The film opens in UK cinemas on Friday

Some critics have said the film is better than the original, but others say fans of the wine-swigging single girl could be disappointed.

'Toe-curling'

James Christopher, The Times newspaper critic, said the film was a "whimsical sequel" which is "fat with comic set-pieces but spookily thin on real substance".

"The flatulent plot doesn't flatter her (Zellweger's) feckless charm... I fear fans will be disappointed," he said.

The Independent newspaper critic, Oliver Marr, said the film featured "toe-curling moments too numerous to note".

But David Edwards wrote in The Mirror last month that Bridget Jones: The Edge Of Reason, is "the best British comedy of the year" and better than the original.

'Classic' performances

His view was supported by Daily Mail film critic Christopher Tookey who said the movie would be "the biggest British hit of all time".

He said it was an "outstanding romantic comedy, with no fewer than three performances that deserve to be regarded as classics."

Praise was heaped on Zellweger by Sharon Hendry, the Sun's Woman Editor, who said she made "the sequel swing".

"The Texas-born actress has perfected an English accent far superior to any of her Hollywood contemporaries," she wrote.

Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason opens in cinemas on Friday.