Small Peruvian floppy-hatted bear Paddington, now comfortably and lovingly ensconced with the Brown family, is looking to send a book to his Aunt Lucy. Unfortunately it contains clues to a treasure and Paddington ends up in prison, framed for a crime he didn't commit, while the real criminal is on the treasure trail. Can the Browns (and Paddington's fellow prisoners) obtain justice for the loveable little fellow?
Well, no prizes for guessing the answer, but the journey to get to it is sheer delight from start to finish. The story, if improbable, is beautifully textured and works perfectly. The visuals are carried off peerlessly and the editing, particularly transitions between scenes, are imaginative and cleverly executed. The script, as well as telling the story well, is warm, witty, very funny (both verbally and sight gags), full of jeopardy and memorable characters: it is an object lesson in what a script should be.
The cast are excellent. Ben Whishaw's voice acting is superb (there is an almost inaudible sigh at one point, touchingly subtle). And Hugh Grant is a revelation in an hilarious performance where he manages to spoof himself as well as demonstrating unsuspected versatility. His song and dance routine over the closing titles is hysterical.
This is not only a wonderful family film, it is a wonderful film full stop, and I recommend it highly.
Well, no prizes for guessing the answer, but the journey to get to it is sheer delight from start to finish. The story, if improbable, is beautifully textured and works perfectly. The visuals are carried off peerlessly and the editing, particularly transitions between scenes, are imaginative and cleverly executed. The script, as well as telling the story well, is warm, witty, very funny (both verbally and sight gags), full of jeopardy and memorable characters: it is an object lesson in what a script should be.
The cast are excellent. Ben Whishaw's voice acting is superb (there is an almost inaudible sigh at one point, touchingly subtle). And Hugh Grant is a revelation in an hilarious performance where he manages to spoof himself as well as demonstrating unsuspected versatility. His song and dance routine over the closing titles is hysterical.
This is not only a wonderful family film, it is a wonderful film full stop, and I recommend it highly.