London is the place for me

I’ve only ever seen two films twice at the cinema. One was Mission: Impossible 3, which was entirely accidental (I hadn't even seen the previous two films, and still haven't). The other was Paddington, and it was entirely of my own free will.

Michael Bond’s Paddington books were my favourites when I was a young child; I chortled away at them until tears ran down my face. So when I heard they were making a big screen CGI version of my favourite bear, I was a little apprehensive. However, having heard good things from others who had seen it, noting its impressive cast list and that Bond had given his blessing to the film, even appearing in a brief cameo, I decided to brave it.

I had no need to worry.  The film is utterly charming from start to finish.  The CGI Paddington is endearing and perfectly voiced by Ben Whishaw, in all his hat-wearing politeness, and the story itself stays true to spirit of the original tales.

As is the fashion with films these days, it opens with a backstory for our ursine hero in Darkest Peru, with his Aunt Lucy and Uncle Pastuzo, and a British explorer, who manages to civilise the bears through marmalade and talk of a London that will always give them a warm welcome.  The gentle satirising of Britishness begins within the first few minutes and is littered throughout the film.  An earthquake that ruins the bears' home is the catalyst for Paddington to stow away on a cargo ship headed for London in search of that warm welcome.  However, when he arrives at Paddington station he is disappointed to find a London where “hardly anyone wear a hat or says hello.”

Fortunately, the young bear is taken in by the Brown family, played superbly in their eccentricities by Hugh Bonneville, as Mr Brown, who likes all his stationary in order, and Sally Hawkins, as Mrs Brown, an illustrator who struggles to keep her emotions in check.  Julie Walters puts in an excellent turn as Mrs Bird (in the books the Browns' housekeeper, but here an elderly relative) who likes everything ship-shape, keeps a hoover for all occasions and doesn’t trust the microwave.  Madeleine Harris and Samuel Joslin are also excellent as Judy and Jonathan.  ("You have literally just brought home a random bear", says Judy, aghast with teenage horror.)

As Mr Brown scrambles to get a bear added to his home insurance, mayhem ensues, from a spot of bother with the facilities, to a misunderstanding with a pickpocket and a mishap on the escalators in the Underground.  The slapstick is never overplayed and Paddington's genuine good intentions mean it never grates.  Jim Broadbent as Mr Gruber adds a touch of magic too, with his labyrinth of an antique shop and his train set delivering tea.

To add drama to the story, Nicole Kidman plays a villainous taxidermist out for revenge, aided by creepy nextdoor neighbour, Mr Curry (Peter Capaldi, in a wonderful cringe-worthy turn).  When Paddington finds his life in danger, the Brown family realise that they need Paddington every bit as much as he needs them, and band together to set out and rescue him.  (Supplying the 'mild peril' which, along with a flirtatious security guard and a spot of cross dressing, earned the film its scandalous PG certification).

The soundtrack is provided in part by D Lime, a Cuban band who perform live in the film, encapsulating the vibrant multicultural atmosphere of the London that Paddington comes to embrace - a place where “nobody’s alike, which means everyone fits in.”

Lessons about immigration aside, Paddington is an absolute delight, with plenty of humour for children and adults alike.  If you want something to make you chuckle and warm your heart this Easter, look no further.  This bear has been well and truly looked after.

Paddington was released on DVD today.