Last weekend the kids and I saw a preview of the new movie Paddington, releasing today. I was *this close* to not attending. I was never a huge Paddington fan as a child. Not that I didn’t like it. I just don’t remember being into it much. I really thought the movie would be too childish for the kids (9, 10 and 12). But man, was I wrong. Paddington was fantastic–for all ages! In fact, I’d love to see it again.
The movie was whimsical without being outrageously silly. I loved how everyone in the town accepted there was a bear walking around town like it was normal and yet, he was the only one.
All the characters were unique and even though perhaps one-dimensional a bit, they played that one dimension perfectly. Nicole Kidman made the perfect evil nemesis. It was also fun watching her in such a different role after watching her and all the awkward with Jimmy Fallon just a few days before.
And Downton Abbey fans, listen up, because you’re going to want to see Hugh Bonneville play the part of the uptight, yet loving dad in a modern British setting. He was phenomenal.
The plot was action-packed and the pacing was spot on. It moved from one fun adventure to the next. I didn’t find any lulls to the movie at all. In fact, about 2/3 through the movie I regretted needing to run out to the restroom. I went as fast as I could so I wouldn’t miss a thing!
But best of all, the entire movie had such great themes about family and adoption. The main ideas walking away were our unique qualities are the best parts about us and family can be put together in all sorts of ways, as long as we accept and love each other. After just adopting these last months, I couldn’t have found a better movie to watch with our family. Of course, though, when the movie ended all three kids just wanted to adopt a bear!
I can’t say enough good things about Paddington and hope you and your family get a chance to watch it–you will ALL love it!