'Paddington' an Endearing 1990s-Style Film (IANS Movie Review)
Jan 17,2015
Film: "Paddington"; Cast: Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Samuel Joslin, Madeleine Harris, Nicole Kidman, Jim Broadbent, Julie Walters and Peter Capaldi; Voiceovers by: Ben Whishaw, Michael Gambon and Imelda Staunton; Director: Paul King; Rating: ***
"Paddington" is a light-hearted adventure film for children with engaging twists and turns. The gentle moments intersped wigh the cute action scenes have a universal appeal.
Director Paul King's "Paddington" is based on the long-running children's book series from renowned author Michael Bond, which was first published in 1958. With a cleverly embellished back story which in fact is an acknowledged, immigration allegory, the director has skillfully updated the tale while remaining faithful to the original book.
"Paddington" is the story of a young orphan, stowaway, bear on a boat from 'Darkest Peru' who lands up in London seeking to be adopted by a home, carrying a suitcase and a label round his neck.
While at the railway station, he discovers that London and its people are not what he had imagined to be. He is initially taken aback with their indifference. He soon finds the Brown family who is willing to take him in and look after him, albeit for just a little while. The kind-hearted Mrs. Brown (Sally Hawkins), a children's book illustrator who has a soft corner for the bear, names him after the station. She coaxes Mr. Brown (Hugh Bonneville), her concerned insurance-assessor husband and kids; the sulky teen Judy (Madeleine Harris) and tween geek Jonathan (Samuel Joslin), to let Paddington move in with them and their elderly relative Mrs. Bird (Julie Walters) until he finds an alternate accomadation. This is when everyone's adventure begins.
Outgoing and adorable, Paddington has an innocent way about him when he inadvertently gets into trouble. He reminds you of a child learning new things. And this is evident from his first adventure itself when he accidentally catches a pickpocket and ends up as a celebrity on his first outing in London.
The film caters to children and would be enjoyed by adults alike. It is a family film with several messages and one of the messages 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. This is beautifully correlated with, "In London everyone is different and they all fit in" and "Family stick together."
With the right intonation, Ben Whishaw's voice suits Paddington to perfection. Equally convincing are Imelda Staunton and Michael Gambon as Paddington's Aunt Lucy and Uncle Pastuzo.
On the performance front, the actors slip into their roles with apt precision except for Nicole Kidman. She portrays the antagonist, taxidermist Millicent, who is determined to add Paddington to her collection of stuffed animals. With garish outfits and a bit over the top performance, she is a laugh.
The gags, visual puns and imaginative framing devices along with scene transitions that are especially used for flashbacks, are so reminiscent of the 1990s style, that the film offers a preserving sense of easygoing sweetness.
Visually, there is perfect combination of computer generated images and live-action which results in a very real and life-like drama that is pleasing to all.
Top Stories
Vijay's 'Jana Nayagan' Creates Box Office Storm: Two Major Tamil Films Postponed as Fans Celebrate Thalapathy's Final Movie
Jul 16,2026
The excitement surrounding Thalapathy Vijay's highly anticipated film 'Jana Nayagan' has reached unprecedented levels ahead of its July 23, 2026 release. Widely believed to be Vijay's final film before entering full-time politics, the movie has prompted two Tamil filmmakers to postpone
Salman Khan’s New House Approved: Is He Finally Leaving Galaxy Apartments After 52 Years?
Jun 30,2026
Rumours about Salman Khan leaving his iconic Galaxy Apartments residence have been making headlines after reports claimed the Bollywood superstar was preparing to move into a new luxury home in Bandra. However, the reality is quite different. While the Khan family's sea-facing Bandra prop
Security Breach Involving Arbaaz Khan: Intruder Jumps Into Actor’s Car, Removed by Bouncer
Jun 17,2026
Actor Arbaaz Khan recently found himself at the center of a security scare during a public event in Kolkata. A video from the incident has gone viral on social media, showing an unidentified man allegedly forcing his way into the actor's car as he was leaving the venue.The unexpected inci
‘Happy Birthday to the Queen’: Priyanka Chopra Shares Special Birthday Wish for Mother Madhu Chopra
Jun 17,2026
Global star Priyanka Chopra Jonas melted hearts on social media after sharing a special birthday message for her mother, Dr. Madhu Chopra. The actress took to Instagram Stories to celebrate her mother's birthday and expressed gratitude for her constant guidance and support.The heartfelt p
Kangana Ranaut Breaks Silence on ‘Don 3’ Controversy, Says ‘Ranveer Singh Is Being Targeted After Dhurandhar’
Jun 12,2026
Bollywood actress and politician Kangana Ranaut has once again sparked discussion with her comments on the controversy surrounding Ranveer Singh and his reported exit from Don 3. Speaking in a recent interview, Kangana suggested that Ranveer may have been unfairly targeted following the su
Anupam Kher Scolds David Dhawan Over Retirement Rumors: "Who Are You to Decide..."
Jun 04,2026
Veteran Bollywood filmmaker David Dhawan has returned to the director’s chair after a gap of six years. However, what has surprised fans even more is his announcement that his upcoming film Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani will reportedly be his final directorial venture before retirement.But
'Bad breath from her mouth...' When Bobby Deol refused to film an intimate scene with Manisha Koirala, the reason will leave you stunned.
Jun 03,2026
Bollywood actor Bobby Deol recently opened up about several funny behind-the-scenes moments from the early phase of his film career, including playful pranks on co-stars Twinkle Khanna, Rani Mukerji, and Manisha Koirala.The actor made these revelations during his appearance on the popular
Kangana Ranaut Recalls 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attack Night: ‘We Were Dancing and Suddenly…’
Jun 03,2026
Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut recently opened up about her personal memories from the night of the devastating 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks while promoting her upcoming film Bharat Bhagya Vidhata.During the trailer launch event of the film, Kangana revealed that she was attending a party
Entertainment News
'Bad breath from her mouth...'
Jun 03,2026
Kangana Ranaut Recalls 26/11 M
Jun 03,2026
Cocktail 2 Trailer Out: Shahid
Jun 02,2026
Bobby Deol Reveals Who Can Pla
Jun 02,2026
‘She Was Faking It’: Madhu
Jun 02,2026