Nov 29th  
Paddington** (PG)    
(Vue Wood Green)                            

(GB/Fra 2014)

A rare species of bear from darkest Peru is adopted by a London family who then help him avoid the attentions of a vengeful taxidermist.
Palatably enjoyable family-oriented transference of a beloved series of children's books and TV programmes, which like most big screen conversions seems to want to explain all of its character's sketchy background, thus threatening the air of general whimsy. Paddington himself is not the most perfect incarnation (Colin Firth was rejected because his voice was considered too "mature"), but a lot of its essential Britishness remains intact, as well as plenty of charm and humour as a result.

Written by: Paul King, Hamish McColl, based on the stories by Michael Bond (who plays a bit part).
Producer: David Heyman.
Director: Paul King.
Starring: Hugh Bonneville, Nicole Kidman, voice of Ben Wishaw (as Paddington), Sally Hawkins, Julie Walters, Peter Capaldi, Jim Broadbent, Matt Lucas, Tim Downie; voices of Imelda Staunton (as Aunt Lucy), Michael Gambon.
Photography: Erik Wilson.
Music: Nick Urata.