Tuesday 9 December 2014

Paddington Bear – the film …



Now this is a very British fun film … a complete mix of all things we probably do best in this country … with our own quirky, eccentric and accessible take on Michael Bond’s authorial talent in writing Paddington in the first place in 1958.


With a pedigree of all things British, a cast of superlative actors and actresses – with one Aussie import – Cruella look alike … the film touches on many aspects …

  • made by the producers of the boy wizard films, Harry Potter
Julie Walter's take on cleaning: feet on dusters,
dancing to music as she dusts the rocking horse
(she plays the housekeeper)

  • Heath Robinson concepts … with Wallace and Gromit type stunts …
  • a touch of Cruella de Ville, in this case Nicole Kidman
  •  typical British characters …
  • stunts inside the National History Museum …
  •  some cracky whacky escapades …
  • Dr Who indecisiveness of character portrayed ...
  • with James Bond music moments …
  •  murder mystery stunts …
  • constant adverts for marmalade … Paddington survives, thrives and lives on marmalade 


So please take yourselves, your kids, your grandkids, friends who want to see a feel-good move and go see the small bear who is on a big adventure – it’s great fun and you’ll come home feeling warm and cuddly!

 

Released in the States on 15 January 2015  … and will be much loved down under too ... 



 





Something for everyone movie … you really can’t help but enjoy it … happy watching …


Bronze statue of Paddington Bear at Paddington Station - by Marcus Cornish




Worried about WV suddenly appearing .. visit Inger and see Roland and her conversation re resetting your comments area ... I prefer a loose floating comment box - but for now ... I've put it to an embedded one.


Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories

69 comments:

Out on the prairie said...

I am interested in seeing this, I need to go look over the books today.

Bish Denham said...

Oh yes. I think I could enjoy this very much!

Manzanita said...

Sounds like another wacky, loveable British film. I love your films. They have a completely different flavor than the American films.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Paddington has been around a long time, hasn't he?

Julie Flanders said...

I LOVED Paddington when I was growing up and still love him. When I visited London I got such a kick out of the statue at Paddington Station. I still have all the books I had when I was a kid, I can't part with them. This will be such a cute movie. :)

Nilanjana Bose said...

I am looking forward to watching this with family. Saw a snippet somewhere, on the BBC? and loved it.

Chrys Fey said...

I would love to see this film! :)

Mason Canyon said...

This sounds like a fun movie. We normally 'borrow' our friends' kids to go to see children's movies. It's a fun night for them and we also get to laugh and make memories we can share with the kids' kids when they grow up and have children.

Rosaria Williams said...

Love when children's movies show up during the holidays!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ OOTP – I definitely need to relook at the books .. and I’m ashamed to say I’m not sure if I ever read the Paddington books ..

@ Bish – definitely a feel good movie
@ Manzanita – exactly .. “wacky, loveable British film” … so pleased you support our films and yes, they do have a different take on life …

@ Alex – he’s getting a little long in the tooth isn’t he – good for a revival in the 21st century …

@ Julie – gosh and you went to Paddington Station to see his statue .. I must revisit – I don’t go to Paddington that often. I really should read his books and learn more about all Paddington’s tales ..

@ Karen – it was …

@ Nila – that’s great .. I’m sure it’s on our tv. The family will thoroughly enjoy the film …

@ Chris – you’ll get to see it sometime this winter ..

@ Mason – that sounds like a brilliant idea ‘borrowing your friends’ kids’ …. As you say it’s a fun night for them, a relief for the parents, and lots of memories through the years …

@ Rosaria – the kids do have fun movies … and this one in particular will be crowd puller and pleaser ..

Cheers to everyone – no WV, but embedded comment box instead – can’t say I’m happy … I like my floating comment box … I shall see how we go. Enjoy the film .. I’m sure most of you will see it - Hilary

dolorah said...

Paddington was one of my favorite reads as a kid. I know I'll love this movie. I'm with you on the embedded comments, don't like it but since the pop-up is still not playing nice I will have to change also. Pitty.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Hilary.

Unknown said...

I want to see it. I loved the books as a child too.

