IN a Peruvian jungle, explorer Montgomery Clyde befriends an extraordinary bear species hitherto unknown to science. It can speak human-speak. Its preferred diet is marmalade sandwiches.
Clyde assures Mr and Mrs Bear that their family will always find a welcome in London.
The first live-action feature starring Michael Bond’s literary creation that has delighted children since 1958 on page and TV screen, is a warmly affectionate rendition of how a little orphan bear was finding London rather less welcoming than Clyde had promised.
Then, as he sat alone and feeling low at Paddington Station late one night, an arriving train disgorged the Brown family.
Mr and Mrs Brown (Hugh Bonneville and Sally Hawkins), their children Judy and Jonathan and housekeeper Mrs Bird (Julie Walters) live in a pleasant London suburb. Opposite lives nosey-parker Curry (Peter Capaldi) whom the mysterious Millicent (ash-blonde-wigged Nicole Kidman) enlists to report on comings and goings at the Brown residence, particularly the bear.
The family has taken Paddington to its heart although Father’s doubts rack up the tension for a while. When Millicent reveals her nefarious intentions, the tensions increase. Will Paddington meet a terrible end?
I smiled constantly and laughed often at the antics that writer/director Paul King devised for the film. Only the rankest curmudgeon could fail to take pleasure from it. The coming holiday season offers several films ostensibly for children. “Paddington” merits top position on every family’s list.
At all cinemas
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