Paddington

My habit of solo visits to the cinema (fuelled, in part, by this blog) has resulted in my attracting some rather questionable looks from cinema staff and a few embarrassing walks up the auditorium aisle, such as the time I went to see Magic Mike on my own. Yeah, awkward. 

It was, therefore, nice to have a reason to go and see Paddington, ostensibly a young children's film but, it turns out, one which offers something for everyone. I enjoyed it immensely and my two nieces, who provided me with the legitimacy to go and see the film, did so as well, awarding it “nine-and-a-half out of ten”. Although this blog has a rather different rating system, I'd agree wholeheartedly with the sentiment...

Based on the much-loved series of books by Michael Bond, Paddington sees the Peruvian bear emigrate to Britain where he is taken in by the Brown family. Mr Brown (Hugh Bonneville) is initially reluctant to have a bear in his home, but Mrs Brown (Sally Hawkins) and the Brown children (Madeleine Harris and Samuel Joslin) soon bring him round to the idea when it becomes apparent that a taxidermist (Nicole Kidman) is after Paddington for her collection.

The word that is most apt to describe Paddington would, I think, be “nice”. A slightly lazy adjective, I agree, but I use it to give the film high praise: Paddington is a nice, warm and affectionate film and director Paul King shows a clear love for the source material. King has managed to create a film which is well-judged in terms of tone and style: British eccentricity and humour– both in the characters and in the way the film is made – shines through and the script is both funny and touching.

Ben Whishaw gives his voice to Paddington (at one point Colin Firth was cast in the role) and certainly gives the CGI bear half of his life. Paddington's other half of realism is thanks to the incredible visual effects which animate Paddington's fur and movements in such detail, as well as his eyes which are stunningly life-like.

Bonneville is great in the role of Mr Brown and Julie Walters as the housekeeper Mrs Bird is a thrill to watch. Indeed, the whole cast throw themselves into the mad plot and action with great enthusiasm. Scenes of bears floating down staircases in bathtubs and outrunning a knife-throwing taxidermist may be ludicrous, but the film's genuine heart carries the audience along. The combined result of the energetic performances, tight script, amusing set pieces and animal technical wizardry is a real family film. Children will be delighted with the whole thing and there is plenty to keep the adults entertained. So go and borrow a child and...actually, just go on your own if you have to - it'll be worth it!

Clapperboard Rating: * * * *