By Ed Sum (The Vintage Tempest)
After 20 publications and three television series, folks who think there could not be anymore Paddington Bear serials should look again. The live action computer animated film simply titled Paddington is poised to deliver this beloved British institution to a new generation of youths to enjoy. After all, it’s tough to not fall in love with a young bear sporting a red ruffled felt hat, blue dusty duffle coat, and brown weather worn suitcase. He landed in Europe nearly two months ago and will soon hit North America January 16th.
In cosmopolitan London, nobody bats an eye at the fact that wild animals are allowed to roam loose. The fact that Paddington’s species speaks shows that this world is unique and to wonder if creator Michael Bond ever had a shared universe in mind, namely including Olga da Polga the Guinea Pig, that is most likely not the case. Instead, this story is about a prim and proper bear just looking for a place to belong. Ben Whishaw is wonderful as the new voice of this curious bear. After being displaced from out of a home in deepest Peru after an earthquake, his aunt decides it’s time for him to go experience life while she retires to a sanctuary for old bears.
By James Robert Shaw (The Wind up Geek)
By James Robert Shaw (The Wind up Geek)