Paddington

"It’s over 50 years since author Michael Bond introduced Paddington Bear on a London train station wearing the heartstring-tugging tag around his neck: “Please look after this bear”. That message referenced the plight of refugee children during World War II. In this charming screen update it could just as easily relate to wide-eyed Kiwis on their OE or refugees from modern day war zones. The scaffolding of the film is serious, but the action is joyous."

"May divide loyal Paddingtophiles with its high-stakes caper plot, but their enraptured kids won’t care a whit."

"Sweet and silly and, at times, edge-of-the-seat stuff."

"It’s charmingly simple. But it also offers a sharp modern spin on Michael Bond’s London-set stories without being cynical."

"A charming and sweet-natured family film, full of wit and fun, skewed towards young children but cheekily speckled with sly gags pitched at the older audience."

"A brightly wrapped Christmas present that has been assembled with love and care, and its message about the importance of welcoming strangers couldn't be more timely."

"Quite charming, thoughtful and as cuddly as a plush toy, albeit one with a few modern gizmos thrown in."

"A warm, witty and wondrously inventive great big bear-hug of a movie."