Paddington

Parents need to know that Paddington is based on the classic children's book by Michael Bond, A Bear Called Paddington. After an earthquake destroys Paddington's home and kills his uncle, the orphan bear (voiced by Ben Whishaw) stows away alone on a ship with only his red hat, beat-up suitcase, and jars of marmalade with him in the hopes that someone will help him once he gets to London. The idea of him taking the journey on his own might worry some children, but he's quickly taken in by the Brown family. Paddington gets into some dangerous mischief -- which might delight some kids and scare/upset others -- including flooding a bathroom, chasing a pickpocket, fleeing a fire, and eventually being kidnapped by a cruel, cold taxidermist (Nicole Kidman), who wields a dart gun and sharp implements. The Browns' aunt helps rescue Paddington by doing shots of whisky with a security guard until they're both drunk, and there's a gross-out scene in which Paddington cleans out his ears. Expect some flirting, a passionate kiss between the Browns, and language along the lines of "good lord" and "shut your pie hole." But Paddington is very sweet, polite, and good intentioned, and the Brown family is adorably imperfect. Paddington is charming in many ways and touching in others. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails.