Pop Culture Happy Hour: "Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy"

Episode Title: Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy
Release Date: February 19, 2025
Hosts: Linda Holmes, Kate Young (Guest)
Podcast: Pop Culture Happy Hour by NPR

Introduction to the Episode

In this episode of Pop Culture Happy Hour, host Linda Holmes welcomes film and culture critic Kate Young to discuss the latest installment in the Bridget Jones franchise, "Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy." This fourth film marks a significant evolution in Bridget Jones's life, exploring new relationships and personal growth.

Overview of "Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy"

Linda Holmes opens the discussion by summarizing the plot of the new film:

Linda Holmes [00:19]: "For more than 20 years on screen, Bridget Jones has been making her way through dating, working, having a baby and even ending up in jail. Now, in the fourth film in the series, Bridget is dealing with a whole new phase of life and a new pair of possible love interests."

The film introduces Bridget as a single mother of two, navigating life after the tragic death of her long-time love, Mark Darcy (Colin Firth). She encounters a younger man named Rockster (Leo Woodall) and reconnects with her former suitor Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant), now portrayed as a more mature and supportive figure.

Kate Young’s Perspective

Kate Young shares her heartfelt connection to the Bridget Jones series:

Kate Young [02:39]: "I'm so excited to be here for this one. I loved it so much. And I cried and I cried and I cried and I cried and I cried."

She emphasizes the emotional depth of the new film, highlighting how it delves into grief and personal growth rather than solely focusing on romantic escapades.

Emotional Depth and Themes

The conversation delves into the film's exploration of grief and maturity:

Linda Holmes [05:02]: "I think you have hit on the exact question about this movie, which is, to me, less, did they execute it well? Cause I think they executed it really well. And the question is, really, is this what you want?"

Kate Young [05:47]: "Please forgive me for being upset about anything which isn't about not having you. Please help me find a way to do this without feeling like I'm ruining the most important part of my life."

Linda expresses mixed feelings about the film's somber tone, while Kate defends its authenticity and emotional resonance.

Character Development and Relationships

The discussion highlights the evolution of key characters and their relationships:

Kate Young [08:47]: "Yeah, meaningful is exactly the word that I would have used. I think it would have been very easy to play that for laughs. You know, a lot of Bridget's romantic foibles have always been the awkwardness and how silly they are and the mistakes she makes. But they take it seriously to have him as a romantic partner."

Linda praises the performances, particularly Chiwetel Ejiofor's portrayal of Mr. Wallacher, Bridget’s children's teacher, who embodies qualities reminiscent of Mark Darcy.

Linda Holmes [10:28]: "I think Chiwetel Ejiofor is a very good romantic lead as a man in middle age. I think he should have all of the roles as a charming, romantic man in middle age, because I think he's very sexy."

The return of Hugh Grant as Daniel Cleaver adds another layer to Bridget's journey:

Kate Young [11:23]: "I loved that he was back in the same way that I was excited to see where all of these characters were. I think seeing where Daniel was was so interesting because he is exactly the same character that, you know, he's very identifiably Daniel Cleaver."

Nostalgia and Franchise Continuity

Kate appreciates the film’s nods to the original series, enhancing the nostalgic experience for long-time fans:

Kate Young [14:04]: "Including a lot of little callbacks like that, that are, like, they're specifically for people like me who have grown up with Bridget and loved her and obsessed over her. And I really loved that."

These elements help bridge the past and present narratives, providing continuity and depth to Bridget's story.

Processing Grief Through Romance

Linda and Kate discuss how the film intertwines romantic elements with the theme of grief:

Linda Holmes [16:15]: "I do really like the fact that her friends have kind of stuck around. ... It really resonates for me with the fact that, like. Cause obviously Daniel has done a lot of very sketchy things. ... But you understand how much it would mean to her in her current situation if he has been present for her."

Kate Young [16:25]: "It's very sweet."

This balance ensures that the film remains true to the Bridget Jones character while addressing deeper emotional struggles.

Final Thoughts and Conclusions

The episode concludes with both hosts reflecting on their overall impressions of the film:

Linda Holmes [17:32]: "I think they did a very good job of making this movie this way. ... I did really like it. And it is a bummer, but it's a good bummer."

Kate Young [17:47]: "I am okay with moving into this next stage of her life with her."

Both agree that while the film takes Bridget's story into more somber and mature territory, it remains a heartfelt continuation of her journey.

Closing Remarks

Linda Holmes wraps up the episode by inviting listeners to share their thoughts on "Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy" and promoting NPR's Movie Club newsletter:

Linda Holmes [18:01]: "Find us at facebook.compchh and on letterboxd@letterboxd.com nprpopculture we will have a link in our episode description that brings us to the end of our show."

She thanks Kate Young for her insightful contributions, emphasizing the episode's blend of critique and appreciation for the beloved character and her latest cinematic adventure.

Key Takeaways

• Emotional Evolution: The film portrays Bridget Jones in a more mature and emotionally complex phase of her life, addressing themes of grief and personal growth.

• Character Depth: Return of beloved characters like Daniel Cleaver adds depth and continuity, showcasing their evolution alongside Bridget.

• Nostalgic Elements: The film includes nostalgic callbacks, enhancing the connection for long-time fans.

• Balanced Storytelling: Successfully balances romantic elements with deeper emotional struggles, providing a heartfelt continuation of Bridget's story.

Notable Quotes:

• Kate Young [02:39]: "I cried and I cried and I cried and I cried and I cried."
• Linda Holmes [05:02]: "Is this what you want?"
• Kate Young [08:47]: "Meaningful is exactly the word that I would have used."
• Linda Holmes [10:28]: "Chiwetel Ejiofor is a very good romantic lead."
• Linda Holmes [17:32]: "I think they did a very good job of making this movie this way."

For more discussions and summaries, visit NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour.