Saturday, June 8, 2019

Paddington

Movie Name: Paddington
Year of Release: 2014
Director: Paul King
Starring: Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Ben Whishaw, Julie Walters, Madeleine Harris, Samuel Joslin, Nicole Kidman, Matt Lucas, Imelda Staunton, Michael Gambon, Peter Capaldi, Jim Broadbent, Kayvan Novak
Genre: Comedy, Adventure, Family
Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 7
View Trailer

Synopsis and Review:
Director Paul King made a name for himself, directing some great British tv comedies, such as "Come Fly with Me". "Paddington" is his second feature film, and is of course an adaptation of the story of the iconic Paddington bear, who was created by author Michael Bond in 1958. The story follows Paddington as he comes from Peru to England, in the hopes of knowing more about the country. His aunt and uncle, both met an English explorer who told them all about London and the affable nature of people there. Following the death of his uncle, and the retirement of his aunt, Paddington is encouraged to come to London and find solace there. Paddington however, finds himself in a train station, lost and with no sense of where to go, that is until Mary Brown discovers him, and decides to bring him home, against her husband's agreement. Mary decides upon the name Paddington, since that's where the young bear has been found. As Paddington tries to locate the explorer who was so kind and friendly to his family, he also becomes a target for Millicent Clyde, a taxidermist working for the Natural History Museum. He has to look for the explorer with the help of the Brown family, in the hopes of finding a new place to live.
"Paddington" is the rare children's film that manages to be comedic without relying on pop culture references or catchy tunes from soon to be forgotten pop mavens. It's a film that is heartwarming, cleverly written and acted, which relies on the combination of heart and physical comedy, that harks back to some of the stunts performed by Buster Keaton for instance. The lovely and sweet bear learns all about the sweetness of the Brown family, who take him in, though initially he is expecting the worse, as he knows no one, and most people in London seem oblivious to his presence. The film is impeccably shot, with fantastic visual effects that render the lovely bear in the scenes with the actors, making the interactions feel authentic. The villain of the story, portrayed by Nicole Kidman, though without much to do, is not a risible caricature, but personifies a darkness and malicious intent without being grotesque or in poor taste. It's a film that is economical in the narrative, but made with such attention to detail, such humor and heart, that is difficult no to surrender to its charm. Sally Hawkins, Hugh Bonneville, Julie Walters, Nicole Kidman and the fantastic Ben Whishaw are all impeccable. Worth watching!

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