Giving Paddington a voice (Paddington Movie)

Dec 8, 2014 | Enjoy life/Reviews, Movies, Review

Having spent eight years working on the HBF ‘Ted’ advertising campaign I’m very aware of the importance of a characters voice. Get it right and the audience falls in love with Paddington, get it wrong … disaster. So how did Paddington go?

Thanks to Studio Canal

Ten minutes into the movie I already had a smile on my face, and remained glued to the screen the whole way through. With the producers of Harry Potter behind the scenes I shouldn’t have worried.

First there was Paddington’s fur which moved as if he was standing in a gentle breeze.

Thanks to Studio Canal

Then there was the scenery, as Paddington moved from the jungles of Peru to London as he searches to find a family.

Thanks to Studio Canal

The cast has to get a mention too … Nicole Kidman, Hugh Bonneville, Jim Broadbent, Julie Waters and Sally Hawkins. Plus surprise appearances from Matt Lucas and Peter Capaldi. Capaldi in an entirely different role to either Dr Who, or his swearing public servant Malcolm Tucker in The Thick of It. He’s wonderful.

Thanks to Studio Canal

But mostly it was the story. I’m not going to tell you too much about the little bears adventures and what happens when the Brown family, headed by the wonderful Hugh Bonneville, takes him in for a night … or two.

Thanks to Studio Canal

I can tell you that along the way we learn about how Paddington got his hat, duffle coat, name and why you should always keep a marmalade sandwich in your hat.

There’s a lot of adult humour along the way including a wonderful insight into why people become Volvo drivers.

Thanks to Studio Canal

And the voice? …

Thankfully Ben Whishaw gave the little fellow a delightful combination of soft English politeness, with the hint of beary growl in the background. I’ve been captivated by many of Whishaw’s dark characters and now I can add his little bear into the mix. I look forward to seeing whatever he does next, which might just be playing Freddie Mercury.

Thanks to Studio Canal

The mix of old and new technology gives the movie another interesting element to watch.

Thanks to Studio Canal

Paddington movie is just exquisite. It’s one movie that I can’t wait to see again, honestly. I hope you get to see it soon, just make sure you avoid the Mums Crying Sessions or you may miss all the great adult snippets. Just stunning!

Watch trailer click here trailer

Commences December 11. I won’t bother listing all the theatres as it’s pretty much everywhere, so here’s a couple
https://www.lunapalace.com.au
http://www.eventcinemas.com.au/cinema/Innaloo

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