BRIDGET JONES: THE EDGE OF REASON REVIEW

*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

Most sequels are unnecessary and tend to not be as good as the predecessor. The only reason they're made is because of the money the previous film received and it's an opportunity to make more.

However, Bridget Jones's Diary was based on the popular 1996 book of the same name by Helen Fielding who wrote a sequel in 1999, The Edge Of Reason. This is why this sequel was necessary. It's not an excuse to make more money, it's because the first film and the books were so popular and successful that this was made. Fortunately, I would say that this is just as good as the first.

The film opens not that long after the events of Bridget Jones's Diary and the title character (Renée Zellweger) is happily in love with Mark Darcy (Colin Firth). Unfortunately, after Bridget expects Mark to propose and he doesn't, the pair end their relationship. This brings the charming womaniser, Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant), into the picture. Bridget is forced to work with Daniel and reconsiders who she truly wants to be with: Mark or Daniel?

Bridget Jones's Diary ends with Bridget and Mark starting the relationship and it left me wanting a bit more. I wanted to see more of their relationship. The Edge Of Reason shows both the highs and lows of Bridget's relationship with Mark. Many couples will be able to relate to this and they'll be happy to know that no relationship is perfect.

Zellweger gives another strong performance as the relatable Bridget. In the previous film, Bridget's mistakes  brought comic relief to the film but it was because of how she learnt from these mistakes that we liked her. There's no difference here. Bridget think she finally has the perfect boyfriend in Mark but it isn't until after they break up that she realises that perfection doesn't exist. 

Firth and Grant are both brilliant as their characters. Firth brings comedic elements to Mark who we all expect to be serious but is actually a really funny and sweet person. We all know that he's the right boyfriend for Bridget. This is why we cringe a little when Bridget gets with Daniel during their business trip in Thailand as we know he's still a womaniser. Fortunately, Bridget sees right through him and ends their relationship for good.

The holiday in Thailand is one of my favourite scenes as we see Bridget accidentally get high after consuming magic mushrooms in a omelette. It's hilarious to watch Bridget high.
I think the majority of people who enjoyed watching Bridget Jones's Diary will enjoy watching The Edge Of Reason. It has just the same amount of laughs and watching Bridget's relationships with both Mark and Daniel is compelling to watch.
Fans of the book will be happy to know that, although the part from the book where Bridget interviews Colin Firth doesn't feature in the film for obvious reasons, it's available on the bonus features of the DVD. It's hilarious as Bridget has a crush on Colin Firth and keeps asking him about his character, Mr Darcy in Pride & Prejudice. This is definitely worth a watch.
7/10
Read my review of Bridget Jones's Diary here.
Read my review of Bridget Jones's Baby here.