My friend and I (both 50s women) loved the movie. We’ve been to London twice so it brought back memories of the fun we had there. And Paddington was such a loveable, squishable, fun, mischievous bear. I admit I got a little teary when his uncle didn’t make it, and was on tenterhooks when the bad lady was chasing him. I will definitely see it again.
I’ll admit that I had my doubts because the trailer was pretty horrible, but Mom wanted to see a film and it was either that or Strange Magic (perish the thought), so we went, and I found it incredibly charming. Stylistically, it borrows a lot from Wes Anderson, but in a good way, and the visual touches Hermione mentioned (to which I’d add the tree mural lining the Browns’ staircase) were playful. But the heart of the film was the relationships and the acting, especially Sally Hawkins, was top-notch.
Interestingly, a very different film with Hawkins and Jim Broadbent is nominated for an Oscar this year–the live action short film The Phone Call. Check it out if the shorts programs are in a theater near you.
Just curious: how much is Peter Capaldi in it? Not really interested in the movie by itself, but I like Capaldi so if he’s in it a fair bit I might have to take a look.
He’s got a small role as a neighbor of the Browns who falls for Kidman so helps her in her scheme to capture Paddington. He’s funny enough but it’s a role he could do in his sleep.
I was familiar with Paddington, but didn’t remember a lot of the detals of the stories.
I didn’t want to like it, but I was bored, had a free movie ticket (and free popcorn! :D) and an afternoon off, so what the heck.
I really enjoyed the movie. I loved the visual effects- the bright colors, the house, London, etc.- and the little things, like the “house band.” Hugh Bonneville and Sally Hawkins really put it over the top for me.
I thought it was really sweet and charming, and more thoughtful than I had expected.