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Everyone can relate, to some extent, with Bridget's frustrations. So singles and couples alike are packing the cinemas to see Bridget Jones's Diary, making it the biggest romantic comedy of the year. Diary was a bestseller by British author Helen Fielding before it became a movie, and Bridget has become something of a national hero in England. Thus it was with some protest that the news came: Sharon Maguire would direct Renee Zellweger, an American, in the role of this courageous romantic adventurer.

Surprise. Critics—including Brits who treasure the book—are delighted with Zellweger's performance. Audiences are loving it. But reviewers in the religious media, while also impressed with much of the film, are arguing that Bridget's self-confident march into a life of hasty sex is not something to applaud. Perhaps dating is not the cure-all for loneliness and insecurity.

In discussing the film on the OnFilm e-mail discussion list, Peter Chattaway observes that the movie deteriorates into a familiar "ping pong game"—which guy will Bridget end up with? "Thing is," he writes, "neither of the men she's attracted to is exactly unattached. I find it hard, personally, to root for Bridget's relationship with the 'good' guy if it means splitting up his relationship with another woman." The Phantom Tollbooth's J. Robert Parks writes, "The movie has no room for the possibility that Bridget might not need a husband. In that sense, the film fits into the post-feminist climate dominating Hollywood today. Bridget is a largely unhappy character who can only envision happiness with a strong man in her bed. She obsesses about her weight and makes ever-more humiliating overtures to the men in her life." Bridget's embarrassing attempts to overcome her insecurities brought MovieParables' critic Michael Elliott to consider a different response to a poor self image: "It is clear that Bridget's bravado is a façade. Underneath her showy exterior is a mass of insecurities. Every embarrassing moment serves to reinforce the critical view she has of herself. This is a highly human tendency and one that is commonly shared. This is why we should take the time to 'step out of our skin' every so often and look at ourselves as God sees us."

Preview's Web site posts many objections to the film, including that it is "filled with vulgar jokes and crude comments. And premarital sex is implied a few times as acceptable behavior." Movieguide similarly laments, "Bridget Jones's Diary is a charming, warm-hearted, funny romantic comedy spoiled by plenty of strong foul language and some immoral sexual situations." The U.S. Catholic Conference adds, "Its atmosphere of promiscuity is troublesome."

Nevertheless, these writers agree that Zellweger's performance is a revelation, and that there are a lot of laughs to be had. "Witty dialogue and an appealing cast … help to overcome one-dimensional characterizations and a predictably structured plot," says the Catholic Conference. And Movieguide claims, "Ms. Zellweger breathes life into what is already a sympathetic character." J. Robert Parks also praises the actress: "Her winning personality helps soften the film's hard edges and keeps you rooting for her despite the paucity of choices the movie gives her." He calls co-star Hugh Grant "genuinely hilarious. Every scene he's in is delightful." "Hugh Grant has never been better," agrees Elliott. "Despicably charming, good looking and witty, Grant just ought to change his name to Cary, the comparisons are that obvious."

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April (Web-only) 2001, Vol. 45