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My knowledge of Paddington the Bear consists of one red hat, one blue coat, somewhere in England and the fact that he is a bear. That's it. When the film came out I had no interest in seeing it. The only reason I decided to watch it was because my uncle suggested it to my wife. I'll tell you this, I'm really glad I did watch Paddington because it is charmingly cute and surprisingly hilarious.
Deep in the darkest Peru, a geographer stumbles upon a rare species of bear who are extremely intelligent and can speak. He befriends them and just before he leaves he tells the family that they are welcome back in England anytime. Tragic events strike Paddington and his family and he finds himself on an adventure to England. While waiting at Paddington station, the Brown family spot him and decide to take him in while he searches for the geographer. Meanwhile, a taxidermist who kills and stuffs exotic animals is on the hunt for the bear to add to her collection.
The original voice of Paddington was Colin Firth, yet the final film has Ben Whishaw. This was a smart choice as Paddington is a child and has child like wonder. A voice of a 50+ year old man wouldn't suit the character or the tone of the film. Whishaw brings a feeling of innocence to Paddington and with the wild animation the character feels real even though he is presented in a slapstick comedic way most of the times. The film has no problem putting Paddington in these weird and comical situations, specifically his first visit to the washroom. Over the top physical comedy that I'm sure the kids will get a kick out of.
The Brown family that Paddington finds himself a part of all have their own quirks. Hugh Bonneville is the overprotective father who only sees trouble taking in a bear. His wife, Sally Hawkins is ecstatic about Paddington. Hawkins is adorable, but plays her usual self here. Their two kids don't have too much to do, their daughter is at first the rebellious kind until Paddington wins her over and their son is a dreamer of fun, held back by his father. Julie Waters is also a part of the family in a maid like role, the 'fun grandmother' of sorts, not afraid to tell the kids stories of their parents from when they were once fun. Nicole Kidman has a surprising and deliciously fun turn here as the villain. She'll stop at nothing to get her prize, a stuffed bear.
Potter fans will see a surprising number of cameos from those who held a wand. The aforementioned Waters is joined by Jim Broadbent, Imelda Staunton and even Michael Gambon. The film looks and feels utterly British, King makes sure of that. Every chance he gets you'll see something recognizable, be it a red phone booth or Tower Bridge (not to be confused with London Bridge). It all feels magical at the same time and Paddington's interaction with everything is a comical delight.
I had a lot of fun with this film and I urge people to go see it. It's family friendly, hilarious at times and one of the most charming films you'll see all year.
Paddington
(Paul King)
Please look after this bear. Thank you.
(Paul King)
Please look after this bear. Thank you.
My knowledge of Paddington the Bear consists of one red hat, one blue coat, somewhere in England and the fact that he is a bear. That's it. When the film came out I had no interest in seeing it. The only reason I decided to watch it was because my uncle suggested it to my wife. I'll tell you this, I'm really glad I did watch Paddington because it is charmingly cute and surprisingly hilarious.
Deep in the darkest Peru, a geographer stumbles upon a rare species of bear who are extremely intelligent and can speak. He befriends them and just before he leaves he tells the family that they are welcome back in England anytime. Tragic events strike Paddington and his family and he finds himself on an adventure to England. While waiting at Paddington station, the Brown family spot him and decide to take him in while he searches for the geographer. Meanwhile, a taxidermist who kills and stuffs exotic animals is on the hunt for the bear to add to her collection.
The original voice of Paddington was Colin Firth, yet the final film has Ben Whishaw. This was a smart choice as Paddington is a child and has child like wonder. A voice of a 50+ year old man wouldn't suit the character or the tone of the film. Whishaw brings a feeling of innocence to Paddington and with the wild animation the character feels real even though he is presented in a slapstick comedic way most of the times. The film has no problem putting Paddington in these weird and comical situations, specifically his first visit to the washroom. Over the top physical comedy that I'm sure the kids will get a kick out of.
The Brown family that Paddington finds himself a part of all have their own quirks. Hugh Bonneville is the overprotective father who only sees trouble taking in a bear. His wife, Sally Hawkins is ecstatic about Paddington. Hawkins is adorable, but plays her usual self here. Their two kids don't have too much to do, their daughter is at first the rebellious kind until Paddington wins her over and their son is a dreamer of fun, held back by his father. Julie Waters is also a part of the family in a maid like role, the 'fun grandmother' of sorts, not afraid to tell the kids stories of their parents from when they were once fun. Nicole Kidman has a surprising and deliciously fun turn here as the villain. She'll stop at nothing to get her prize, a stuffed bear.
Potter fans will see a surprising number of cameos from those who held a wand. The aforementioned Waters is joined by Jim Broadbent, Imelda Staunton and even Michael Gambon. The film looks and feels utterly British, King makes sure of that. Every chance he gets you'll see something recognizable, be it a red phone booth or Tower Bridge (not to be confused with London Bridge). It all feels magical at the same time and Paddington's interaction with everything is a comical delight.
I had a lot of fun with this film and I urge people to go see it. It's family friendly, hilarious at times and one of the most charming films you'll see all year.