This picture is quite original in many regards, but very unoriginal in other regards. However, there are several very funny moments and may be worth seeing; maybe not for everyone.

"Bridget Jones' Diary" is England's take on the book, same title, authored by Helen Fielding, who also penned the screenplay. It focuses on the title character, as she attempts to swim through her thirties, realizing if she doesn't get herself cleaned up and "shaped" up, she may end up alone for the rest of her life.

Thus, as the New Year rolls around, BJ decides to keep a diary and track her progress. During the following year, she meets two men, Mark Darcy, a well to do barrister, and Daniel Cleaver, a low morals puff who works a high position with Jones' employers.

As she falls for Cleaver, she slowly finds out Darcy isn't just the horrible guy she thought, and once Cleaver cheats on her, things become much clear for her. The style of the picture is very much like the book, tacked as a series of diary entries. Characters in this work are very smartly written, especially supporting characters.

However, the story between Jones', Cleaver and Darcy is identical to the three main characters in Jane Austin's "Pride and Prejudice," released this year again in the form of the movie "Bride and Prejudice." So, I can honestly say, I'm tired of this storyline.

There are very amusing moments and laugh at loud gags throughout the picture. Its refreshing to hear a female writer not afraid to have characters speak rough, with foul language, even the women.

Academy Award® winner Renée Zellweger (Cold Mountain) stars as Bridget Jones in a very consistent performance. However, I don't think it was the caliber that warrants an academy nomination that year. She lost to Halle Berry.

Starring as Darcy was Colin Firth (Love Actually), who also played Jane Austin's Darcy in the BBC mini series about ten years ago. That's kind of amusing. Of course, Hugh Grant (Knotting Hill) stars as Cleaver. I say "of course" since it's an English made picture and a comedy. IT MUST star Hugh Grant. Both men did fine, but the picture is about Jones. They were out shadowed many times.

Overall, I have to say I enjoy the picture, but I am surprised it did so well. I'm not convinced it's a date movie, or a high concept comedy, so why did it do so well in the theaters? Who knows. I DO NOT think this story, this picture warrants a freakin' sequel. Even though I liked this one, I have no desire to see "Bridget Jones' Diary: The Edge of Reason," released last year. Take of that what you will.

Benn - Where's the Humanity?