Janie Junebug said...

I didn't know about the Paddington movie. I'm sure it's adorable. My mother kept Paddington on her hearth--when she didn't have the fire lit.

Love,
Janie

Silvia Writes said...

Looks like a good movie, and your description makes it all the more interesting. I love British humor, the dry sarcasm taking one by surprise, the facial expressions, the wit. I'm guessing that's not all present here given it's a film for young audiences, but something tells me I would be delighted by it nonetheless. Thanks for the recommendation, Hilary. Now I know all about it for the time I might see it on our cable at a later time.

loverofwords said...

Paddington, my buddy. Brought one home from the UK complete with red Wellies, but he "went missing" perhaps for more adventures and I never replaced him. Always find your blog interesting and uplifting and great references to check as well, Hil.

Karen Jones Gowen said...

I'll watch for it on Netflix later on in the new year. Going to see movies is one of the luxuries I miss in our current location. This one sounds delightfully charming.

Suzanne Furness said...

Heard some really good things about this film, would like to get to see it.

Jo said...

I am going to send the link to this blog to my friend, Karen Jankel. She is Michael Bond's daughter and runs the business of Paddington Bear these days. I am green with envy that you have seen the movie. Can't wait til January.

Paula said...

I'll bet my grandkids will enjoy this!

Inger said...

I love your British quirkiness ~ I mean all of you in the UK. There's nothing quite like it anywhere else in the world. I will try to catch this film when it comes out here.

Luanne G. Smith said...

I don't even have little kids anymore, but I'll probably end up watching this one. Adorable. :)

MunirGhiasuddin said...

This is one of the first few shows that I watched in Shrewsbury in England where I had joined my husband. I was twentyone but I was still fascinated by the television itself and of course the Paddington Bear along with top of the pops.

Denise Covey said...

As you can imagine Hilary, they're making a fuss of this in Oz with Nicole Kidman taking on the wicked role. Apparently she does evil well. Sounds like a good film for Christmas!

Merry Christmas to you!

Denise

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Donna – I don’t remember Paddington as a child til I was too old for him .. but caught up now! At least the WV has gone if the comment box is like this. Have a lovely Christmas season too ..

@ Clarissa – that’s great .. it’s a really happy film

@ Janie – it’ll come up on Netflix in due course … and lovely to have Paddington sitting by the fire when you were a kid .. glad that fire wasn’t lit!

@ Silvia – thanks so much .. we have a different take on life don’t we. It’s definitely a film for all – all ages, at any time .. and I’m sure you and family will love the watch.

@ Nat – lovely that you took a Paddington home to the States with you .. with red Wellies … oh how sad he wandered off in search of new adventures … perhaps he’ll come back one day! Thanks for the thumbs up for the blog ..

@ Karen – I’m sure you can’t go to see a film in Guatemala … but at least there are other ways of seeing the film ..

@ Suzanne – it’s lovely and I’m sure it’s down in Truro or nearby ..

@ Jo – how lovely you know Karen Jankel .. I just read about her … as she runs the business side. Her father, now 88, has tried to keep Paddington as Paddington when he dies … through legal processes … who knows as so many great writers have been “re-born” decades after they and their series died.

It’s worth waiting for .. enjoy it!

@ Paula – yes I’m sure the grandkids will love the film.

@ Inger – thanks for clarifying the bit about my quirkiness .. referring to the Brits in general!! That’s great it’s on your radar for a viewing at some stage …

@ LG – you don’t need kids to enjoy it … it’s quite delightful and adorable.

@ Munir – I can imagine you were bemused by our British way of life all those years ago … seeing the tv in its early days, being in Shrewsbury and we had/have some love traditions … happy memories for you.

@ Denise – yes and they rightly should be making a fuss of the movie .. Nicole Kidman is a brilliantly cruel evil woman … it is definitely a fun movie to have around for regular viewing … one that will be watched for many years to come …

Cheers to you all – thanks so much for visiting … Hilary

We’re in the arms of a storm hitting the Scottish west coast … not sure what the next couple of days holds!

Empty Nest Insider said...

