In this film we see Paddington (Ben Whishaw) needing to get a present for his Aunt Lucy's birthday. A unique pop-up book in an antique shop catches his eye, and he sets about doing whatever he can to earn money to make the purchase. The book, however, also catches the eye of renowned thespian Buchanan (Hugh Grant) who theives the book and lets Paddington take the fall. Yes, that's right. The adorable bear is heading to prison. You see, this isn't an ordinary pop-up book. It is full of clues that lead to a grand treasure.
Paddington has a way of causing mild catastrophes around him whenever he attempts to do something. This means that it is not long before his antics get him in the bad books of all the prisoners. But, Paddington is all about that charm that was mentioned in the first paragraph. He is befriended by the nefarious Knuckles McGinty (Brendan Gleeson), and soon the entire prison is a much nicer place as the influence of Paddington seeps its way throughout. While all of this is happening, the Brown family, who he lives with, are trying to clear his name.
The script for this movie is one of the kindest pieces of work that could be found. It is such a good natured ride, and, while it does dip into sadness a few times, it never betrays the positive. In a movie about a human-like bear in a red hat it would be easy for the actors to play as though they are just in another family movie. We have Mary (Sally Hawkins) and Henry Brown (Hugh Bonneville) as the parents, and these are two serious powerhouses of acting. Hawkins is just coming off an Oscar nomination for The Shape of Water, and Bonneville was the man of the manor in Downton Abbey. These two, along with every single actor in the film, throw themselves into the roles. The way they are acting, Paddington is real. It is this that really sells the film, as the actors are so invested in treating this properly that we forget that Paddington is nothing but computer imaging. Director Paul King makes sure that these aren't people showing up to get paid, but people who legitimately seem to care about making one heck of a film.
Bringing the bear to life is done by some really great special effects. These aren't necessarily the kind that are pushing the boundaries and are going to be nominated for an Oscar. They do something better than some of the crispest images found in a Michael Bay movie. They capture emotions. We gain so much insight into Paddington's emotions through technical subtleties in his face, as well as in his overall body posture. There is one scene of Paddington with his shoulders drooping that really hits home. The people working on these effects deserve a lot of credit for what they have done.
This may not be the deepest, thought provoking family movie out there, but the fact that it does what it does so well is reason enough for this movie to be held in company with some of the best films out there. Paddington and his shenanigans is like the Three Stooges were crossed with a happy-go-lucky unicorn that speaks bird songs and farts cotton candy, while being raised by Mr. Dressup in a Wes Anderson story. Children will fall in love with Paddington, and the true sincerity of the film should be kryptonite for adults, yanking them back to their wonder years. There is great laughter to be had, a caper, and a character named Knuckles McGinty, played by the ever great Brendan Gleeson. Regardless of your age, this is a recommendation that you should check out.
Rating - 4 out of 4 stars
This is a big giant goofy grin movie and like you, I appreciate how kind-hearted and gentle it was all the way through. Paddington makes friends everywhere he goes and shows the power of treating people well. I do think you shortchanged Hugh Grant who is a magnificent villian and having an absolute blast at poking fun at his real life (perceived) persona. A real charmer.
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