Review of Paddington (2014) by Erin H — 05 Jul 2015

Much like when you were a child and your mum cuddled you up tight in bed on a cold night to tell you the story, it's easy to fall in love with Paddington.

Adapted from Michael Bond's universally beloved books, this story about the world's most adorably well-mannered bear from darkest Peru, who wears a tattered pink hat, an oversize duffle coat and lives of marmalade sandwiches, all the makings for a genuinely happy and well-timed cheery film.

After an earthquake destroys his home, a young bear sets off on a journey in search of a new home and family in London. Acceptance however is not as forthcoming as he was lead to believe. But by remaining ever optimistic and polite, he finally meets the Brown Family.

Contrary to the pragmatic Mr. Brown's (Hugh Bonneville) protests, the warm-hearted Mrs. Brown (Sally Hawkins) invites the displaced bear, now aptly named Paddington, to stay with them for the evening. Little did she realise how much comic mayhem and downright chaos one little bear's antics could bring to their everyday family life.

But things only really start to get sticky when he attracts the unwanted attention of Millicent (Nicole Kidman), the British Museums taxidermy specialist, who has a connection of her own to the visitor.

Surprisingly simple in this age of CGI/SFX, the morals narrative is glaringly contrived. Heavy with themes of family, belonging and dealing with life's every day issues it's a little boggy, it does however beautifully preserve the essence of the characters' 'Englishness' and wonderfully pays almost not attention to the fact that he's a talking bear.

The verdict: Although it can't be said this film is schmaltz-free, it is wonderfully whimsical and would make a sweet pre-Christmas outing all the more palatable.

Published : Canberra Weekly Magazine.

Date of Publication : 18/12/2015.