Flash Movie Review: Paddington
One of the more important acts a parent can instill in a child is the love of reading. There is an art in reading a book to a child. As the words get spoken, images begin to form and take shape in the little one’s mind. Stimulating the brain this way, sets the foundation for an active imagination to grow in the child. A blanket once draped around the shoulders becomes a cape that enables the child to fly from room to room. Spreading that same blanket out on the floor then repeatedly lifting it up and down in waves turns the living room floor into a choppy sea filled with a school of gigantic whales. Once the blanket goes still it becomes the launching pad for today’s rocket launch. Who hasn’t as a kid carried around some item that was special only to them? For me it started out with a stuffed monkey for several years and then my attention was drawn to retractable ballpoint pens. They were my fleet of spaceships that were constantly firing at each other by me clicking and unclicking them. Memories of my childhood, that had been lying dormant, flourished up into my consciousness while watching this sweet and joyful family comedy. COMING from Peru to England Paddington, voiced by Ben Whishaw (Skyfall, I’m not There), found shelter with a lovely family. Mary and Henry Brown, played by Sally Hawkins (Godzilla, Blue Jasmine) and Hugh Bonneville (The Monuments Men, Downton Abbey-TV), agreed to take in the bear for one night. What could possibly go wrong? This movie was an absolute treat, harking back to a civilized and charming time. I mean this in two ways: as a story line and as a movie watching experience. It was obvious this was a group effort because the entire cast from the characters Sally and Hugh played to Mrs. Bird and Millicent, played by Julie Walters (Harry Potter franchise, Mamma Mia) and Nicole Kidman (The Railway Man, Rabbit Hole), all played their parts to the hilt; you could see they were having so much fun. In turn, I had a great time watching this picture; it had drama, comedy, excitement and suspense that was appropriate for all age levels. Even the special effects that created Paddington were seamless to the point where I actually believed he was standing right there in every scene. I cannot imagine anyone sitting through this film and not getting a smile on their face. It was such a good time for me and when it was done and over I walked out of the theater with my childhood memories playing out before my eyes.
3 1/3 stars
Posted on January 20, 2015, in Fantasy/Sci-Fi and tagged 3 1/3 stars, ben whishaw, childhood, comedy, drama, england, family, fantasy, hugh bonneville, julie walters, nicole kidman, sally hawkins. Bookmark the permalink. 17 Comments.
I think I may take my kids to see this. They will be nostalgic for the Britishness of it all and I will be nostalgic for my childhood which is now so long ago it’s become retro.
Oh please, you do not look old enough yet to become retro. lol Great idea to take the kids and please let me know how everyone liked this great film.
Thanks, my blogging buddy! This one looks f-u-n! Much love and naked hugs!
Good to hear from you and I hope the new year brings you an uncluttered, pure naked joy and good health. I hope you get to see this film and I would enjoy hearing your reaction to it. Thanks for stopping by.
When I first saw the trailer for this last week with my teenage daughter, she said “OH! I remember you reading me those books!” This will be a must-see for us when it comes out on DVD or Netflix or some such. Her schedule right now does not allow much time for real theater viewings of anything. Thank you once more for a great review! I’m loving all of them, even if you rate them low. It gives us a good second point of view outside of general media reviews.
Awesome that there is already a personal connection between your family and this movie. I cannot wait for all of you to see it.
This movie looks so cute
It really is; thank you for the comment.
Your more than welcome huni
My children loved the Paddington Bear books. I hope they will take my grandchildren to see this movie. Thanks for the review I had not even heard about the movie.
Oh, how exciting that you read the books to your children. I hope all of you get the chance to see this wonderful film. Thank you for the comments.
I went to see it as I loved the trailer and I love teddies. It is super even without kids. I loved it!
Lol you are so right that anyone can go and see this great film. Thank you for the comments.
I loved this movie. It had elements for kids and adults, as well as some nostalgia for the handful of us over here in the states who actually know anything about Paddington. Throwing in some new wrinkles was nice, too.
Great review, my friend!
So glad you enjoyed this film as much as I did. They really had a great balance of elements that made this a fun watch. Thanks for stopping by to leave your comments.
This was one of my favourite movies from last year. It perfectly captured Paddington, as well as other classic comedy staples from Britain such as Mr Bean. The story was the weakest part… Just give me Paddington getting into minor scrapes and I’ll be happy.
I am so glad this film moved you as much as it did and I agree, it had a wonderful retro feeling to it. Thanks for the comments.