Common Sense Media Review
By Yvonne Condes
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Charming story about beloved bear has some scares.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Paddington
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 86 parent reviews
Parents say that the film presents a charming adventure featuring a beloved bear, but many express concerns about its content, deeming it inappropriate for younger children due to frightening themes and scenes involving a villainess intent on harming the bear. While some enjoyed the film's visuals and humor, numerous parents reported their children feeling scared and traumatized, emphasizing the need for parental discretion regarding the film's suitability for young viewers.
- inappropriate content
- frightening themes
- parental discretion needed
- charming visuals
- not for young children
- mixed family reactions
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 69 kid reviews
Kids say the movie contains both humor and fright, often leading to mixed reactions, especially from younger viewers who are scared by some intense scenes featuring a villainous character. While many found the story heartwarming and charming, praising its positive messages about family and acceptance, others criticized it for being too scary or having a thin plot, resulting in polarized opinions among families about its appropriateness for young children.
- humor and fright
- positive messages
- mixed reactions
- too scary for kids
- thin plot
- charming and heartwarming
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
At the start of PADDINGTON, an English explorer discovers a family of bears in "Darkest Peru" and tells them to look him up if they ever get to London. Decades later, an earthquake destroys the bears' village and kills a young bear's uncle. His aunt stows him away on a boat with only his red hat (with a sandwich in it), a suitcase, and jars of marmalade. Upon arriving in London, the bear meets the suspicious Mr. Brown (Hugh Bonneville), the kindhearted Mrs. Brown (Sally Hawkins), and their two kids at the Paddington train station. So they name him Paddington (voiced by Ben Whishaw), and the daring search for the explorer begins. What they don't know is that an evil taxidermist (Nicole Kidman) is after Paddington ...
Is It Any Good?
This is a delightful film version of the beloved book by Michael Bond. Paddington opens with newsreel footage of the explorer discovering the lost tribe of bears, and then the sweet, polite Paddington is sent off after the tragedy that leaves him an orphan, happily finding his new family in London. Bonneville is good as the exasperated and overprotective dad, and Hawkins is adorable as the loving artist mother who takes to Paddington right away.
Paddington takes kids on a fun adventure while also touching on bigger issues. There's a nice moment when Mrs. Brown takes Paddington to see antiques dealer Mr. Gruber (Jim Broadbent). A toy train brings them sweets as Mr. Gruber recalls leaving his own home (fleeing the Nazis) and taking a train to London—not unlike Paddington. The bigger meaning might be lost on some kids, but stressing good manners, kindness, and compassion to strangers won't. This is a sweet film for young kids, with enough slapstick comedy for older ones and entertainment value for adults, too.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Paddington set off on his own after the earthquake. Can you think of any similar real-life situations in which kids have been forced to flee because of dangers at home? Is that something that scares you? Adults, reassure kids who might be worried about something like this happening to them.
Mr. Brown's job is about analyzing risk, which leads him to be very protective of his children. Do you think his concern is justified? Kids: Does it bother you when your family won't let you do something because it might be unsafe?
Paddington has very good manners. Do you think it's important to be polite?
How do the characters in Paddington demonstrate courage? Why is this an important character strength?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 16, 2015
- On DVD or streaming : April 28, 2015
- Cast : Nicole Kidman , Hugh Bonneville , Sally Hawkins , Ben Whishaw
- Director : Paul King
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Gay Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Weinstein Co.
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Book Characters , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Character Strengths : Courage
- Run time : 95 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : mild action and rude humor
- Awards : BAFTA - BAFTA Nominee , Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : February 20, 2026
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