'Paddington' (2014)

93/100

Wonderfully funny and heart-warmingly sincere, brimming with British charm

Michael Bond's perennial children's books about the marmalade-loving, coat-wearing Peruvian bear taken in by a hospitable London family are translated effortlessly to screen in this charming romp. Paul King's second feature film, it's funnier than most of 2014's comedies, despite being aimed at audiences far younger. Ben Whishaw is perfectly cast as the voice of the ever-polite eponymous bear, along with endearing supporting roles from British stalwarts Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Julie Walters, and Jim Broadbent, plus some deliciously hammed up villainy from Nicole Kidman and Peter Capaldi.

I had low expectations for Paddington: remarkably few big-screen adaptations of children's books and series have any discernible charm (the soulless Postman Pat Movie, for example). However, even the solid trailer did not prepare me for just how likeable and warm this film is. Combining quirky Wes Anderson-esque direction and a delightful script with a quintessentially British spirit  that proves unceasingly winsome, this truly is one to please all ages. The screenplay packs in Indiana Jones and Mission: Impossible sight gags along with some fabulously executed fish-out-of-water set pieces, drawing several proper laughs across its runtime. 

It's also incredibly charming, a welcoming treat of a story that feels unburdened by the relentless cynicism of the 21st century. The bond (no pun intended) between the bear and his new family is nothing short of heartwarming, and managing not to grin at its refreshingly non-twee cuteness is near impossible. It's also quite fun to replace the word 'bear' with 'immigrant' in the dialogue of London's sceptical and mistrustful locale as they struggle to comprehend Paddington's unrelenting kind-hearted innocence and purity. 

It's admittedly inherently limited by being aimed at children, but unlike in most cases this barely detracts from the wonderful fun and hilarity of Paddington. Colin Firth may have dropped out of the main role but Whishaw is so brilliant in his voice work that it doesn't even matter. His note-perfect comic timing complements his youthful, exuberant childlike spirit, unashamedly encapsulating the nostalgic feeling of Michael Bond's charming short stories. 

Nothing short of an utterly delightful time for all viewers, this exceedingly likeable comedy has a heart of solid gold and is one of the year's best films. 93/100