Paddington - reviews of 'warm, witty' film adaptation
Big-hearted film of childhood classic is 'a total delight' that will charm children and adults
What you need to know
The film adaptation of Michael Bond's children's classic, Paddington, has opened in UK cinemas. The comedy, co-written and directed by Paul King (The Mighty Boosh), stars Ben Whishaw as the voice of Paddington bear, with Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Peter Capaldi and Nicole Kidman.
The story follows a young bear who heads to London in search of a new life after an earthquake destroys his home in "Darkest Peru". Lost and alone, he is befriended by an English family at Paddington train station, but his happy prospects are threatened by a sinister taxidermist.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
What the critics like
The film is "a total delight, as warm and welcome as a hot pair of socks on a winter morning" and also enormously funny in an unmistakably British way, says Robbie Collin in the Daily Telegraph. The instruction "please look after this bear" has been heeded.
This live-action revamp of Paddington's exploits has been jazzed up with action set-pieces, a generous helping of peril and "the kind of irreverent comedy that charms children and adults", says Wende Ide in The Times. The heart of this sweet-natured ursine klutz beats strong and true in a film, which is also sticky, furry love letter to London.
"Marma-laden with gloriously silly jokes, pitch-perfect performances and incidental detail, this is a warm, witty and wondrously inventive great big bear-hug of a movie," says Chris Hewitt Empire. Consistently funny, surprising and with a heart as big as its hero's appetite, it deserves to be the start of a new franchise
What they don't like
It's a film of considerable charm but "undermined by a very bitty and flimsy screenplay", says Geoffrey MacNab in The Independent. Writer-director Paul King has more flair for comic set-pieces than he does for sustained narrative, and if Paddington is to turn into a movie franchise, far more attention will need to be paid to the storytelling.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
'Box Trump in for real if he pulls another stunt. Put him behind bars.'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
Venice Biennale 2024: from the good to the bad to the downright 'bizarre'
The Week Recommends Central exhibition features the work of some 330 artists
By The Week UK Published
-
Sunset Song: gripping theatre that's 'close to magic'
The Week Recommends Morna Young's 'first-class adaptation' of Lewis Grassic Gibbon's classic novel
By The Week UK Published
-
Silversea cruise review: a Central and North American adventure
The Week Recommends An incredible journey featuring cultural exploration, cooking classes, comfort and more
By Yasemen Kaner-White Published
-
The Westbury Hotel review: stunning suites in charming Dublin
The Week Recommends This hotel is the perfect spot to while away a weekend in Ireland's capital
By Kaye O'Doherty Published
-
Drama movies 2024: new films out this year
In Depth Latest reviews include The Boys in the Boat, One Life and Tchaikovsky's Wife
By The Week UK Last updated
-
Best new hotels and places to stay in 2024
The Week Recommends Featuring stylish island resorts, historical properties and wilderness retreats
By The Week UK Last updated
-
Albums of the year: best music of 2023
The Week Recommends A look back at the best pop, rap, jazz, dance, classical and rock releases
By The Week UK Published
-
Savoy Grill by Gordon Ramsay review: an institution reinvented
The Week Recommends Traditions are maintained and the tweaks are clever and modern
By Neil Davey Published
-
Tulum: a Mexican beach town of 'two halves'
The Week Recommends With the 'pueblo' and 'Zona Hotelera', Tulum is home to great hotels, restaurants and beach clubs
By William Leigh Published
-
La Zebra review: beach chic, perfect tacos and secret cenotes
The Week Recommends Enjoy a stylish stay in Mexico at this family-friendly beach hotel and restaurant
By William Leigh Published