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Paddington Bear Goes to the Movies
By Brian Costello,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Short stop-motion animated features are charming and gentle.
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What's the Story?
This DVD collects 10 short stop-animation features starring Paddington Bear as he experiences movies, snowfall, and Christmas, and as he tries to cook, do laundry, and be a barber, among other things. Along the way, he makes comical mistakes like sticking a marmalade sandwich in a movie projector, or smashing a watch he's trying to make disappear while attempting to be a magician, but in the end, Paddington is a sweet bear with the best of intentions.
Is It Any Good?
This delightful collection is perhaps best enjoyed by younger kids and parents who grew up either reading the books or watching these episodes in the 1970s or '80s. PADDINGTON BEAR GOES TO THE MOVIES assembles 10 different episodes showing Paddington trying and experiencing new things, as so many young children do. And like so many kids (and adults), Paddington makes mistakes along the way -- sometimes big, funny mistakes -- but through these mistakes, he realizes what not to do, and that it's sometimes OK to make mistakes, no matter your age, as long as you learn from them.
Preschoolers will love the cute characters and silliness and parents will appreciate that there's none of the sassiness that's prevalent in so many modern preschool-age offerings. While the stop-motion animation might be dated for some, on the whole, this is an enjoyable collection that has held up remarkably well over the decades.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Paddington Bear. What are some of the things Paddington tries to do in these different episodes? Which episode was your favorite? Why?
How does stop-motion animation help Paddington Bear "move?"
How is this type of animation similar to and different from other animated movies you've seen?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: June 8, 2006
- Cast: Michael Hordern
- Director: Ivor Wood
- Studio: Sterling Entertainment
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Book Characters
- Run time: 60 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: September 20, 2019
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