From Out of Peru and into England, a Bear Finds a New Habitat

Paddington (voiced by Ben Whishaw) in "Paddington"

Paddington Bear was a very beloved children's-book character to me when growing up.  This adorable bear, with his red explorer's hat and blue duffle coat, still holds a special place in my heart.  I am extremely pleased to say that in director Paul King's “Paddington,” he delivers a charming and fun film that's every bit as entertaining for adults as it is for children.

Deep in the jungles of Peru, an English explorer by the name of Montgomery Clyde (Tim Downie) comes across a home belonging to two bears, Lucy and Pastuzo (voiced by Imelda Staunton and Michael Gambon).  Decades later, their nephew, Paddington (voiced by Ben Whishaw), comes to live with them.  After an earthquake destroys their home and supposedly kills Uncle Pastuzo, Aunt Lucy has Paddington go on a cargo ship that’s heading to London, where he will try and find a home, while she moves into a community for retired bears.

Upon arriving in London, Paddington is taken in by Mr. and Mrs. Brown (Hugh Bonneville and Sally Hawkins) and their two children (Madeleine Harris and Samuel Joslin).  While living with them, Paddington begins a search for the explorer who visited his family long ago, all the while being pursued by a dastardly taxidermist (Nicole Kidman), who wants him for her museum collection.

All of the performances from the cast members show that they must have exhibited a wonderful deal of enthusiasm when making the film, and it is a complete delight to see talented actors and actresses be involved in bringing the story of this bear to the big screen.  The ease with which the cast members perform alongside the CGI bear is further evidence of their superb acting abilities.

The film’s settings are gorgeously detailed, such as the jungles of Peru, the Brown family's home, and an antique shop that Paddington and Mrs. Brown visit.  The beauty of these settings is one of several factors in the film that call to mind the imaginative spark that Paddington creator Michael Bond put into his books.

Paul King and Hamish McColl have written a screenplay that, thankfully, doesn't lower itself to childish humor, but instead provides jokes that audiences of all ages can embrace.  The story is both funny and heartwarming, one that is written in such a way that it seems as though Bond wrote the screenplay himself.

Director King fully captures the magic of Bond's book series, allowing older viewers to enjoy and reminisce about their own childhood experiences with Paddington, while also introducing the lovable character to a younger generation of readers and moviegoers.  I have to admit, after seeing the film, I wanted to revisit the books. 

As people who are familiar with Paddington know, the note that he wears around his neck when arriving in London says, “Please look after this bear.  Thank you.”  It’s safe to say that King took these words to heart with his handling of this adored bear. 

Final grade: A