This sounds like such a cute movie! I've been a fan of Julie Walters since Educating Rita! Thanks for the fun review, Hilary!

Julie

Lynn said...

I am looking forward to seeing the Paddington movie. I've always loved him.

Thank you for the tip on WV. I had WV "off", but had to find the embedded button. That worked - thank you. I thought perhaps it was appearing only to me. :)

Nicola said...

I adore Paddington Bear. As a child my brother and I spent hours making Paddington Bears out of plaster. Then we'd wait impatiently as it set before getting out the oil paints to bring him to life. Can't wait to see the movie. Thank you for the heads up, Hilary. Have a wonderful Christmas. All the best

mail4rosey said...

We'll definitely be going to see it. My daughter knows Paddington, but my son doesn't yet, and I'm sure he is going to really like the movie!

Kittie Howard said...

Another Yank here who adores Paddington Bear and feel-good movies. Enough of those monster, zombie creepy movies! Looking forward to seeing it on the 15th, as in, Paddington Bear is also the kind of movie I purchase.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Julie – yes your name-sake is excellent in this … and it’s a brilliantly loveable movie ..

@ Lynn – that’s great, you will definitely enjoy it. Glad the VW thingy worked .. it’s a pain.

@ Nicola – what fun .. and so brilliant you can ‘sculpt’ .. I don’t think any of us can do that. I bet you waited impatiently before you could give him an oil-coat cover … I think my younger brother must have had Paddington around … but he was too late for me … still I can regain my youth now!

@ Rosey – I am absolutely certain your kids will love the film … and I suspect you’ll be seeing it more than once!

@ Kittie – I think you’ve ticked all the right boxes for Paddington – he will be one to have around and watch on occasions …

That’s great – thanks so much .. Paddington has much support .. cheers Hilary

Annalisa Crawford said...

How much Britishness can be packed into one film! I'm looking forward to seeing it.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

I loved Paddington when I was a kid! He's such a cutie.

beste barki said...

The child in me has no intention of quieting down. I am going to love this I'm sure.

Sara said...

Cool. A favorite book turns into what looks like a great movie:~) Thank you for heads up, Hilary. I will be looking forward to seeing this one. Hope your December is going well!

M Pax said...

It sounds wonderful. Will mark it as a movie to see.

Anonymous said...

I grew up reading the stories of Paddington Bear. They always make me smile. Guess it won't be long before I'll start reading them to my new little granddaughter too. She's only a couple of months, so it's doubtful I'd take her to the film just yet.

Brian Miller said...

ha. i knew paddington growing up...
and i think it will be a cute movie...
we will probably take the boys to see it.

Marja said...

I love Paddington Bear We had him in Holland as well. I will look out for the movie It will sure come to NZ

Rhonda Albom said...

I am a huge Paddington Bear fan. I constructed a Paddington Bear in sewing class about 30 years ago.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Annalisa – I reckon they packed in about as much as they could for Paddington from Peru! Enjoy …

@ Elizabeth – it’s a fun movie … and I’m sure all ages will love it … I was too old then, but I can regather my childhood now!

@ Beste – absolutely no reason to hold back … it’s delightful and you will love it ..

@ Sara – yes .. it’s a lovely recreation, a little crazy at times, but why worry – it’s just plain fun and you will thoroughly enjoy it. December – it’s ticking away rather fast!

@ Mary – I suspect this will get lots of cuddly beer marks from you and hubby … ?!

@ MJ – your little granddaughter will love the books and the DVD when she’s old enough … I suspect it’ll be one you’ll have around the home for a long time to come ..

@ Brian – you will all love the movie … and particularly the boys, or perhaps the parents too! It’s just a delight …

@ Marja – these delightful stories spread through the countries don’t they; as Nicole Kidman is in it .. it may get to Aus and NZ earlier than the States .. but it’ll be well advertised …

@ Rhonda – crumbs that’s an undertaking … Paddington obviously inspired you to create him in your sewing lessons … you will all enjoy the film too ..

Cheers to you all – it’s a goodly film! Now we have storms – my internet goes down .. so lets hope when I post this the comment reply will be accepted?! Hilary

Vallypee said...

