We walked into Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy with mixed emotions—excited to see Renée Zellweger back as Bridget, but also a little nervous. Could she still be as charming, hilarious, and relatable at 51? Would the film handle Mark Darcy’s absence (yes, he’s gone) with the right balance of poignancy and humour?

The short answer: mostly, yes.

Bridget at 51 – Still Chaotic, Still Adorable

The film picks up years after Bridget Jones’s Baby, and now Bridget is a widowed mother, juggling life, work, and dating apps—yes, Bridget Jones has entered the Tinder era. And honestly? Watching her fumble through modern dating felt like a natural evolution for her character. The humour is still there, the self-deprecating inner monologue is intact, and Zellweger steps back into the role effortlessly.

We were curious (and slightly apprehensive) about how the film would handle Mark Darcy’s death. Thankfully, it doesn’t turn into a tearjerker. There are heartfelt moments, but the film doesn’t dwell in sadness. Instead, it focuses on Bridget rediscovering herself, parenting solo, and (of course) finding romance again.

The New Love Interests – Do They Hold Up?

With Mark Darcy out of the picture, we meet two new potential love interests—Roxster (Leo Woodall), a much younger man who brings a playful energy, and Mr. Wallaker (Chiwetel Ejiofor), Bridget’s son’s headmaster, who offers a slower-burning, more mature romance.

Woodall’s character adds a fun, flirty dynamic without feeling gimmicky, while Ejiofor’s Wallaker feels like the most natural next step for Bridget—a man who challenges her but also understands her. Are they as iconic as Mark Darcy? Not quite. But do they work? Absolutely.

The Humour – Classic Bridget, but Not Quite as Sharp

There’s plenty of Bridget Jones-style slapstick, but not all of it lands. Some moments feel like they’re trying a little too hard to recreate the magic of the early films, rather than allowing Bridget’s natural charm to shine.

That said, we still laughed—a lot. Watching Bridget stumble through Zoom dating, struggle with modern parenting, and tackle an out-of-control electric bike provided some truly great moments.

Final Verdict – Nostalgic, Comforting, but Not Perfect

Mad About the Boy may not quite reach the heights of Bridget Jones’s Diary, but it’s a worthy sequel. It respects Bridget’s journey, balances humour and heart, and proves she’s just as loveable at 51 as she was at 30.

It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s the kind of film that makes you laugh, cry (just a little), and feel like you’re catching up with an old friend. And for that reason, we’d say it’s well worth the watch.