The book written by Helen Fielding and released in 1996, contributed to the enforcement of a stereotypical image of an unmarried woman over 30, a neurotic stereotype epitomised on the small screen by Ally in Ally McBeal, and Carrie Bradshaw in Sex in the City. Women who are constantly worrying about their weight, what others think of them, and their relationships to men. Men who, incidently are one of two kinds, complete bastards, or the “knight in shining armour” cliche, as personified in Fielding's book as Darcy in Pride and Prejudice.

      Bridget Jones is played by an American, much to the initial distress of British fans. However, Renee Zellweger, who stuffed herself silly with chocolate, pizzas and other such calorific foods, changed from the “normal” Californian size of 6 to a more reasonable British size 12/14, and worked undercover in a London publishing firm in preparation for her role. This results in an impressive English accent and a realistically scatty character.

      The opening sequence, before the film title, introduces Bridget meeting Mark Darcy at the annual family event on New Year’s Day - the traditional Turkey Curry Buffet. Mark Darcy is played by Colin Firth (who actually did play the part of Darcy in the BBC series of Pride and Prejudice).

      In the first five minutes Bridget manages to make a complete fool of herself in front of Mark Darcy. She chatters nonsense about making new year’s resolutions and succeeds only to highlight all her minor “faults” as a neurotic 30-something, Chardonnay-swigging, chain-smoking, hopeless romantic singleton. To top it all she is wearing a terrible outfit provided by her mother which frankly “looks like a carpet”.

      Cue title, and Zellweger's dressed in pyjamas, checking for phone messages, smoking, comfort eating, drinking wine, listening to Celine Dion’s All by Myself , and saying to herself that she might as well end up having a relationship with the wine bottle. As the chorus reaches a crescendo Zellweger starts singing her heart out. Her performance touches a cord and you can’t help but feel empathy, identifying with the girly need of catharsis in cheesy love ballads. I don’t think the men do the whole, eat chocolate, drink wine thing, whilst singing to I Will Survive , but I’m sure it will undoubtedly confirm their beliefs that women who engage in such activites, are very strange indeed. Nonetheless, judging by the positive response from many of the male film critics in the audience with me, I’m sure this film will not alienate men at all.

      Hugh Grant plays the dashingly sexy, smouldering and very charming Daniel Cleaver, Bridget’s boss in a publishing firm, and part-time boyfriend. The film is a romantic comedy which pitches the classic love triangle as in Casablanca, where the girl just can’t decide which man to follow, thankfully however Bridget is not as passive.

      In a very Jane Eyre fashion, the two men play the more active role in the world of building a relationship, providing helpful coincidental hooks for Bridget to catch hold of. This is good for Bridget because she doesn’t ever put her relationship decisions into action, rejecting one man, but not pursuing after the other.

      Die hard fans of the book will notice the film isn’t completely true to the text, but nonetheless the film is compulsive viewing, with a very funny script. Neatly directed by Sharon Maguire, it will have you laughing out in joy, or pure horror, at the situations Bridget gets herself into. Zellweger brings new life to Bridget’s character, with a portrayal that is heartwarming and endearing. Zellweger gives Bridget a sense of vulnerability, without the annoying hard edged neurotic self depreciation of a character like Ally McBeal.

      The girls will be able to sympathise with Bridget’s problems of, lecherous men staring at her breasts or groping her bottom - evenings in with friends, offering advice and support - sexy but no good for you men - kitchen disasters where the soup becomes unnaturally blue - those moments of passion when you realise you’re wearing comfortable but not very sexy underwear.

      The men will be able to aspire to Hugh Grant’s portrayal of Daniel Cleaveland, because initially, he is charming and sweet. But men may end up despising Grant’s extremely well acted character, and siding with Bridget and Mark Darcy, as the truth surfaces that Daniel Cleaveland is a character no man would trust to leave with his sister or girlfriend. After all the threat to all “good” men out there is the charmer who treats women rubbishly, yet still manages to get the girl despite the fact that they might already have a boyfriend or even be engaged.

      Colin Firth, as Mark Darcy is the enigmatic, man of few words. I didn’t find Firth as charismatic, and thought the brooding Darcy and ditsy Bridget didn’t have the same spark that ignited passionate scenes between Zellweger and Grant.

      However Zellweger’s portrayal of Bridget will appeal and touch both men and women. Zellweger’s newly rounded body, and her exceptional comic timing, makes Bridget into a complete, but funny, lovable fool in awkward social situations. Bridget’s disarmingly emotional honesty only makes her a delightful, not drippier, character. Also, Bridget’s own acute awareness of her lack of self confidence, and sense of humour makes it hard for anyone to honestly dislike her, or the film.