Starring: Ben Whishaw, Nicole Kidman, Hugh Bonneville, Peter Capaldi, Sally Hawkins
Director:Paul King
Rating: 4/5
Paddington has been a favourite for many generations from books to television... and now the loveable bear is coming to the big screen this week for the first time.
I was a huge fan of Paddington as a child, and now a new generation is going to be introduced to Michael Bond's creation is brought to life by filmmaker and writer Paul King, who is returning to the director's chair for the first time since Bunny and the Bull in 2009.
Paddington tells the story of the comic misadventures of a young Peruvian bear (voiced by Whishaw) who travels to the city in search of a home.
Finding himself lost and alone, he begins to realize that city life is not all he had imagined - until he meets the kindly Brown family who read the label around his neck that says "Please look after this bear. Thank you," and offer him a temporary haven.
It looks as though his luck has changed until this rarest of bears catches the eye of a museum taxidermist.
If you are looking for the ultimate family friendly movie this side of Christmas, then Paddington has something for everyone. The kids can delight in this terrific character, while mum and dad will get all nostalgic when looking back at a character that they once knew so well.
Paddington is a warm and charming movie that really does stay faithful to Bond's original character and spirit, while putting a 21st century spin on everything.
Whishaw is perfectly cast as the voice of Paddington - stepping in quite late to replace Colin Firth, who stepped down when he thought that his voice was not right for this role. There is something so innocent and childlike about his voice that it really works for this character.
A terrific cast has been assembled for the film, with the likes of Hugh Bonneville and Sally Hawkins clearly revelling in their roles as Mr and Mrs Brown - together they do make a terrific and funny couple.
It is not often that we see Nicole Kidman take on the role of a villain, but she really is terrific as taxidermist Millicent - she is as creepy as she is evil. The kids are going to love her as the villain of the piece.
At ninety-five minutes, Paddington doesn't hang around and it really is a great ride of slapstick set pieces and well as truly heart felt and touching moments.
Paddington looks set to be a sure fire hit this weekend, and it is not hard to see why children and families are going to be swept away by this great and truly charming movie. This is not to be missed!!!
Paddington is out now.
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