This smart adaptation of Helen Fielding’s 1996 novel is a
romantic comedy in search of contentment rather than Prince Charming, which gives it a sense of realism that both aches and inspires. As the title heroine – a single British woman whose life is a cycle of highs and lows, most of which have to do with her weight or her romantic prospects – Renee Zellweger nails every nuance. Her Bridget is funny, frustrating, exciting and exasperating – often all at the same time.