Paddinton 2014

     This film is based on the novels written by Michael Bond.  British explorer Montgomery Clyde traveled on an expedition to darkest Peru and he discovered a group of special bears.  Aunt Lucy, Uncle Pastuzeo and a young bear whose parents had died.  Clyde left behind a special hat for Uncle Pastuzeo.  Later, when there was a terrible earthquake in Peru, Uncle Pastuzeo was killed and Aunt Lucy sent the young bear as a stowaway on a ship heading for London.  Clyde had told the bears that if ever they came to London, they would be most welcome.  The young bear waits at the train station but no one seems to take notice of him.  Finally, much later, the Brown family comes to talk to him and they take him home.  Mrs. Brown would not let the family leave the young bear behind and she names him Paddington after the station.

     I really liked this movie.  It’s very funny, Sally Hawkins is perfect as Mrs. Brown and I thought it was a twist of casting to have Hugh Bonneville from Downton Abbey as Mr. Brown.  They live in a wonderful house with a long curved staircase and the mural of a tree on the wall changes to reflect the mood of the film.  I also liked the animation style of Paddington.  4 ½* (I loved this movie) 

95 min, Comedy directed by Paul King with Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Julie Walters, Madeleine Harris, Samuel Joslin, Nicole Kidman.

Note:  Imdb 7.2 out of 10, 98% critic 81% audience on Rotten Tomatoes, Roger Ebert 3*.

Special Note:  This film was nominated for the Alexander Korda Award from the British Academy Film Awards for Best British film and Best Adapted Screenplay.  Empire Awards nominations were for Best British film and Best Comedy Film with a win for Comedy.  Saturn Awards, Best Fantasy Film South Bank Sky Arts Award for best film is pending.