Paddington – A great Adventure! Lots of Twists and Turns and an Adorable Character
From the producers of Harry Potter comes this 21st Century version of Paddington with all the charm that this classic character deserves. The storyline follows a young Peruvian bear who travels to London in search of a home. Finding himself lost and alone at Paddington Station, he meets the kindly Brown family, who offer him a temporary haven. KIDS FIRST! Critics Gerry O. comments, “This movie has a nice core of humor with an intriguing story that is intense, but lighthearted too. Breathtaking special effects, animation and a strong feel of adventure round out the show.” Brianna Hope B adds, “Paddington is so outgoing and adorable. You can’t help but love this bear. He has an innocent way about him, but still is a little mischievous and gets into trouble.” See their full reviews below.
Paddington
Reviewed by Brianna Hope B. KIDS FIRST! Critic, age 15
Paddington is a great adventure, with lots of twists and turns. This film is playful, comedic, enjoyable and definitely a great film for friends and family.
Paddington (Ben Whishaw, voice) is a rare breed of bear that travels all alone to London. He wants to find a home after his is destroyed. While there, he discovers that it’s not what he expects, but finds a family that’s willing to take him in and look after him for just a little while. This is when everyone’s adventure begins.
Paddington is so outgoing and adorable. You can’t help but love this bear. He has an innocent way about him, but still is a little mischievous and gets into trouble. His visual effects and fur looks very real and life-like. Nicole Kidman’s character (Millicent) is very determined to add Paddington to her collection of stuffed animals. She will stop at nothing to get him. She’s fierce, frightening and intimidating. I love the story line, humor, and definitely the action. I liked that the climax of this film is very unpredictable and shocks the audience. My favorite character would have to be Paddington. He truly thinks of the wellbeing of others and his curiosity is adorable. He reminds you of a child learning new things. A scene that I would call my favorite is when Paddington tries to return a wallet to a man that dropped out of his packet while walking out of an antique shop. Paddington chases him, trying to get the wallet to him. Finally he catches up with the man by falling on him from the air. When he falls on the man they both tumble down and about 30 wallets fall out of the man’s coat. Paddington catches a pickpocket and ends up in the paper on his first day in London. It’s a very comical scene that makes the audience crack up.
One of the messages of this film is that families are not just made up by the people who are related to us, but friends and even animals can be a part of our family.
I recommend Paddington for ages 8 to 16. However it’s great for the whole family and anyone who loves Bears. It’s rated PG and there’s nothing really you would need to look out for.
I give it 5 out of 5 stars. It’s a great film that makes you feel good. Paddington arrives in theaters on January 16th, so please check it out.
Paddington
By Gerry O., KIDS FIRST! Critic, age 12
From the producers of the Harry Potter franchise comes another children’s film that many families will love for its humor, storyline, special effects and of course – the Bear! Paddington will be loved by families everywhere.
This movie has a nice core of humor with an intriguing story that is intense, but lighthearted too. Breathtaking special effects, animation and a strong feel of adventure round out the show.
The story starts when a very intelligent family of bears is sadly separated. An earthquake happens and the aunt must send her young nephew to London for a better home. After arriving in London, this young bear is taken in by a family but immediately starts running into challenges of fitting in to the human world.
This film is wonderful. I love the cast – lots of talented and wonderful people. Ben Wishaw plays the voice of Paddington and is excellent at making his character seem adorable and innocent, yet smart and caring at the same time. The humor is off-the-charts amazing and the camera angles and shots are one-of-a-kind. Some shots I could not get over and had to watch again and again.
My favorite scene is when Paddington tries to say his name to Mr. Brown, who is kind of the father of the family. But, Paddington says it in bear language. When Mr. Brown tries to repeat it, Paddington looks horrified and says, “How Rude!” It is a funny and lighthearted scene and kind of sets the right mood for this funny film.
This film is diffidently meant for kids but adults will enjoy it as well. I recommend it for ages 8 to 18 and give it 5 out of 5 stars.
