Tags
2010's, Adventure, Ben Whishaw, Comedy, Hugh Bonneville, Imelda Staunton, Jim Broadbent, Julie Walters, Madeleine Harris, Michael Gambon, Nicole Kidman, Paddington, Paul King, Peter Capaldi, Sally Hawkins, Samuel Joslin
Film Title
Paddington
Director
Paul King
Starring
- Ben Whishaw as Paddington Bear
- Hugh Bonneville as Henry Brown
- Sally Hawkins as Mary Brown
- Julie Walters as Mrs. Bird
- Nicole Kidman as Millicent
- Madeleine Harris as Judy Brown
- Samuel Joslin as Jonathan Brown
- Peter Capaldi as Mr. Curry
- Jim Broadbent as Mr. Gruber
- Michael Gambon as Uncle Pastuzo
- Imelda Staunton as Aunt Lucy
A sprightly, adventure-filled and heartwarming take on the classic stories of Michael Bond’s marmalade loving, eponymous bear, Paddington is one of those movies that it’s hard to find fault with. Primarily, this stems from the fact it’s so much fun and an utter delight of comedy, heart and wonder.
We begin in the jungles of Darkest Peru, where we discover an English explorer happening upon two very intelligent bears with a love of marmalade. In time, he teaches them about modern life and even gets them to talk. Before heading back to civilisation he promises them a home in London if they should ever need it. The two bears, named Pastuzo and Lucy, have a nephew with them many years later; a curious and fun-loving bear who shares their taste for marmalade. But their harmony is shattered when an earthquake hits and kills Uncle Pastuzo. Aunt Lucy is getting older and can’t take care of Paddington as she once could. she remembers the explorer’s words of promise about there always being a home in London. Stowing her nephew into a cargo ship, she bids him farewell in the hope he will find a happy, new home. Upon arrival in London, he is met with hostility and all hope for a lovely, caring family to take care of him seems lost. That is until he encounters the Brown Family at Paddington Station. The mother, Mary, gives him the name Paddington and being a kind, considerate person, she offers to house him in her home. Her fussy and killjoy husband Henry, who is obsessed with keeping things risk-free, is completely against the idea of Paddington living with them. The children Judy and Jonathan, are thrilled to have Paddington with them, despite their father’s trepidation. Paddington is most curious to know more about the professor who visited Darkest Peru all those years ago and roping the family into things, he gets them into a whirl of unintentional mischief and laughs. But there is an evil taxidermist by the name of Millicent who has discovered Paddington and will stop at nothing to make him part of her sinister collection, now on his tail. Cue much mayhem, thrills and adventure for the bear and the Brown Family.
Paul King directs with an enormous amount of heart, humour and deeply felt love that explodes from almost every frame. It will take someone with a real damp view of life to not smile or have fun with a movie such as this. King just pushes all the right buttons of raucous humour, heartfelt sentiment and just plain adventure in a way that is spellbinding and an utter delight throughout. sense of magic and feel good factor it has going for it. It’s adventure of the highest level that proves totally sprightly and accessible to all ages. The blending of CGI in the title character and the real-life surroundings, that are continuously colourful, is seamlessly done. On a visual level, Paddington scores major points. The bright as a button colour scheme and adventurous ways of showcasing this zany fable are here in a glorious pot of love. And speaking of love, the film truly gets across the message of accepting people and loving one another beautifully and with clarity. The humour covers a wide spectrum from the mischievous and playful(Paddington accidentally flooding the Brown’s bathroom for starters) to nods and winks to older members of the audience, without missing a beat or getting overstuffed. It’s rare to come across a film such as Paddington that can be a ball for everyone watching. It has a style and care to it that many movies that aim for every age can sometimes miss in the long run. The high-reaching and upbeat score are on full duty; bringing out the simply amazing story and film that it accompanies. Put quite simply, you couldn’t ask for a more enchanting movie than Paddington.
