Paddington!
When I first started reading on my own (and FINALLY didn’t need someone to read TO me) Paddington became one of my best friends. I absolutely adored his adventures because he felt a little bit like me. I was an only child and both of my parents worked, so I was often left to my own devices. Sometimes it turned out to be really cool and others turned out….not so great. So I found a kindred spirit in this bear that didn’t exactly have a family or feel like he fit in anywhere. Like me, Paddington often found himself on his own and he had the most precious spirit! He always tried to to do the very best of everything for everyone but it didn’t always turn out so great. I could SO identify with that. I read these books again and again and again. The books and the bear were treasured friends to this latch key kid!
When the first movie was announced, I was hesitant. I’ve seen some of my favorite characters get totally messed up by movies, so I wasn’t sure how I would feel about it. But let me tell you. when I took my kids to the theater and introduced them to this orange marmalade loving fuzzy buddy, it was magic! I loved the first Paddington movie. I mean it was adorable and cute and a perfect family outing for us. So when the sequel was announced, they had me excited this time around. Thanks to that first movie, I am completely delighted that Paddington 2 is opening in two days! Now, if you haven’t seen the trailer or know what the movie’s about, you’re in luck, cause we’ve got the scoop.
Synopsis:
Following the worldwide hit “Paddington,” one of the most successful family films of all time, this much-anticipated sequel finds Paddington (Ben Whishaw) happily settled with the Brown family in London, where he has become a popular member of the local community, spreading joy and marmalade wherever he goes.
While searching for the perfect present for his beloved Aunt Lucy’s hundredth birthday, Paddington sees a unique pop-up book in Mr. Gruber’s antique shop, and embarks upon a series of odd jobs to buy it. But when the book is stolen, it’s up to Paddington and the Browns to unmask the thief.
Paddington 2 stars: Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey), Hugh Grant (Four Weddings and a Funeral), Sally Hawkins (Jayne Eyre), Brendan Gleeson (Into the Storm), Julie Walters (Mamma Mia) and Ben Whishaw (The Hollow Crown) as the voice of Paddington.
Ready for the trailer? Yep, me too. Check it out:
The movie opens THIS FRIDAY (January 12th!) and in the midst of winter blues, I have no doubt that this will be a delightful film for your whole family!
