From “deepest darkest Peru” comes the movie “Paddington.” The
bear with the crumpled felt hat and coat, suitcase and
perpetual love of orange marmalade makes the transition
beautifully from Michael Brown’s 20 Paddington Bear books to
the screen.
The story begins when an earthquake destroys the idyllic home
of Paddington’s family. His Aunt Lucy packs the young bear up
with a note that says, “Please look after this bear. Thank
you.”
Aunt Lucy hopes that Paddington will find the kindly explorer
who made an open invitation to the family years ago to visit
London.
After he arrives in London, Paddington picks up with the
Brown family much to the chagrin of Mr. Brown, played by
“Downton Abbey’s” Hugh Bonneville. He’s chased around London
by an evil taxidermist, Millicent, played by Nicole Kidman.
The special effect that makes Paddington and his family come
alive is phenomenal. The movie pokes some fun at Kidman’s
ex-husband Tom Cruise with certain “Mission Impossible”
jibes. There’s also a little homage paid to the Indiana Jones
series.
The movie was produced by David Heyman of Harry Potter fame,
and a few of the actors from that series appear, like Julie
Walters (Mrs. Bird) and Jim Broadbent (Mr. Gruber). Fans of
the British science fiction television series “Dr. Who” will
recognize the new Who, Peter Capaldi (Mr. Curry).
It’s a wonderful family film that adults will like too. The
movie is rated PG. There is some slightly gross humor related
to ear wax, plus the potential stuffing of beloved Paddington
could be upsetting to younger children.
