Created by Michael Bond, Paddington is a story about a bear from Peru, who goes to England to venture in the world.
I grew up with this bear, I read the books, and seen both movies, the cartoon, I don't know, it was a long time ago.
But how did he think of this idea? What was the organ of Paddington? It started when the creator himself, was looking at a stuffed bear on a shelf, the idea was also thought of by having the shelf be in Paddington station, and well...
Paddington bear was born.
The books were very popular in London, and even Peru is where Paddington came from. But if you think the movie is really based on the books....
You could be half-right. The Paddington Series is still going strong today, even if Michael Bond died a year ago. The recent movie, Paddington 2, was dedicated in his memory.
The first of the series was called: A bear called Paddington, created in 1958. Where Paddington heads out into the world from the watchful eye of his Aunt Lucy after his uncle was killed in a storm in Peru. He meets the Browns, and it seems they've become more than just acquaintances.
There were other chapters that were called: 'A bear in hot water', 'Paddington and the old master' and even 'Adventures at the seaside'
How does the movie fit in? does it even stand up to the books?
Well, yes and no. The movie's aren't as popular, but they are enjoyed by fans like myself. It just has its own flare and different writers. But it has been inspired, whether it is the characters or what the adventure Paddington has, all still inspired by Michael Bond.
For the first movie, we meet Paddington (voiced by Ben Wishaw) is enjoying his life in Peru. Until a storm occurs, killing his Uncle Pastuzo. Sparing him and his Aunt Lucy (voiced by Imelda Stauton)
She suggest for Paddington (who didn't even have a name yet, except for young cub) to go to England.
He does, meeting the Browns, but he doesn't have the name, and with him being in the station, Mrs. Brown suggested, 'Paddington.'
However, there is someone he was looking for named Montgomery Clyde, who discovered him and his aunt and uncle back in Peru on expedition. He runs into Millicent Clyde, the daughter. She, however wants to stuff him.
She explains that her father wasn't going to make them rich by telling everyone he worked with about how bears can be intelligent, leaving her family penniless.
She captures him and is prepared to stuff him. With the Brown's help, they rescue him and she ends up working at a petting zoo.
The second one, has the same feel, but a little different.
Paddington is framed for a crime he didn't commit, stealing a book. But what he didn't know is that the book had clues to a treasure, and the villain (played by Hugh Grant) is the grandson of the jealous magician that killed a trapeze artist who was getting most of the jewelry that was hidden somewhere.
Paddington escapes jail, after making a few friends and making the prison friendlier. The Browns try their hardest to find the culprit and eventually, catch the thief.
It wasn't bad, the acting was ok, but to me.... I think the books had more truth and story of a bear who loved marmalade sandwiches, making friends and knowing that he wouldn't be lonely in London.
I think the movies are great, but the stories are what makes the memory of a bear from Peru come to life.
They even have a recipe for Paddington Bear Marmalade sandwiches. However; I'm not a fan of marmalade.
I will always think of Paddington as a wonderful, friendly bear. One who would make friends in a heart beat, and help anyone in trouble, all for a marmalade sandwich.
