to makeup or wardrobe – she (as Bridget) was pleasantly plump in the first film, but never dowdy. The character is downright frumpy in this movie with a perpetual case of bed head and clothes that look like castoffs from Mayberry. And Renee plays into it with her acting choices – Bridget was frazzled in the first movie but still retained her dignity most of the time. She's a perpetual victim in this one, though, and even though Renee is still cute as a button and incredibly endearing, some of Bridget's spark is gone.

What happens after the happy ending? Couple realizes that they are each real, flawed people. And the movie makes it seem like Mark is at that point – never tries to change Bridget, never gets angry and her constant mishaps amuse more than annoy. But, as each of Bridget's tantrums unfolded, I kept asking myself why in the WORLD the man was still there. Bridget's keen on him but doesn't trust him. She likes to be with him but is suspicious of his actions without any real cause. Now, we know she's an insecure character and feels like she's not classy enough to fit into his world. And if the movie built from that, maybe we'd have a different story. But the obstacles they face are external. The characters never make decisions on their own – something or someone else makes them feel a certain way or forces them into a course of action that decides what will happen next. And Bridget's reactions almost make it seem like somehow, over the course of the last 'six weeks', she's regressed to a girl in the schoolyard stomping her feet when her boyfriend does something she doesn't like.

Another problem – the utter lack of subtlety. Why include one fat joke when 3 or 4 plus a butt shot can fit into the scene? Why spend most of the movie dropping hints about a reveal when you can beat the audience over the head with it in one of the final scenes? Why have Daniel make one joke about stealing Mark's wife when he can drop another one 30 minutes later? Oh look, matching Christmas jumpers – how cute. Most of the funny in this movie comes from certain 'episodes' as opposed to the dialogue. I loved the ski trip and Bridget's 'magic mushrooms' in Thailand. But, when the characters are actually talking to each other, they just aren't that funny. Most of the jokes are reruns from the first movie that feel stale. The naughty jokes are kicked up a notch but everyone in my packed theater, including me, either grimaced or sat stone-faced through most of them. Note to filmmakers: dirty has to actually BE funny to be funny.

This feels like a movie about a woman made by men who think wet clothes, girl-on-girl action and butt close-ups get it done. I read some interviews that said that Renee would only do a second film if it took care of Bridget and held up the standards of the first. I almost wonder if someone slid her this script on the first day of shooting as a rewrite once she'd already signed on the dotted line. This felt like a bleached, harsher version of the first– the warmth is gone. I know there was a different director and I really don't think the new kid gets why Bridget was/is such a phenomenon. As much as I was looking forward to this film, I wish they'd never done it.

Oh, and also, as a P.S. – if I was a Thai woman right now, I'd be suing Working Title and Miramax for defamation of character for their version of 'Fun with Stereotypes'.

In London, the clumsy, fat and insecure Bridget Jones (Renée Zellweger) is in love with the human rights lawyer Mark Darcy (Colin Firth), but they break their commitment due to her jealousy. Bridget travels to Thailand with Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant) to shoot a show, and she gets involved in a serious international incident, and is saved by Mark.

The sequel of "Bridget Jones's Diary" is very irregular and not so good as the original movie. There are many funny moments, but also weak parts in the plot, and Colin Firth shows no chemistry with Renée Zellweger. However, this excellent actress makes the movie a worthwhile entertainment with her charismatic and lovely performance. Further, the pop soundtrack with many hits is great. If the viewer watches this movie with open heart and without expectations and comparisons with "Bridget Jones's Diary", I believe he or she may like it as I did. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil: "Bridget Jones No Limited a Razão" ("Bridget Jones In the Edge of the Reason")

OK...this is not just awful...but you know it is a sequel and a sequel it's done for a necessity or for money..and IMHO in this case is the latter. the movie tells about the clumsy bridget embarrassing herself during the whole movie (sometimes you can actually see it coming) and the end is not a surprise.. well. i can say that this is only for hardcore fans of renee zellweger and hugh grant (the best British actor in the whole f'n world) but it's worth a night of popcorns with some friends and your girlfriend that looooves goofy bridget ; ) oh and one more thing, the musical score is very good

i give it 6 out of 10

'Bridget Jones's Diary' was an immensely enjoyable film. It had a lot going for it, and succeeded on almost every level. It didn't cover much new ground and didn't break any conventions, but it was warm, charming, hugely funny and sometimes poignant, with a great cast.

