PADDINGTON: Starring Hugh Bonneville, Nicole Kidman, Sally Hawkins, Peter Capaldi, Julie Walters and Ben Whishaw as the voice of Paddington. Directed by Paul King. Rated G. 95 minutes
By Veronica Kopinski
IT’S rare that a touted “family” film can create the right balance and live up to its genre classification by genuinely entertaining both children and adults alike.
But Paddington, the first film adaptation of Michael Bond’s classic book series, is sure to delight audiences young and old.
The live-action feature film brings the beloved bear to life through mesmerising CGI, while the heart-warming narrative unfolds against a backdrop of wanderlust-worthy scenery.
The film opens with “archival footage” of a 20th Century English explorer trekking through the jungles of South America, where he discovers two wild bears displaying remarkably human intellect and behaviour.
He teaches the animals to speak, introduces them to Marmalade and invites them to London, where he promises they will always find a home.
The narrative jumps to present day to reveal the aged, grey-furred bears enjoying an idyllic life in deepest, darkest Peru with their young nephew, Paddington. Though years have past, the older bears continue to reminisce about the mysterious explorer and dream of travelling to London to take up his welcoming offer.
It is clear that Paddington has inherited their love of all things British, also.
So when an earthquake destroys the family’s tree house and leaves Paddington homeless and heartbroken, the young bear stows away on a shipping container bound for London.
He eventually arrives at Paddington station (from which he takes his name) and is reluctantly taken in by the Browns.
Paddington’s temporary stay initially creates a divide between the household members, putting an even greater strain on the already tense family relationships.
But while Paddington’s chaotic and comical mishaps damage and tear the Brown house apart, his presence in their lives gradually brings the family closer together.
The amusing misadventures continue as Paddington determinedly trails through London, searching for the legendary explorer who visited Peru decades ago.
However, stakes are raised when a coldblooded taxidermist catches sight of the rare bear and begins a ruthless pursuit to turn him into a stuffed display at the Natural History Museum.
Older viewers will appreciate the surprisingly well-crafted narrative, cleverly littered with seemingly inconsequential references and comments that eventually play a crucial role in the climax of the film.
While slapstick gags and toilet humour will no doubt get big laughs from younger viewers, even the most mature of adults will find it difficult to stifle a chuckle or two at the ridiculous situations the polite and good-intentioned bear finds himself in.
Paddington is a perfect film for families to see during the Christmas holidays.
It will surely satisfy those who have grown up with Paddington books and toys while inspiring a whole new generation of fans.
Paddington will be in cinemas from December 11.
For your chance to win a Paddington prize pack, click here.