Oh this sounds wonderful! I'm definitely going to see this when it's available over here. I love Paddington Bear already and this sounds like a marvellously quirky and fun take on him!

Anonymous said...

Hi, Hilary. Sounds like it will be a good movie. Thanks for sharing about it. Also, thanks for the heads up about the word verification. I've got it fixed on my blogs. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Sue McPeak said...

What a fun review, Hilary. I'm sure the movie will be just as you described and great fun, too. Oh No! Not the return of the 'word verification'...such a waste of time and so not necessary. I like the embedded commenting. Take care of the storms.
Sue at CollectInTexas Gal

klahanie said...

Hi Hilary,

Excellent stuff, Hilary. I have seen the trailer for the movie and Paddington is one of my favourite train stations, sorry, bears. The film is number one at the UK box office as I type this.

Apologies for my sporadic nature as of late.

Gary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Val - it was a delight ... and just takes one completely away into nana land! Enjoy ...

@ Susanne - that's great .. you'll enjoy it .. and in fact we could ignore the WV .. but for now I've left as is ..

@ Sue - the movie is just lovely: crazy but totally fun ... WV as I mentioned above didn't work apparently - but I only found out too late - i.e. I'd changed to embedded comment box .. I'll change back anon. Storms have rushed through ... no damage here I'm pleased to say ...

@ Gary - I hope you can take yourself off to see it ... it'll give you some respite from all the other bits and bobs of life .. it is certainly being touted around advertising boards, newspapers, tv et al ..

No worries re your sporadicness ... you've had and still have lots going on ..

Cheers to you all - Hilary

Diane said...

I replied to this before but see it has gone AWOL!!! I am even having problems with replies on my own blog! Love Paddington. So many good films around but many of them do not come here though we get English speaking films a couple of times a week. Have a great Christmas and all the very best for 2015. Diane

Robyn Campbell said...

Hey Hil, I love marmalade more than Paddington (hehe). We have always loved that bear in this house. We will go to see it. CANNOT WAIT! YaY Paddington. WOOHOOO!! THANK YOU for helping me see how to get that dumb WV of my blog. UGH. I heart you. Always and forever.

Unknown said...

Just loved Paddington when he first appeared, bought a Paddington bear for my step-son and he still has him. Related to Triang, that would make a fascinating family tree.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Oh, why don't my children get on the ball and give me some grandchildren to enjoy these things with. My daughter has a Paddington bear sitting on her shelf still at age 20.

cleemckenzie said...

I love Paddington Bear. This will be a holiday treat for all of us!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Diane .. sorry about the Blogger mess up - but thanks for coming back and checking in. Well perhaps you'll catch these in due course ... living in another country has other pleasures ... which I wish I shared sometimes!!

@ Robyn - you love marmalade more than Paddington .. I think you want to see the film before you make that kind of statement again?! Paddington seems to rule supreme in many households and is much loved by children and adults alike ..

WV is a pain - but in fact doesn't matter .. as it's not working .. and Blogger is sorting I hope.

@ Carole - for someone like you who writes children's stories I can see Paddington would be a favourite .. and I'm glad your step-son still has his gift.

@ Susan - don't rush them!! We can borrow friend's grandkids, or just borrow some adult children .. and go enjoy the film!! Glad your 20 year old still has her Paddington safely sitting on the shelf ...

@ Lee - so many love Paddington don't they ... and as you say a treat for one and all ..

Cheers and you'll enjoy this so much .. .Hilary

Chatty Crone said...

He has been around a very long time - I think my son had him and he will be 40 in August. He is just such a good bear - and so cute and the stories are great too.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Sandie - he has been around a fair time .. and obviously was much loved by so many. I'm sure the family will love the film ... especially Andy ... cheers Hilary

Cherie Reich said...

Paddington Bear looks like an adorable movie. I've seen the trailer for it, and it was so cute.

Linda said...

Don't know too much about Paddington except that he's a bear...albeit an adorable bear. Love the bronze statue!

Vagabonde said...

