Renée Zellweger’s return as Bridget Jones in the latest installment of the beloved rom-com series has set a new box office record in the UK and Ireland. Titled “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy,” the film raked in £11.8m within the first four days of its release, surpassing the previous record held by the second Bridget Jones film from 2004. The movie’s success outshone the competition from other films like Captain America in the UK, with the Marvel blockbuster dominating the North American box office.
Despite its success in the UK and Ireland, “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy” opted for a streaming release in the US through the Peacock platform. The decision was partly influenced by the perceived lack of interest in the character of Bridget by American audiences, as noted by The Telegraph’s film critic Robbie Collin on BBC Radio 4’s Front Row. Nevertheless, the film managed to secure the top spot in box office rankings in other countries, including Poland, the Netherlands, and Norway.
The latest chapter in Bridget Jones’s story sees the character navigating life as a widowed single mother, balancing the challenges of parenthood, work, and modern dating. Caught in a love triangle between a younger man, Roxster, played by Leo Woodall, and her son’s science teacher, Bridget must make a choice. The film also sees the return of familiar faces like Hugh Grant and Emma Thompson, adding to the nostalgia for fans of the series.
While the movie drew in audiences, critical reception was divided. The Guardian’s Pete Bradshaw awarded the film two stars, noting strong performances from Hugh Grant but critiquing the overall tone as “strangely dazed.” In contrast, the Independent gave the film four stars, praising its vulnerability, humor, and the director’s handling of Bridget’s complex love life with nuance. Despite mixed reviews, “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy” stands out as a successful addition to the beloved franchise
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