When hearing that there was a sequel, there were mixed feelings. Admittedly, did question the point of it and was worried as to whether it would be as good considering the general reputation of sequels (though there are a lot of exceptions that are as good and nearly better). On the other hand, was more than willing to give 'Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason' the benefit of the doubt, considering the same people were on board, cast and crew, who did such a great job in 'Bridget Jones's' Diary.

My feelings after 'Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason' were that of real disappointment. It is not as terrible as many have said and there are far worse sequels around, at least it has things that salvage it from being worse, but what worked so well in 'Bridget Jones's' Diary' didn't here. Always try and judge sequels on their own terms and try not to compare, but it is hard not to when there is such a significant drop in quality, of which 'Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason' is a big step down.

There are redeeming qualities. 'Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason' is attractive visually in a film that doesn't require epic sweeping cinematography or opulence, but still manages to be beautifully shot, cohesively edited and have striking locations. There are a few amusing moments, but they are too far and between.

Regarding the cast, they do do well with what they are given, although their material is nowhere near as good they are hardly slumming it and do try to be true to how they were previously. Renee Zellwegger's performance is not as good here, but her accent is still game and she does try to bring out the funny, adorably awkward and sympathetic sides of her character when the material allows it. Hugh Grant still plays his caddish character with smarmy charm, while Colin Firth is understated and likable in a role tailor-made for him, practically as if it was written with him in mind.

However, Bridget is far too much of a parody and a butt of the joke here, making it, for all of Zellwegger's good efforts, difficult to feel sorry for or feel pity towards her. The jokes are too recycled and more of the same, with more contrivance and ridiculous silliness than fun or sparkle, and a lot of the script is very weak with lines this time round that makes one cringe. Whereas there was a perfect balance before of the extremely funny and the slightly tiresome this balance goes way too far in the latter.

Story is just as problematic, the situations are much more contrived and reek of predictability without any freshness or charm. It's more tedious than bright and breezy, and fails as a comedy, drama and romance. The comedy is too far and between and feels too much of before without any of the things that worked so well in 'Bridget Jones's' Diary'. The drama is too sentimentalised and lacks any poignancy and the romantic parts are severely lacking in warmth.

Despite it not being the case, being the same director as the previous film except then it was hard to believe it was a debut, you'd think that it was the opposite here because the direction actually felt inexperienced. The music doesn't work here, too randomly placed, the songs not as well chosen and inferior in quality and actually feeling annoying.

Overall, disappointing and a big step down but not without its redeeming merits. 4/10 Bethany Cox

This movie is even more disappointing than the first one. It's not helping anyone by insulting a perfectly normal weighing woman, by continually saying she's fat. She says it and so does everyone else. Which doesn't help anyone's view of what an actual healthy weight is. I googled how much Bridget Jones supposedly weighs and 130 for the height of 5'5 is perfectly acceptable and within normal BMI ranges. This is just another Hollywood hot mess that promotes false realities. What's even more insulting is that any woman would allow themselves to be so self depreciating. No wonder many women have bad body image when Hollywood plainly says even though you weigh a perfectly acceptable weight within your BMI, you're still fat. What a way to create a bunch of effed up people and to continue to promote a completely unhealthy and unrealistic view of how the world should look.

Having now seen The Edge of Reason (for the first time), I am prepared to spend a moment responding to the inevitable criticism (inevitable because I've already read hints of them on the boards and in some reviews). WARNING, MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD....

1) They didn't stick close enough to the book. *** Ah, isn't this the mother of all complaints? In fact, many other complaints are just a variation on it. But here goes. First, there is no way they could have put in everything from the book (and most complaints are about parts that were omitted), because the movie would be way too long. Second, most things in the movie actually were from the book, or a variation on a scene from the book (e.g. Bridget's parents' wedding, in lieu of Jude and Vile Richard's wedding). And what's so bad about some new stories for Bridget? It's just more Bridget to love (not unlike her wobbly bits).

