Opened: November 28, 2014

Directed by: Paul King

Starring: Ben Whishaw, Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Madeleine Harris, Samuel Joslin, Julie Walters, Nicole Kidman, Peter Capaldi, Jim Broadbent, Imelda Staunton, Michael Gambon, Tim Downie, Simon Farnaby, Matt Lucas, Matt King & Michael Bond

Based on the beloved books by Michael Bond, Paddington is a perfect family film with heat, adventure and humor.

After an earthquake strikes his home, Paddington (Ben Whishaw) travels to London in search of an explorer (Tim Downie) that visited his aunt and uncle (Imelda Staunton & Michael Gambon). Paddington is taken in by the Brown family but is being hunted down by Millicent (Nicole Kidman).

Adults will feel the familiarity of the storyline right away and know how it will end, but it doesn’t make the experience any less fun. There’s so much joy in watching the bear acclimate to London society while also helping bring the Brown family together.

Sally Hawkins, Hugh Bonneville and Kidman shine, but props go to Whishaw for flawlessly voicing the titular character and bringing him to life.

Final say: Can’t help but smile. ★★★★★