Paddington

Bringing a beloved character to the screen is a tricky task, laden as it is with the weight of what has come before, and what viewers expect to come forthwith. The stakes increase proportionate to the history of the fictional creation in question, and to the levels of affection it has inspired; more so when both span several generations, and hark back to fond childhood memories.

So it is that the adventures of Paddington Bear reach cinemas, the first movie outing for the cute, cuddly creature initially brought to being in 1958 by author Michael Bond, and seen as animated television fodder since. So it is that Paddington navigates decades of anticipation to become what every adaptation of material for all ages dreams of being: faithful to the source with all the charm that that entails, yet blazing its own inventive way through its new medium. 

For those acquainted with his tale, the details remain much the same, as the marmalade sandwich-loving bear from darkest Peru sets off for London. After tragedy strikes at home, Paddington (voiced by Ben Wishaw, The Zero Theorem) leaves his Aunt Lucy (voiced by Imelda Staunton, Pride) for a brighter future. Alas, the high hopes instilled by an English explorer who once visited his neck of the woods initially appear unfulfilled, and he arrives unwelcomed and alone at the train station that will eventually give him his human name. 

The Brown family – comprised of an overly cautious father (Hugh Bonneville, TV’s Downton Abbey), open-minded mother (Sally Hawkins, Godzilla), standoffish teen daughter Judy (Madeleine Harris, Man Down) and curious son Jonathan (Samuel Joslin, The Impossible) – pass his forlorn form and offer him a place to stay, albeit reluctantly and temporarily. Chaos ensues, as is far from surprising when an animal enters a domestic space; however the biggest trouble stems not from the bear just looking for a home, but from the malicious museum owner (Nicole Kidman, Before I Go To Sleep) searching for an exotic specimen to stuff and display.

From the seamless combination of CGI and animatronics that enlivens the furry figure, to the interweaving of a message of acceptance and belonging with slapstick fish-out-of-water (or bear-out-of-jungle) antics, everything that can go right does in this sweet and whimsical rendering of a character that deserves – and thankfully receives – such fun and thoughtful treatment. Familiar bit-players from the more than twenty books that brought Paddington fame, such as cranky neighbour Mr Curry (Peter Capaldi, Doctor Who) and eccentric shop owner Mr Gruber (Jim Broadbent, Le Week-End), round out a film that is as enamoured with its inspiration as it knows its audience is, and crafts every one of its sights, sounds, jokes and jaunts in the appropriately lively yet tender spirit needed.

Excellent casting further proves a firm asset in this enjoyable caper, especially spot-on voice work from Wishaw as the kindly titular creature. The actor came late to the role after Colin Firth dropped out, but his gentle tones provide an ideal match for the always gorgeous, sometimes gregarious bear. Never over-the-top live action efforts from Bonneville and Hawkins, and smile-worthy cameos from a raft of British talent, further demonstrate the astuteness and amusement of the performances. Kidman’s one-note Cruella de Vil-type villain is the lone cartoonish mis-step, though the actress relishes her bad-guy opportunity.

In assembling such a warm and witty offering, credit and kudos must be levelled at Paul King, Paddington’s director and co-writer with Hamish McColl (Johnny English Reborn). Best known amongst his back catalogue is his work on The Mighty Boosh and The Bunny and the Bull, both offbeat yet endearing, and it is this sensibility that infuses his second feature. Visual flourishes – stepping through the Brown home as a doll’s house, and using hallway artwork of a leafy tree as an indicator of mood, for example – perfect the atmosphere of magical realism, small touches making a big impact. In Paddington, the pithy presentation and playful packaging match the poignant protagonist, and each is a delight.

Rating: 4 stars out of 5