A young Peruvian bear moves to London, England where a family of four reluctantly takes him in.
As Paddington, who is given the name of the train station where he was first met, clumsily falls into their hearts via one small disaster after another, the family adopts the talking bear as one of their own.
Paddington is looking all over London for the explorer that first discovered his species and left behind the signature red hat he wears. But a mean taxidermist wants Paddington stuffed for her collection.
We say, “It’s the most fun we’ve had with a talking bear.”
TAYLOR: Did either of you get that this is a poignant British liberal commentary about immigration?
FENIN: What’s he talking about dad? He’s using his big words again.
HOWE: It’s alright Fenin, all that the readers want to know is if you enjoyed Paddington and why.
FENIN: It was really good, it made me sad and then very happy. The sad part was when he had to leave his family and move to a new country, Paddington seemed really scared. But the adventures he got up to were funny. I really liked the part with the bath coming down the stairs.
TAYLOR: Some talking bears are just rude, but not Paddington. He’s a perfect furry gentleman, albeit accident prone.
I thought he looked quite like a cartoon, not at all like a real bear, but was nevertheless adorable and acceptable.
HOWE: I wasn’t really looking forward to Paddington. I had seen the trailers and thought it was going to be way too cute and cuddly. Within the first few minutes of the opening scene, it had changed my mind completely. It has everything in it that a great family movie requires, so much so that I may have to watch it again.
TAYLOR: It’s also silly, which works. There are many different types of jokes in it.
The plot and the script are cookie cutter, predictable schmaltz, but the players and the snappy, modern direction of Paul King (The Mighty Boosh) keep things moving and suck you in. I found myself feeling sorry for the young bear and then worrying about him, “Look out, Paddington!” Which made me feel silly, but says something about the film.
HOWE: The script isn’t crude, relying on toilet humour or being spiteful like some other kid’s flicks nowadays, yet it will also keep the adults entertained. The acting is great, but I wouldn’t expect any different from Hugh Bonneville, Julie Walters or Jim Broadbent, some of England’s greatest.
Nicole Kidman was great as the nasty taxidermist, she comes across like a panto baddie, way over-the-top in a good way.
FENIN: May I have some marmalade on toast, please dad?
Taylor gives Paddington 4 bouzouki players out of 5.
Howe gives it 4.5 painted trees out of 5.
Fenin gives it 5 marmalade sarnies out of 5.
Paddington is playing at Galaxy Cinemas in Vernon.