2) Yes, but what about the interview with Colin Firth? *** Haven't we heard this before? Obviously they left it out because Colin Firth was already in the movie as Mark Darcy. Also the book The Edge of Reason was written when Pride and Prejudice was slightly newer on video in the UK and was part of the contemporary pop culture of the day. (Although, I admit it still has a very strong fan base!) There are other cultural reference in the book, Edge of Reason, that just couldn't be put into the film without dating it (e.g., the death of Princess Diana). (P.S., Pride and Prejudice fans should listen very carefully to Bridget's comments to Shazzer when returning from Thailand.)

3) Why'd they bring back Daniel Cleaver? He wasn't even in the book! *** Aha, but you're wrong there! First, there's Bridget and Daniel's phone conversation about where Germany is located. Then some time later, Bridget accepts a dinner date with Daniel, and even buys condoms "just in case." He comes to Bridget's flat and makes a pass at her before Bridget comes to her senses and throws him out.

Granted, they expanded Daniel's role quite a bit for the film, but I happen to love his sleazy charm. He is funny, funny, funny, and Hugh Grant is perfect in the role. (Look for a little jab at Hugh Grant in the Thailand scenes.)

4) So many scenes seem to be a rehash (or should I say retread) of similar scenes in the first movie. *** There are indeed events which are similar to things that happened in Bridget Jones's Diary. But they are not presented as something new and unique - instead they are an opportunity to look back nostalgically and compare how Bridget's life has changed. (If you haven't seen first movie - heaven forbid - they can be new and unique.) For example, the silly Christmas jumper that Mark Darcy wore at the first turkey curry buffet has a whole new significance this year.

5) What, another Darcy/Cleaver fight? *** Oh come on, you love it! (I did expect Pat Benatar's "Hit Me with Your Best Shot" to break out at any time, and was quite disappointed that they didn't choose it as background!) The fight is fantastic, and totally in context with this movie - there is a good reason for it.

6) Bridget already had her happy ending in the first film, why do we need another? *** Aside from the fact that Helen Fielding wrote a second book? The end of Bridget Jones's Diary said "the beginning..."; not a promise of a sequel, but a reminder that life doesn't end with a kiss in the snow. This is the story of how a long-time singleton copes with being part of a couple (not very well).

7) They messed up the time sequence, and Bridget's age. *** Yes they did! My biggest pet peeve, in fact. Six weeks after the kiss in the snow should have been Valentine's Day, not a turkey curry buffet. And how can Bridget still be 33 at the end of another year? Not to mention that her "tombstone" says she was born in 1972....Come on, I'm three years older than when Bridget Jones's Diary came out, it's not fair that Bridget is a year younger! (Okay, I am not going to defend this flaw in the movie. But I suspect that most viewers will not be as troubled by it as I.)

So yes, the movie's not perfect, and it's not everything that a die-hard Bridget Jones fan would want. (I don't know that any movie could live up to those celestial expectations.) But it is v.g., and those who are Bridget fans will probably want to watch it many times. Those who just want to see a funny movie will like it too. Those who prefer explosions and gun shootouts should probably go elsewhere.

Since this is a review, I should also mention that Renee Zellweger was better than ever as Bridget (when I read the books, I now picture her as Bridget); Colin Firth was absolutely gorgeous, of course, and managed to crack his haughty Darcy-esquire facade with melting smiles on a number of occasions; and Hugh Grant was the very portrait of a posh cad.

I am a HUGE Bridget Jones fan so I was eagerly anticipating this sequel. I had read a lot of lousy reviews on it so I was actually expecting a movie MUCH worse than it was.

Me, my sister and friend walked out impressed. It was FUNNY! It resembled the first very much in a few places-especially her going back and forth between Mark and Daniel.

The opening scene of her sky diving is hilarious.

Bridget is up to her same old complaining, jokes, crude sense of humor, and trying to sort out her usual confusing love life.

It was such a joy seeing Renee, Hugh, and Mark re-united for this film.

I give it a good solid 7.5/10. I still liked the first one slightly better but this was a very good sequel and deserves an honorable mention.

The problem with a sequel is that expectations are high - particularly after a film as successful and engaging as BJ1. I knew already that the new film did not adhere to the second book so I didn't expect to be making comparisons. However, this movie was frankly ridiculous.

My problem with the film in main was that the character of Bridget was over-parodied. She is not supposed to be so much fatter than everyone around her, or as scatty and ungainly as she is portrayed in the film, which makes it harder to believe that there are 2 men and a woman after her.

