Paddington (2014) [Blu-ray]
Comedy | Family
From the beloved novels by Michael Bond and producer David Heyman (Harry Potter), Paddington tells the story of the comic misadventures of 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 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.
Storyline: A young Peruvian bear with a passion for all things British travels to London in search of a home. Finding himself lost and alone at Paddington Station, he begins to realize that city life is not all he had imagined -
until he meets the kind Brown family, who read the label around his neck ('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. Written by Marmalade Films
Reviewer's Note: Reviewed by Martin Liebman, April 17, 2015 -- From the pages of the beloved children's literature books comes Paddington, the story of a walking, talking little bear who, after tragedy strikes in his
native land of Peru, seeks new beginnings in London. The character, created in 1958 by the talents of Writer Michael Bond and Illustrator Peggy Fortnum, has become a childhood favorite, a well-journeyed figure whose books dot library and bedroom shelves
the world over, entertaining children while also teaching the basics of politeness through mild misadventure and even instilling an eagerness to sample Marmalade. Now, the character comes to full life in a combination live action/digital film that sees
the lovable bear seamlessly integrated into the real world where, like in the books, he finds himself caught up in a series of misadventures while in search of a proper home. Director Paul King has crafted a simple and linear, albeit joyous and
comfortable, little film that brings the beloved character to life with a sense of realism and charm that's not only a tremendous feat of digital magic but also a testament to the power of basic, heartfelt, and family oriented storytelling.
An English explorer named Montgomery Clyde (Tim Downie) journeys through Peru and comes across a new species of bear that, despite outward appearances, seems more human than Ursidae. They are capable of speech, basic interaction, and develop a taste for
Marmalade. Clyde leaves them be but assures them that they'll always find a warm welcome in rainy London. Some time later, a young bear cub (voiced by Ben Whishaw) lives with his aunt and uncle. An earthquake destroys their home; cub and aunt are safe but
the uncle is lost in the chaos. The cub sets out for London in search of a new life. After some time waiting in the train station, with only his uncle's red hat, an emergency Marmalade sandwich, and a tag asking for a home, he's taken in by the kindly
Brown family. Mother Mary (Sally Hawkins) insists, the kids (Madeleine Harris and Samuel Joslin) seem on the fence, and overprotective father Henry (Hugh Bonneville) wants nothing to do with bear that Mary names "Paddington." The family takes him in on a
temporary basis until he can track down the kindly Mr. Clyde, but he grows fond of the Browns and they him. Meanwhile, an evil taxidermist named Millicent (Nicole Kidman) learns of Paddington's existence and becomes determined to do whatever she must to
have him as her own.
Structurally, Paddington isn't particularly original. It follows a simple, approachable formula of good intentions gone awry, questions and doubts turned into support and friendship, and a weaselly, comically unscrupulous, but
not-particularly-scary villain to introduce a little danger and serve as a facilitator for the good feelings that grow out of the Paddington-Brown family relationship. The picture opens with a bit of legitimate emotional upheaval as Paddington finds his
world literally torn apart and leaves home for London (one might question his decision to ditch a grieving aunt when she needs his love and companionship the most, something that might mildly bother some audiences) and plays through a series of
predictably occurring but unpredictable specific bits of mischief that see Paddington struggle to adapt to his new environment, though lucky him, several of his misadventures will prove beneficial through the course of the film and in his battle with
Millicent. At its center, however, is a hugely charming, easily embraceable, effortlessly paced, and family appropriate film that viewers of all ages should find a pleasant experience.
From a technical perspective, the movie is also a success. Paddington looks marvelous, staggeringly so, even. Every bit of fur moves organically, the facial expressions are precise, the eyes are deep and honest, the movement and body language are
effortless and descriptive, and his trademark attire -- the blue jacket and red hat -- sit on him with a natural sense of volume and realistic flow. The immersion into the human world is seamless; character interaction is perfect, be it human reacting to
him or Paddington reacting to humans. Not all of the effects are top-notch, however; dripping, runny Marmalade, for example, looks shiny and flows inorganically, but it's a small complaint in an otherwise precise, much more beautiful bigger picture. The
cast is unsurprisingly strong. Ben Whishaw's Paddington voice is a perfect match both in terms of delivery and matching up with the looks and emotions the digital bear expresses throughout. Hugh Bonneville is marvelous as the film's burgeoning hero, and
Sally Hawkins turns in a sweet, welcoming performance. Nicole Kidman turns heel very well, finding just the right balance between villainous and approachable, a perfect character realization for a movie aimed at the younger demographic.
Paddington is a bear hug-able movie that isn't particularly original -- it's based on an old favorite book franchise and moves through a series of predictable ups, downs, adventures, conflicts, and burgeoning family ties -- but it's honest,
heartfelt, and safe for the entire family. The cast is good and the digital effects are generally top-notch. Altogether, this is one of the finest live action-meets-digital character Family films in recent years and one that families will want on their
home video shelves. Anchor Bay's Blu-ray release of Paddington features excellent video and audio. Supplements are unfortunately limited to a few brief featurettes and a music video. Highly recommended.
[CSW] -3.5- The film is based on the "Paddington Bear" children's books by Michael Bond; and is live action except for the computer generated visuals of Paddington. It really matters little if you're a fan of Bond's books because someone who only knows
Paddington as a cuddly bear or someone who has never heard of this marmalade-loving, talking bear will love it just as much. "Paddington" is a big, warm bear hug of a film. It is a family film that has humor for kids AND adults without being overly
pandering or unnecessarily innuendo-filled. The movie is so quintessentially British that it reminded me of some of the best bits of Mary Poppins and Bed Knobs and Broomsticks without being a musical. It is a delightful and charming family
film that has appeal for all age groups.
[V4.5-A4.5] MPEG-4 AVC - No D-Box.
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