Ben Whishaw beautifully voices the title bear with a childlike adventure and sense of mischief. His relaxing tones and enthusiasm can be heard so well that it’s really difficult to imagine another person voicing Paddington with the same skill as Whishaw has. Hugh Bonneville and Sally Hawkins play well off one another as total opposite mum and dad. Bonneville is staid, careful and unwilling to entertain fancy notions, Hawkins is imaginative, lovely and slightly zany. Both consummate actors invest a lot into their respective roles(which also goes for pretty much the entire cast, who are finely assembled). The ever-dependable Julie Walters has a whole bundle of fun as the elderly relative of the Brown’s, whose quick wit and precision with cleaning ensures things are up to her tidy standards. Nicole Kidman is a dark delight as the villain of the piece; a Cruella like woman who wants to add Paddington to her collection. Kidman is both menacing and tongue in cheek funny, while also embodying something seductively devious too. It’s obvious that she had a really fun time playing this type of character just from the looks on her face. Child actors Madeleine Harris and Samuel Joslin are ideal for the roles of the Brown children who take the bear under their wing. Peter Capaldi is very amusing and slimy as the local nosy neighbour getting in trouble with the evil taxidermist, while Jim Broadbent provides sage as a man who helps point Paddington in the direction of what he seeks. Briefly found voicing Paddington’s relatives in Darkest Peru are Michael Gambon and Imelda Staunton, whose pathos and warmth are felt from the get go, despite only being on the screen for a short duration.
Hilarious, riotously entertaining and aimed at all ages, Paddington takes its place as a firm favourite that will pull you in with its message of family and its massive beating centre that is the lovable bear.
beetleypete said:
Not for me mate. I remember the animation on TV., No need to ‘improve’ on that.
Cheers, Pete.
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vinnieh said:
I can understand what you mean, Pete. But it really is a quite magical movie.
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Paul S said:
Nicole Kidman and Paddington? I still can’t get my head around that pairing.
This film does sound like a lot of fun, perfect for a Sunday afternoon, eating a marmalade sandwich.
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vinnieh said:
It’s a good pairing, my friend. Your summation is so right, I have a craving for a marmalade sandwich now.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Much to my surprise, I loved this! I hope the sequel is as good.
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vinnieh said:
I’ve heard some amazing things about the sequel, Kim. I have a feeling it will be something special.
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fragglerocking said:
Need to see this!
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vinnieh said:
You really do, Fraggle. It is a movie worthy of your time.
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keepsmealive said:
Here for Paddington, staying for Jim Broadbent! 🙂 Gotta see this with the kids…
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vinnieh said:
It’s something the whole family can enjoy.
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raistlin0903 said:
Don’t really know if this is something I would like, but I’m always open for anything, so I guess I will see it at some point. As always this was a terrific review 😊😊
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vinnieh said:
Thanks man. I think this movie will win you over, my good friend. It’s so enchanting, right from the first minute.
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Often Off Topic said:
Great review Vinnieh! Movies like this are my kind of thing so I don’t know why I haven’t seen it yet. I’ve heard the sequel is just as good!
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vinnieh said:
I too have heard many positive things about the sequel. You simply have to see this movie though, it’s so magically entertaining.
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Elizabeth said:
Yesterday my grandchildren and I went to the real movie theater, got popcorn and watched Paddington 2. We loved it. They thought it better than Paddington. I just thoroughly enjoyed it. Hugh Grant is hilarious as the villain.
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vinnieh said:
So thrilled to hear you loved the second film. I really want to see it as soon as possible. Hugh Grant as the villain sounds like a very good piece of casting.
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Jay said:
I hear good things about the sequel too. Nice to have a warm fuzzy once in a while.
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vinnieh said:
Yes, a warm and fuzzy movie is just what the doctor ordered.
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Alex Withrow (@shiftingPersona) said:
Great review! You’re so right, if there really was a film for all ages, this (and its sequel) are it. I loved everything about this movie.
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vinnieh said:
It’s got something for all of us. I haven’t met anyone who hasn’t loved this movie.
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JoBradley said:
Great movie! Check out my 100 word review here https://scribblesofstageandscreen.com/2016/03/17/paddington-charming-and-delightful-100-word-review/
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vinnieh said:
I’d be delighted to read it.
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