The first film's success was due to the protagonist being charming and endearing - she made "human" mistakes (for example, the "blue soup") and fell for an unsuitable man who cheated on her. We felt sorry for her but also felt that she was funny and kooky and wanted her to "get her man" in the end. In this new movie she is frankly annoying, and we are almost incredulous that Mark Darcy should want her at all. They have nothing in common, the reason they break up at the beginning is not believable in any way, and the reasons they reunite are just as difficult to comprehend.

I also felt that the characterisations were not as layered as in the first movie, and the stupid lesbian twist didn't seem to make any sense.

It is a shame that they were so close yet so far with this new film, because in a way it negates the success and hilarity of the first one, which was a classic, intelligent portrayal of a 30-something singleton looking for her man. BJ2 is just a badly-made slapstick about a fat, unattractive girl who looks a complete mess and doesn't seem to have any self-awareness whatsoever. Sorry to be so harsh, but with the weight of the various names attached to the film, expectations were high.......

Pleasant-enough sequel to "Bridget Jones's Diary" has Renee Zellweger completely at ease in her return to role as chipper go-getter Bridget Jones. Here she's still being bothered by egocentric jerk Hugh Grant while tremulous over relationship with Colin Firth. The presentation is colorful and yet just a bit heavy, with some scenes going on too long and several encumbered by an effects-enhanced prettiness which occasionally seems like overreaching. Grant, in what is essentially a cameo, is annoying and gratuitous, but Renee is quite fun to watch, and the movie has a few funny tricks up its sleeve. The constant degrading of Bridget, however, is a running joke that doesn't always work, but the finale is certainly worth a smile. **1/2 from ****

Not being a big fan of the first film, I was invited to a private screening to see The Edge of Reason on the same night of the London premier. Throughout the evening I was just praying for it to not be too much of a chick flick so that I would enjoy most parts. Being set in London, my home, gives it that little bit extra as London does reflect well on the big screen whether it be the vibrant heart of the city or the darker side of a South London council estate.

A few days after seeing the film, I found myself still thinking of certain parts, which made me realize that I actually enjoyed it. Rene Zewelleger's London accent is superb, so much in fact that she only has to give a look of insecurity, that she could easily be an English rose. Colin Firth is Colin Firth and same goes for Hugh Grant and his 20 minute appearance, although when the two are on screen together, the results are rather entertaining. Good support from an ensemble of actors keeps the film ticking over especially as there are the usual "feel good slushy moments".

However, due to the success of the first film, the old trick of "if it ain't broke then don't fix" comes in to play and many jokes are carried over and already look worn. There are also a few uncomfortable moments when clearly the scriptwriters were looking for funny fillers out of desperation, which actually made me squirm. All in all, when you got to see it, you will know exactly what you will be getting. Do not expect a life changing film or an awards winner which will make you blub your heart out. The soundtrack is excellent but too many songs are played back to back to force some sort of emotion from under your feet.

Even though this movie wasn't the worst, it definitely wasn't the best. Like most sequels, "Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason" continues the gags created by its predecessor, making the gags seem old and repetitive. Aside from this negative aspect, the movie was quite funny and charming.

I found Renée Zellweger a cute, splendid actress once again. Colin Firth and Hugh Grant also reprise their roles as Mark Darcy, the human rights barrister, and Daniel Cleaver, the cheating Mr. Duplicity. These actors/actresses acted well enough to reach my criteria for "good acting."

All in all, "Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason" was decent. If you don't mind the writers regurgitating the gags from the first movie and having them continue in an unfunny manner, then you'll probably love it. Superb acting, fair plot.

B-

Yeah, Bridget Jones is back, more overweight and more unpredictable than ever, this time having to cope with feelings of jealousy when she sees Rebecca-- Darcy's secretary--, who seems to be in perfect physical everything perfectly wrong, begins a toll on Bridge's self-esteem and triggers her jealousy. Other problems make things worse, including the return of Daniel Cleaver-- who appears considerably compared with the book-- and a trip to Thailand that ends hilariously in disaster.

The Edge of Reason novel was a very good book, almost as good as the original, so most people should read it first firsthand, since the film won't give it any justice. The adapted screenplay is so full of clichés that you get a bit cranky, and the jokes of the original return, which makes the film a bit repetitive. The leads are still impressive, but the new fight scene, although still funny, seems forced in order to cash in the Bridget franchise.

