The Film
Winnie the Pooh, Fozzie Bear, Baloo, and Yogi; there have been a lot of bears in movies over the years. That's why it's so amazing that it took so long for Michael Bond's Paddington to make it to the big screen. However, it was totally worth the wait.
That's pretty surprising, too. Because in June 2014, when it was announced that Colin Firth would not be voicing the title role in Paddington (as was originally planned), it didn't seem like a good sign. Ben Whishaw (Skyfall) makes for a cute, cuddly replacement, though. That's certainly important, but Paddington's story is just as enchanting.
And there's plenty of that as well. After an earthquake rocks his rainforest home, Paddington is put on a ship to London, where he is to... well, what exactly? Apparently, there are people are looking to adopt walking, talking bears in the big city.
Dad Henry (Downton Abbey's Hugh Bonneville) isn't so keen on the idea of having a bear in the house. However, mom Mary (Sally Hawkins) and kids Judy (Madeleine Harris) and Jonathan (Samuel Joslin) seem a bit more welcoming. Of course, bear hijinks aren't enough to fill an entire movie, so we have Nicole Kidman, who plays taxidermist Millicent Clyde. See where this is heading? Yes, Millicent seems to take a lot of cues from "Cruella de Vil's Guide to Evil," as she's looking (and scheming) to add the cuddly Paddington to her collection of stuffed animals.
There are a few hairy moments for little kids here and really, the trailer for this movie didn't do it any favors. However, Paddington is a surprising little treat for the entire family. Expect this fuzzy little bear to leave you with a lot of warm fuzzies.
The Picture
Cute, cuddly, furry and filled with eye-popping colors, Paddington has a surprisingly nice 2.39:1 image. What makes it so surprising is how well our main character's CGI/animatronics blend into his real-life surroundings. It's hard to pinpoint which part is most impressive: the detailed fur on Paddington and his extended family or the colors of the forest and city of London. Greens, browns and blacks are all gorgeous, as are the brighter colors, most notably in Paddington's red hat and blue coat. Okay, it's probably the fur that's the biggest standout. It just never fails to impress and is in just about every shot of the movie. There are plenty of other awesome details to ogle here as well. Bear-y impressive, indeed.
The Sound
Although the film's music is the main star in this DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, there are plenty of interesting, immersive effects. The opening earthquake, the thunderstorm, the hustle and bustle of London, general bathroom mayhem, and hotel hijinks all provide plenty of immersive moments. The dialogue is crystal clear as well, whether it's Paddington talking, the other bears, the family, or anyone else.
The Extras
Final Thoughts
Paddington is a surprisingly sweet film -- and a lot of fun, thanks to a cuddly main character and a fiendish performance by Nicole Kidman. Overall, the story really captures the spirit of Michael Bond's creation and it's just so darn cute. Plus, the audio and video are excellent. Despite the lack of extras, this is one you'll want to snag for your next family night.
Product Details
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