Review of Paddington (2014) by Foxgrove — 16 Jan 2015

Not having been exposed to Paddington in any of his previous incarnations either as a book or TV series and, based on the very effective trailer, I was eagerly anticipating the delights of the talking bear from darkest Peru. Therefore, it is with genuine sorrow that I have to acknowledge the fact that the whole does not equal the sum of its sometimes very inspired parts. The main problem is with the story itself which just doesn't cut it when compared to some amazing scenes of slapstick timed to absolute perfection.

Paddington himself is wonderfully realised and uncannily voiced by Ben Whishaw. Let's face it, it's the bear we have come to see and he doesn't disappoint. Scene after scene ignites. The bathroom and cello tape sequences in particular are great fun. Also, there are magical moments involving a dolls house and a miniature railway carriage. In fact, there is so much to enjoy that it is rather a shame that the linking narrative and Paddington's human counterparts start to drag the film down. Ultimately, one is forced to acknowledge the film's unfortunate schizophrenia. Funny and moving it maybe, but sadly it's also rather yawny.