User reviews

There was a time when Bridget Jones's Baby felt like the perfect send-off for our favorite clumsy, charming, and endlessly relatable heroine. So when Mad About the Boy was announced, there was a mix of excitement and hesitation. Did we really need another Bridget Jones movie? Was this going to undo the closure we had? But as soon as the film starts, you realize-there's still more to tell. And more importantly, there's still more to feel.

This final chapter of Bridget's journey is a bittersweet one. It deals with grief, loss, and moving forward in life even when it feels impossible. The film beautifully captures the struggle of giving yourself a second chance, of learning how to heal while still carrying love for the past. If you've followed Bridget since the very first film, you'll feel every bit of her emotions. She's still the Bridget we love, but she's more mature now, wiser, a little less clumsy, a little more self-assured. Life has shaped her, as it does to all of us. And that's what makes her story so heartbreakingly real-she's growing, changing, adapting, but at her core, she's still Bridget.

And honestly, this couldn't have worked without Renée Zellweger. There is no Bridget Jones without her. She slips back into the role like she never left, embodying every awkward entrance, every grand gesture, and even the tiniest mannerisms-the nervous smiles, the way she tilts her head when receiving bad news-it's all still so Bridget. Zellweger's performance is nothing short of stunning. She is Bridget Jones, and no other rom-com character can ever quite match what she brings to this franchise.

The film also introduces new love interests-Roxster (Leo Woodall) and Mr. Wallaker (Chiwetel Ejiofor). They bring fresh dynamics to Bridget's life, but they don't quite match the charm and chemistry that Mark Darcy or Daniel Cleaver once had. Roxster is fun but a little two-dimensional, existing more to push Bridget's journey forward rather than being a compelling character himself. Mr. Wallaker, on the other hand, is serious-maybe a little too serious. Unlike Mark Darcy, who had a dry wit that balanced Bridget's chaos, Wallaker feels a bit plain. It's hard to imagine him truly being the one for Bridget.

But Mad About the Boy isn't just about romance. It's about life. It's about parenting-the struggles of balancing kids, work, and personal happiness. It's about friendships-because Bridget wouldn't be Bridget without her loyal, slightly chaotic circle of friends. The film reminds us how much friends shape our lives, offering love, support, and, of course, comic relief. And speaking of comedy, the humor here is just right-not too over-the-top, not forced, just classic Bridget Jones wit.

That said, while the film gives us a solid and heartfelt ending to Bridget's story, the final scene feels a little... abrupt. It's good, but it's not as satisfying as it could have been. After everything Bridget has been through, she deserved a stronger, more definitive farewell.

Verdict Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is like Avengers: Endgame for our aunts and moms. It's a long-lost reunion that feels earned, deserved, and deeply emotional. Best sequel since Bridget Jones's Baby, this is the perfect film to watch with a cup of hot chocolate, wrapped in a blanket, feeling all the feelings. Bridget Jones, thank you for everything.

After being so excited for this I was more than pleasantly surprised. Everything worked for me. It was also bittersweet in that Bridget's Mark Darcy is gone now and Bridget is a widow with young children. It's been 4 years and all her besties from the other films are cheering her on to meet a man-any man-for at least a one night stand. Bridget does meet a much younger man and begins an affair with him. She also meets her son's science teacher who uses a whistle to round up all the kids before school starts. It was very Sound of Music captain seeming. But what I loved most was Hugh Grant's character coming back to be a surrogate big brother/uncle to her children. He's still a womanizer even though he's a lot older than Bridget. My one problem was Bridget's hair. Before it was over, I wanted to comb her hair myself. It was a real mess. But I loved the whole thing anyway and I highly recommend it!

