Bridget Jones: Laurie Sparham

The Edge of Reason

RELEASE DATE Nov. 12

WHY WE CAN'T WAIT Last time round, Renée Zellweger gave a performance so delightful that even the comedy-leery Academy took notice. Besides, don't you think she looks better with a little meat on her bones?

THE PREMISE Perennial singleton Bridget has finally landed a guy, but she's still as neurotic and just as prone to launch herself on embarrassing adventures.

SOURCE Helen Fielding's novel, the sequel to her book Bridget Jones's Diary

THE BACK STORY Zellweger did some power eating again to bulk up for the role. She says she hopes she did so more healthfully than Morgan Spurlock, whose documentary Super Size Me (about the damage done by his monthlong McDonald's-only diet) terrified her.

BURNING QUESTION Do we really want to see a more mature, romantically attached Bridget?

COME FOR Bridget's messy love life, which involves both beau Mark Darcy (Colin Firth, pictured with Zellweger) and caddish ex Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant)

STAY FOR The revelation of who ultimately wins her heart