Title: Paddington
Year: 2014
Genre: Comedy, Family
Director: Paul King
Writer: Paul King and Hamish McColl (written by); Michael Bond (character Paddington Bear)
Runtime: 95min
Cast: Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Julie Walters, Ben Whishaw, Madeleine Harris, Samuel Joslin, Nicole Kidman
Produc.: StudioCanal, Anton Capital Entertainment (ACE), TF1 Films Production, Canal +, Ciné +, TF1, Amazon Prime Instant Video, Heyday Films
Presup.: $55 millions approx.
When talking about book adaptations, there are several reasons why I've always believe it better to analyze a film, regardless of the source. Generally speaking, what happens is that the written and visual languages are too different and don´t always match. Additionally is to consider that, according to what the book might have made you feel, the anger or pleasure with which you´ll receive the new piece. An example of this is the rejection lately received by the Fifty Shades of Grey (2015) premiere, which has undeservedly created many detractors, just because the book is apparently so bad that, for many, to having been adapted is offensive.
Exactly the opposite is what´s happened to the screen´s version of children's book Paddington Bear. Given the affection and attachment to its main character (a small bear with a red hat), touching people´s hearts after nearly six decades, has prevented many from being harshest critics.
At Christmas of 1958 writer Michael Bond bought his wife a teddy bear seen in a shop, near the station that would name the character. Subsequently, this gift would inspire him to create his Peruvian orphan bear, which after arriving in England would be received by the Browns, a London family.
Briefly going over some comments I got convinced that the director was able to meet the expectations. If what I saw is fairly similar to what´s described by Bond, not only this man has managed to entertain, but also conveyed a message of acceptance and tolerance. Bond talks about how insignificant may sometimes be differences between people, when it comes to solidarity with those in need. In this instance, also being the case of someone who’s not only in need, but who is also going to help improve an outlook of family misunderstandings. Needless to say, all this must be taken from a context, where the rest in no more than a fantasy, where a talking bear is rescued by humans who treat him like a person.
Message aside, if Paddington Bear had been strictly meant for children and, when adapted, taken on this same direction, it would be expected not to be up to a more mature audience. The narrative has been posed so that we see him embark on a wild adventure through London ground, between funny domestic accidents, exaggerated and unexpected persecutions, the search of a permanent home and the struggle to avoid falling into evil hands.
Becomes unnecessary to seek for too much logic, because what you see is what it is. An innocent comedy with no winks or jokes meant for an audience with other kinds of interests. This adaptation is in no ways similar, for example, to the Harry Potter´s style, much more deeper and aimed to a wider audience.
Paddington is another great mix of digital animation and live action, but unfortunately, beyond that, it has got not much else.
My rating: 3/10