The final installment of this wonderful series was a tad disappointing. Hugh grant was his flawless Daniel Cleaver but the other characters just seemed forced. The story seemed a bit compartmentalized, and the film never seemed to catch its rhythm. I just expected more From this incredible team of seasoned actors. However wonderful to see all the familiar faces, It was just a bad reminder of how quickly Life passes by. But for all the Bridget Jones fans in the world, it's a must see to say farewell to our beloved characters Who have brought Love, laughs and hope to all us romantics. Thanks for the memories!

Let me be brutally honest: I didn't have much hope for "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy." I mainly didn't because I felt that "Bridget Jones's Baby" wrapped up the story fittingly. Sure, Daniel Cleaver was revealed to be alive, but I didn't want the happily ever after with Jones and Mr. Darcy to get ruined, especially considering that he's shown to be dead in this fourth installment. I should also mention I only saw the other three Bridget Jones movies a few months back without having read the books, and aside from "The Edge of Reason" leaving me disappointed, the romantic comedy fan in me wondered how it took this long for me to check them out. All three have immense charm and are anchored by an iconic central performance from Renée Zellweger. In theory, I should be excited, but the death of Darcy and the fact it was a Peacock exclusive made me nervous. After seeing it, I can't believe I'm saying this, but this is one of the best romcoms I've ever seen.

To begin with the positives, Zellweger remains the same lovable Bridget Jones we knew from her three prior outings. Now a mother, more the wiser but no less desirable, Jones is a sympathetic yet tragic figure who never ceases to entertain and compel.

The rest of the actors are generally incredible. Hugh Grant hasn't been in a romcom since 2014, so it's appropriate to see him in one of his most iconic roles in the form of Daniel Cleaver. He has his sex monster energy dialed down, but Cleaver's a lot more genuinely likable rather than lovably sloppy. In addition, Jones's two love interests - Chiwetel Ejiofor's Mr. Wallaker and Leo Woodall's Roxster - manage to be enchanting "forces," to quote Wallaker. Nico Parker's Chloe was pleasant, too. I like Chloe.

The comedic spark is never the duller. However, those expecting the same amount of humor as the other Bridget Jones films should prepare for disappointment. It is much more emotional than any of the other installments, managing to be heartwarming and heartbreaking at multiple intervals. A tissue box is almost a necessity when going to see this film.

I have to give props to Michael Morris's direction. I was hesitant to see what he would do since I'm used to the magic that director Sharon Maguire implemented into the first and third films, and I don't think Beeban Kidron meant to make "The Edge of Reason" as underwhelming and oddly cliched as it is. Thankfully, Morris takes the task much more earnestly than I expected. Numerous shots blew my mind and held emotional meaning.

Finally, Abi Morgan, Dan Mazer, and original author Helen Fielding's screenplay is the best in the entire series. The care they paid to the characters and the overall narrative can't be understated. There are no spoilers here, but this is Bridget Jones's final adventure, and they gave an even better ending to her story than what "Baby" gave to us nine years ago.

Overall, I'm blown away by how fantastic "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy" was. It genuinely baffles me that Universal wouldn't put it in theaters. I know that "Captain America: Brave New World" and "Paddington in Peru" are in theaters the same weekend this is debuting on Peacock, but when watching it, it didn't feel like a streaming movie at all. I feel jealous of the other countries showing the film in their cinemas, as I would've gone to the theater. These films are consistent money-makers, and while "Baby" was the least-grossing domestically, it still made waves internationally. I strongly feel that because of its status as the final installment, it would have made bank.

There's nothing wrong with the film at a technical level, so by default, the technical score is a 10/10, but the acting, directing, screenplay, and Suzie Lavelle's cinematography help.

Now, for the enjoyment score. For a point of reference, I feel that "Bridget Jones's Diary" is a strong 8, "The Edge of Reason" is a sad 4, and "Baby" is a respectable 9. I never thought I'd say this, but "Mad About the Boy" is the best installment. It's the hardest to watch due to its emotional nature but said nature enhances this film's impact. Renée Zellweger and the supporting characters remain as delightful as ever, while the film's comedy is ever so pure, and they end the story right. For those reasons, it's a 10/10 enjoyment score. I'll always be a fan of romcoms, but this was on another level. Thinking about it, "The Edge of Reason" is the least important of the four movies. Given that fact, the perfect romantic comedy trilogy just concluded. Watch it on Peacock. It's more than worth it!

'Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy (2025)' is very different to its predecessors, much more sombre and more contemplative. Rather than struggling with beauty standards and societal pressures, Bridget struggles with grief and coming to terms with a world which no longer has Mr. Darcy in it. Set four years after his untimely demise, the film puts enough distance between his death and its events that it isn't constantly consumed by sadness, focusing more on the reality of what happens just after the period of time usually covered by stories concerning tragedy. This allows the affair to totally avoid being dour, and it isn't even all that downbeat. It naturally fluctuates between making you laugh and making you cry, its general sadness counterbalanced by momentary happiness and the understanding that life has to go on and that there's nothing wrong with that. The central drama isn't so much 'boy' (Leo Woodall) vs 'man' (Chiwetel Ejiofor) insofar as a love triangle is concerned (the men share only a single scene), but instead one of Bridget learning to accept the absence of her husband and to live her life again. There are romantic elements of course, but this is the least 'rom-com' in the traditional sense of all the Bridget movies. It also might just be the best. Renée Zellweger is really solid as the lead character, easily slipping back into the role that arguably defines her career, and it's a treat to see characters (including Hugh Grant's Daniel Cleaver, who is pretty much unchanged by the year-long period in which he was declared dead but was actually stranded on an island somewhere, and Emma Thompson's frank-as-always Dr. Rawlings) and locations and even character setups from its predecessors. It's pretty funny and it's pretty moving. In fact, it's pretty much everything it needs to be. It does feel a little long, and certain elements in its third act feel rather rushed. Plus, Bridget doesn't have the strongest chemistry with one of the men (I won't spoil which) and some aspects of the picture feel more obligatory than natural. Still, it's a really solid sequel that examines relatable and important themes in an effective way. It totally justifies its existence.

"Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy" is a beautiful, heartfelt return to the world of Bridget Jones, bringing both nostalgia and a fresh, deeply emotional perspective. This time, we meet Bridget as a widow and single mother, trying to navigate a new chapter of her life while raising her children. The film delicately explores grief, resilience, and the messy, sometimes hilarious reality of starting over. While it still has the humor and charm we love, there's an added depth that makes this story feel more mature and profoundly moving.

Renée Zellweger shines once again, effortlessly embodying Bridget's warmth, wit, and vulnerability. Her performance is both endearing and authentic, making us laugh one moment and tear up the next. The film perfectly balances lighthearted moments with genuine emotion, reminding us why Bridget has always felt so real and relatable. Whether you've been a fan since the beginning or are just meeting her now, "Mad About the Boy" is a touching, uplifting addition to the series - one that stays with you.

I didn't think I would love this movie as much as I did. I laughed, I cried and the nostalgic factor was chefs kiss! I love that it dealt with real life issues like grief, single motherhood and feeling like you are always failing at life. I also enjoyed the nostalgic factor. I feel like for not being in theaters, this was a wonderful movie with a beautiful soundtrack and amazing actors! Although this movie dealt with serious topics, there was also some very cute comedic relief sprinkled in. You won't regret the watch if you loved the Bridget Jones Diaries movies. I would absolutely recommend it!

Even though the movie was interesting to relive Bridget's world, her pasted on smile was more a grimace and totally off-putting. A faster pace would have helped to get through this plastic world. All the usual tropes thrown together underscored with dainty music. That's all for now, almost finished it.

The comedy is forced with no spontaneous of the previous movies.

Even though the movie was interesting to relive Bridget's world, her pasted on smile was more a grimace and totally off-putting. A faster pace would have helped to get through this plastic world. All the usual tropes thrown together underscored with dainty music. That's all for now, almost finished it.

