‘Just one ticket, for an adult?’ she politely asks as I buy my Friday night (opening night) ticket.
‘Yes, it’s just me,’ I admit meekly.
Should I be embarrassed about going to see Paddington alone on a Friday night? Why is it more acceptable to get hammered on ale and stagger home but it’s frowned upon to be in your thirties watching an animation. Well frown on me people, I just don’t care, I’ve been looking forward to it all week and it’s showing at my local – the Palace Cinema in Alton, Hants. I have to see it. I pull my hoodie over my head and march on in.
From the opening sequence I am utterly captivated and the worries of the week evaporate. It is charming beyond Prince Chaming himself.
I could learn so much from this small bear. He is kind, polite and loyal – and above all he finds the good in every one and every situation.
His mission to get something his aunt would love lands him in prison and you just want to weep for the lonely little bear, but while I’m barely (!) holding it together he’s busy making friends, creating fun and endearing himself to everyone he meets.
He seizes every opportunity and makes something good of things even when his future’s looking bleak. Watching Paddington is better than any self-help book I’ve ever opened.
It stars Hugh Grant as a real horror and Hugh Bonneville as the lovable Mr Brown, albeit having a midlife crisis and becoming a bit of a yogi. Both the Hughs are fantastically brilliant and marvellously cast. It’s brilliant to see Grant stepping away from his foppishness and becoming darker. He plays the baddie well.
There’s also a bit of a coming-of-age back story going on with the Brown children and the end sequence is saved by young Jonathan who is suddenly inspired by Paddington to be true to himself and to be proud of who he is.
I had tears rolling down my cheeks in the last few scenes. And it made me wanted to rush out and hug my mum as childish as that sounds.
It’s in turn hilarious, charming and utterly captivating. Characters are deeply likeable and you are covering your eyes at some parts because through the two-hour escapade you have grown to care for them like they were your friends.
This should be mandatory viewing. It taught me to welcome people into my heart and to find the good in them – and to make the best of every moment. It’s comforting like the loveliest marmalade sandwich. It’s a great big bundle of fun and friendship and I may have to go and see it again next Friday night.
Treats: one Dairy Milk Oreo, one Waitrose coffee.
Tip: Watch the end credits they are genius.
offbeat words 
Leave a comment