I do not know much about Paddington Bear but my daughters do – they had many books about him when little girls. I’ll place the movie on my list of 2015 films to watch.

Rosalind Adam said...

I'd already heard some good reviews of this film but you've really sold it to me, Hilary. It seems such an unlikely topic but I'm now going to have to go and see it!

A Cuban In London said...

I used to read Paddington Bear to my children when they were little. I used to translate simultaneously from English to Spanish and put on silly voices. They loved it.

Greetings from London.

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

I love whacky. I'll definitely check this film out. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Hilary. The very best to you!

Anonymous said...

Always liked Paddington and his hat; never much cared for marmalade, though. I'm more of a blackberry jam kind of guy.

Gattina said...

I doubt that this film will make it to Belgium, but you never know. I am back since yesterday evening and feel a little lost in the cold now !

Susan Flett Swiderski said...

This sounds terrific! I LOVE Paddington. He's so darned cute, you can't help but smile when you look at his picture.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I don't know how I missed it as a child, but I've never read a Padding Bear book.

Michael Di Gesu said...

Hi, Hilary,

I LOVE Paddington Bear. I have a few stuffed ones I used to take out every Christmas. In the move they are SOMEWHERE... LOL. Not out this year, but hopefully they will resurface next,

The moving looks charming. I can't wait to see it!

Happy Holidays! I hope you enjoy this festive season! Hopefully you'll post about some lovely place you'll be visiting. I am going to Galena, IL... A small, charming town three hours west of Chicago. SO lovely. Lots of hills for sleight riding and the lovely lake for skating. I am so looking forward to going. I just home there will be snow. December has been on the warm side after our frigid November it is a welcome change, however, I do hope Galena will have a white Christmas!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Cherie –the trailer was fun wasn’t it .. just a relaxing Paddington tale ..

@ Linda – I hope you can get to see the film .. and isn’t the statue amazing …

@ Vagabonde – well that’s excellent your daughters read the books .. I’m sure you’ll all enjoy the movie …

@ Ros – it’s so British and so whacky at times, but the story line is just lovely … enjoy it

@ ACL – oh I can’t do that .. speaking a second language is sadly lacking .. I bet your kids loved your take with Paddington – lovely memories …

@ Joylene – it is whacky … and when the film arrives over the pond – it is just plain fun …

@ Milo – I bet we have lots of sales of the Paddington hat .. and marmalade: I don’t think you’ll get that off the British breakfast table … but Paddington will be delighted with more marmalade!

@ Gattina – I’m sure it’ll get across to Belgium sometime .. and it has been cold hasn’t it …

@ Susan – it’s such fun .. and your grandkids will have lots of laughs … and exactly the drawings just draw you in don’t they .. he looks delightful …

@ Diane – I didn’t either, but I think my brother did … perhaps you’ll get to see the film at some stage …

@ Michael – how lovely to see you ... I can imagine you’d love Paddington – and have a few treasures around your home – next year they’ll be gracing your new abode. It’s a fun film ..

Thank you … Galena sounds amazing and you’ll enjoy the snow sports … relax and recover and wonderful you’re looking forward to being in Galena … I just hope it doesn’t snow here!

Cheers to you all .. have a great last week before Christmas 2014 … Hilary

Julia said...


Me ha encantado tu post, tienes cosas muy interesantes, felicidades por tu bloc. Te invito a visitar el mio, esta semana ponemos espíritu navideño en el exterior, espero que te guste. Ah! Si no eres seguidora deseo que te hagas, gracias por visitarme.Te espero en elracodeldetall.blogspot.com

Mike@Bit About Britain said...

Certainly a film my wife and I want to see over the festive period - a good piece of fun escapism by the sound of it. Merry Christmas.

DMS said...

I have to go see this film! It sounds absolutely delightful. Perfect way to relax! :)
~Jess

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Mike - that's good ... I'm sure you'll enjoy it - it's whacky, but escapism it sure is!

@ Jess - with family and friends in tow you'll be laughing your heads off at the fun troubles Paddington gets into ..

Enjoy - I suspect Paddington will be well attended ... cheers to you all - Hilary