Recycled the same jokes, badly. Literally so boring I nearly fell asleep. 1 star for great shots of London. Sentimental trash. 29 year old man falls for 55 year old woman who walks like a duck and has nothing intelligent to say. Oh yeah and she gets her old job back - like that would happen. Even Emma Thompson the gynaecologist can't save it. Missing the magic and relevance of the first film, lining the actors pockets in a cliche ridden, tired formula, the only update being she's now pointlessly posh, with a £5m townhouse, a nanny and kids in expensive blazers. A waste of 2 hours. What a shame.

I was looking forward to watching this last night after going out for a Valentine's Day dinner with my husband. I enjoyed it more than he did, but even I was a little disappointed.

Bridget herself is still herself, which is both lovely and frustrating. We can cheer for messy, soulful, lit-from-within Bridget while still wishing she would have learned how to use a comb and a bit of product by now. It's sometimes hard to buy this character as a serious and supposedly brilliant TV producer, and her re-entry into the work force after four years out of the loop comes too easily. Thank the stars for Perfect Nanny Chloe and the appealing young actress who plays her. Where was she when my kids were little?

The London settings are charming, including Bridget's chaotic and colorful house in a picturesque (and no doubt Posh) neighborhood. It's a little hard to feel sorry for a woman who has a fireplace AND a free standing claw foot tub in her bathroom The side characters add humor and zest. Top prize to Emma Thompson as her long-suffering doctor. Leo Woodall is impossibly appealing as the Boy Toy. The kids are adorable, particularly the poignantly Mark Darcy-esque little boy. Colin Firth's silent, comforting presence as he seamlessly drifts into and out of scenes and moments is a moving, deftly deployed touch. The movie is at it's best when confronting loss, and continuing to live after, with and beyond it.

As to Bridget's bond with son Billy's rationalist science teacher, a veritable Captain Von Trapp with his whistle (and just as gentle and musical under the surface)? I liked the character and actor, and thought they had nice chemistry. But I would have preferred to have seen more of Hugh Grant's Daniel Cleaver rather than spend time with two new potential partners in what will certainly be the final chapter of the saga. Daniel's bond with Bridget and her kids after all these years is a joy to witness. Grant is never better than when playing the lovably irascible, naughty, aging lech. I wanted more of him, and of them.

That was the main problem, for me. It took three movies for Bridget to marry her Mr. Darcy, making that trio of films one long story with a narrative arc and conclusion. Then came this movie. It's not that it's ending is unsatisfying, as least not for Bridget. But it was for me as a viewer and witness to her story. I wanted a narrative structure that brought things full circle, and instead I got one big circle and then another, smaller, slightly overlapping one. And I get it, that's life. It happens. But it made the movie feel rushed and like a bit of an overreach.

It's an enjoyable movie and full of delights. I just wish it had taken a different tack.

Bridget Jones has always been a charming, chaotic mess-endearing in her flaws and hilarious in her mishaps. Unfortunately, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy seems to have forgotten what made the franchise special in the first place. What we get instead is a dull, lifeless sequel that lacks the humor, charm, and heart of its predecessors.

First, let's address the elephant in the room: Hugh Grant is back. Well, sort of. His inclusion feels more like a marketing strategy than a narrative necessity. His character awkwardly stumbles into the story, serving no real purpose other than allowing his name to grace the poster. His presence is forced, and rather than adding anything meaningful to Bridget's journey, he ends up as a distraction that doesn't fit within the already messy script.

Then there are Bridget's two children, who, rather than bringing warmth or humor to the film, end up being little more than an endurance test for the audience. Their primary traits seem to be loudness and a complete lack of relatability. Instead of charming, precocious kids, they are gratingly annoying and, unfortunately, take up way too much screen time.

