Paddington (2014)
Certified: U
Duration: 95 minutes
Directed by: Paul King
Voices of: Ben Whishaw, Michael Gambon, Imelda Staunton
Starring: Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Peter Capaldi, Nicole Kidman, Simon Farnaby
KRS Releasing Ltd
English author Michael Bond’s most famous creation literally comes to life with this charming comedy that will enchant the young ones and lure its way into the accompanying adults’ good graces.
Everything that Bond’s bear from Peru is famous for is to be found in this film, including the trouble and accidents he gets always involved in.
However, while having plenty of laughs, the film more than delivers strongly on character, zest and warm-heartedness. Fans of the classic books will not feel short-changed at all.
Paddington (voiced by Ben Whishaw) has had a happy childhood with his Uncle Pastuzo (Michael Gambon) and his Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton) in the Peruvian jungles. When his uncle dies and his aunt has to retire, he is at a crossroads at what to do in life. Thus he decides to go and take a trip and live in the country he has always dreamed of: England.
This fascination with Blighty stemmed from Lucy’s love for this country as she was educated by an explorer that worked for the Geographers’ Guild of Great Britain.
Obviously enough, Paddington ends up at Paddington Station and he meets a family who takes him in. Yet he knows he needs a proper home.
The Browns are made up of Henry (Hugh Bonneville), the father, who is not very keen on taking in the bear as he thinks that he may not be compatible with insurance; Mary (Sally Hawkins), the mother, who is a bit ‘unusual’; and their children Judy and Jonathan (Madeline Harris and Samuel Joslin).
In the plot comes also Millicent Clyde (Nicole Kidman), who is in perfect Cruella De Ville mode and intent on getting Paddington’s fur.
The book usually followed the bear going round the house and everyday life and getting into trouble. I could not imagine how this kind of narrative could be translated and sustained on the big screen. It was obvious from the start that a more complex and faceted plot needed to be developed.
Thankfully enough, the film excels in bringing a story that both makes the bear look perfectly natural in the proceedings. Even more so it makes a smooth transition into a sort of comedy caper/thriller for kids with all the necessary high jinks.
The production setting harks back to other classic Hollywood depictions of England and manages to be nostalgic, retro and modern at the same time. Visually, the combination of special effects and also animatronics has resulted in a state-of-the-art bear that breathes not just life but also character.
Kidman, while obviously inspired by Cruella de Ville, brings a souped-up character that is simply spot on. She is the perfect villain and it is more than obvious that she is having the time of her life. She is perfectly complemented by very spritely acting from Julie Walters as Mrs Bird.
Whishaw’s voicing is superb as he brings to the Paddington figure a sense of wonder and innocence that is very tangible and subtle.
Paul King brings his off-the-hook direction into focus and delivers a film that has charm by the buckets. This kind of movie makes for a perfect family outing.