Tim Downie

Paddington is utterly brilliant for adults and kids

By Jenny Alvarez

Photos by Alfonso De Elias

From the beloved novels by Michael Bond and producer David Heyman (Harry Potter), Paddington (voiced by Ben Whishaw) is a young Peruvian bear 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 but his luck has changed until this rare talking bear catches the eye of a museum taxidermist (Nicole Kidman). During 1 hr. 35 min. this family film, full of comic sequences and locations from London makes it very touching and inventive to all the viewers. The film features an entirely computer-generated bear who interacts with a cast of esteemed actors such as Tim Downie, Ben Whishaw, Sally Hawkins, Hugh Bonneville, Madeleine Harris, a film that is  full of European jokes.

People shall be enjoying the full cinematic experience and will laugh out loud during the funny bits. Even some are not keen on marmalade, the film is beautifully made (if a little cheesy) and a fitting homage to the character. Nicole Kidman particularly plays a the suited and booted Millicent taxidermist who determines to acquire him for the collection at the Natural History Museum. Her role is a great chance to play another baddie that attracted her to the project, especially for kids. She is a great actress who seems like she is trying too hard.

Paddington appears to be full of knowing winks and grimaces to the camera but the film has a wonderful message of tolerance for people (and bears) coming to the UK for a better life and contributing to British society.