On the romantic front, Mad About the Boy offers two love interests, neither of whom manage to capture the charisma or quirky appeal that fans expect from a Bridget Jones movie. The first is painfully one-dimensional, with his defining trait being his youth-he's barely an adult, and that's his whole shtick. The second is a grumpy teacher at Bridget's kids' school, and that's pretty much all there is to say about him. Neither relationship is engaging, and neither man brings the kind of chemistry that made Bridget's past romantic entanglements so enjoyable to watch.

The cast is surprisingly large, yet most of them are completely forgettable. Whatever purpose they were meant to serve, all they really accomplish is padding the runtime. By the end, I could barely remember who half of them were or why they were in the movie at all.

And then there's the comedy-or rather, the lack of it. Bridget Jones has always been about sharp, self-deprecating humor, but this film is utterly devoid of laughs. I managed to chuckle exactly once throughout the entire runtime, which is a devastating failure for a franchise that used to thrive on its wit and comedic timing.

In the end, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is a joyless, unnecessary sequel that adds nothing to the beloved character's legacy. It's bloated, unfunny, and completely devoid of the charm that once made Bridget Jones a rom-com icon. If this is the best they could come up with, maybe it's time to let Bridget retire for good.

The original Bridget Jones was a refreshing, likeable , classy and breezy comedy with an impeccable (accent) by Renee Zellweger, ably supported by Hugh Grant and Colin Firth. I have watched it many times over the years and certainty felt this should have remained a stand alone film. However, the money beckoned and I didn't bother with the previous two films and having heard it's light and fun we watched the fourth instalment.

It turns out to be a lame and lazy concoction rehash of the first film with posh North London types, a bland and soulless sub plot involving a biology student that goes nowhere, Bridget and her irritating kids stuck up a tree and a unfunny scene of a dog in a pond saved by aforementioned bland man. They even rehash scenes from the first film during the end credits.

Hugh Grant injects some humour and he is fast becoming an effective middle aged actor (the patchy Heretic, the villain in the sublime Paddington 2) .

Sadly Ms Zellwegers' face , like Nic Kidman, is such a distraction that it takes one out the film. Part of the beauty of the fist B. J was her naturalness in looks, now she looks strained and comical; even creepy.

Enough now Working Title!

Bittersweet. Melancholy. Salient.

Not words you would associate with any other Bridget Jones film. But these are the main ones associated with this final chapter.

They changed in stage and circumstance of life is delivered brilliantly, but, if you were hoping for Bridget to make you laugh, she's more likely to make you cry, realise as she's got older so have you, and how our lives are a bit more serious, and how we have/are closer to losing loved ones. OUCH! I wasn't expecting that.

Its a good film, but when even Daniel Cleaver is assessing his mortality and "the glory of what might have been". It's a little depressing.

A wonderful film, but not your regular Bridget Jones, it may leave you a little depressed, though it is extremely well acted by a brilliant cast.

Having enjoyed Bridget Jones films over the years, I found this one mediocre. It is just as well this is the last in the series.it was entertaining enough but it has lost its way. In the past I have loved the humour but this one fell flat. What I find the most unbelievable thing about Bridget Jones is that she has all these gorgeous and successful men who seem to fall for her. For such an average looking woman, who is sloppy in her appearance, drinks too much and makes the most silly decisions and is such a train wreck, they fall for her. This part is totally unbelievable. So farewell Bridget Jones, you have outworn your initial appeal.

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is the fourth film in the film series. This part is directed by Michael Morris, for whom this is only the second film directed. He has also directed several different episodes of different TV series.

After changes in her life, Bridget Jones (Renée Zellweger) is now trying to go through life as a widow and single, working mother.

Despite help from family and friends, Bridget still tries to start a relationship again. Finding the right partner remains a difficult thing with multiple options and memories of her lost partner.