But the movie still has the charm of the original which guarantees quite a few laughs. The soundtrack is perfect for the film and is far from obtrusive. These and the parallels of Bridget Jones with real-life women as well its ability to connect with audiences make it better than your average date movie. Silly, to say the least, but never boring.

First rule of comedy: Be funny.

But the makers of "Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason" don't bother with such trivial matters. Not when they've deluded themselves into believing that merely bringing back Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth, Hugh Grant and a few others would automatically make the sequel funny, too. They were wrong.

The 2001 original was funny and charming. It had verve and wit. Bridget (Zellweger) was normal, as were her dilemmas and crises. She was plucky, resilient, but never a fool. We identified with her. Daniel (Grant) was delightfully caddish, Darcy (Firth) properly funny.

The sequel squanders a tremendously talented cast, none of whom seems to have a clue what to do. I don't know if they're wholly to blame - they're stuck in a dud. Although again based on Helen Fielding's novel, this has none of the original's wit or zip.

Although the sequel begins only four weeks after the original ended, Bridget, Darcy and Daniel have become caricatures of themselves. Their behavior's cartoonish. You know this film's in trouble when Grant simply slums it as a rake and Firth sputters about as if he's wondering how on earth he wound up agreeing to make this horrible picture.

The film relies completely on Zellweger's star power. She's game, but gives quite possibly the worst performance of her career. Bridget's become a daft twit. She's lost any semblance of intelligence. With nothing genuinely funny to fall back on, director Beeban Kidron gets Zellweger to simply waddle about the place trying to eke laughs out of us. Unfortunately, Zellweger's shtick is barely amusing and gets tiresome very quickly.

The idea of laughing at a large, buxom lass while she pratfalls her way through a horrendous film must strike a chord with some women. At the screening I attended, I sat next to four women who did not laugh - heck, I didn't hear even a chuckle from them – throughout the entire film. Yet, they applauded at the end, as if they'd just discovered their anthem film.

It took four writers - Fielding, Andrew Davies, Richard Curtis and Adam Brooks - to write the drivel for this movie. They never find the right tone even once. Every joke is telegraphed or straining to be funny. This utterly unnecessary movie seems, at times, like an extended music video. But even the songs are predictable. During two scenes - at the Bangkok airport and an idiotic fight scene in a fountain - the music was so loud, it completely drowned out the dialogue. I don't know if the theater was to blame for this problem, but I suppose it was a blessing in disguise given how insipid much of the dialogue is.

This film is devoid of any novelty or humor. By the time we get to an excruciatingly long and unfunny prison sequence featuring yet another sorry moment that tries desperately to be funny - a chorus of Madonna's "Like a Virgin" - this film has gone so way off the tracks, there's no hope of it ever getting back on. This is a great example of a film being made because of star power and the need to make money, regardless of whether it was good or funny.

The sad thing is some terrific independent films are struggling to be released wide right now. But tripe like Kidron's film gets widely released a week early. "Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason" is lousy storytelling, rotten acting and awful film-making.

As a die hard, life long horror fan I rarely review romantic comedies, but I did enjoy the first movie so I looked forward to watching this, the first sequel. I thought it started off as good as the first, but sadly about halfway through it goes downhill ( in more ways than one!). Bridget and her boyfriend Mark Darcy go on a skiing trip to Europe and the film just descends into stupid slapstick. Then Bridget goes to Thailand, that too is equally silly. Thankfully things improve for the end but the damage had been done. Still offers some fun entertainment and Renee Zellweger puts in another excellent performance as Bridget but I wouldn't watch it again.

not particularly faithful to the book (but what film ever is) BJD2 is still a great film, with stuff to make you laugh, and stuff to make you cry all rolled into one. The added bonus of the second BJD is of course, the increased screen time of Colin Firth. The close ups of Mark Darcy's face are enough to sell the film on their own. He looks happy/sad/confused/amused/pained all at once, result; a hilarious mix of ridiculousness and good looks all for the price of one.

certain bits have been missed out, which is a shame, as they would have been really funny, and other things have been changed, such as the character of Rebecca. It does lessen the overall affect of the story, but still, as a stand alone film, i'd rate it 10/10.