This fourth part remains fun for fans of the previous films, but it does introduce a bit more of the drama genre into the film series. This has to do with the aspect of grief and loss. Furthermore, the film does retain its romantic comedy elements. These two sides do not always go together in a balanced way. Because of these unbalanced sides, the playing time of two hours can sometimes feel a bit long. This is probably not a negative point for real fans of the film series. Renée Zellweger also plays her iconic role well and this time gets some space for some dramatic sides. In this part she gets new male counterparts for new romantic and comedic moments. These are played by Chiwetel Ejiofor and Leo Woodall for example. Other returning cast members such as Emma Thompson and Hugh Grant also provide fitting and comedic moments.

Bridget Jones deserved a MUCH better finale.

Positive: Renée Zellweger, Hugh Grant, and Colin Firth basically saved the movie from flopping. Their characters' humour and chemistry were brilliant, as usual. Makes for a unique combo. I also enjoyed all the references made to the previous movies, and the resurgence of old and beloved characters.

Negative : sad to say, but the storyline was terrible. Nothing to be compared to the previous 3. The plot was almost weird and the love story was cringe. The young male character, Bridget's love interest, was so unnecessary. This saga deserved a much better finale, the screenwriters should've done a much better job.

Conclusion: if you are not a huge Bridget Jones fan, you should pass on this one.

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy delivers exactly what fans expect-heartfelt emotion, slapstick comedy, and romantic fantasy-while offering just enough fresh twists to keep things engaging. Picking up four years after Mark Darcy's death, the film follows Bridget as she navigates modern dating, leading to plenty of hilarious and endearing mishaps.

Director Michael Morris enhances the storytelling with immersive visuals, particularly in a standout single-shot sequence that captures Bridget's chaotic yet lovable world. The humor shines in classic Bridget fashion, from an awkward school interview to a laugh-out-loud tree rescue scene. Renée Zellweger effortlessly reprises her role, supported by a stellar cast including Chiwetel Ejiofor and Leo Woodall. Though some jokes about technology feel a bit dated, the film's emotional depth-especially in Bridget's journey of self-reinvention-keeps it grounded.

With a nostalgic yet refreshing energy, Mad About the Boy is a charming return to Bridget's world, reminding us that love and laughter only get better with age.

If you love the books and/or movie series, you have to see this! I always love a return to a series that gets back as many original actors as possible, and the nods to the first movie are there, if you're paying attention. (I loved the addition of the blue "soup" martini with an orange "marmalade") But, gosh did watching this movie make me feel OLD! I just kept saying - but they're so OLDDDD! Turns out I grew old with them too.

It was sad not to see Mark appear more throughout, but I was satisfied with the moments he was there. I wish Renee had allowed herself to age in grace as the others in the cast have, because I felt she was the only one who seemed out of place.

It got me in the feels, so I still rated it better than it deserved, but for nostalgia's sake, you can't leave this one unwatched.

For me, this film was the perfect antidote to the drab, depressing and self-absorbed "Maria" that I had endured the previous day. No surreal scenes, no convoluted storyline, no directorial histrionics. Just a story well told, with characters to whom anyone could relate, and with whom we all can empathise.

Rene Zellweger was a perfect Bridget, and Hugh Grant hammed his character up perfectly. The supporting cast were equally wonderful, especially the two kids.

What a relief to leave a cinema feeling uplifted and positive. Yes it's all make-believe, but a bit of escapism now and again doesn't do any harm. I'm sure this will become a classic Christmas movie.

As with many sequels there's the question if it actually adds something to the storyline and / or could work as a stand alone movie. In the case of Bridget Jones: Mad about a boy, twice the answer would be no.

For those wondering: there's nothing new, nostalgia is played on heavily, entire sequences and love affairs ( that are evidence of the total lack of chemistry between actors) are nonsensical and even feel superfluous.

When the credits roll you can't help but ponder if the snapshots shown from the first 3 films are being used as a way to force linking these happy feeling provoking images to this empty shell of Netflix 13 a dozen flick.

Finally, directing feels inconsistent, acting is mediocre and even the sound is so bad that in many outdoor scenes the conversations sound recorded in the studio. A big miss whereby I had to smirk twice, thus my rating.