In the beginning it was “A Bear Called Paddington” (1958) written by Michael Bond. The book gave rise to yet more books, TV series, and other products.

    The film is quite charming, thoughtful and as lovely as a plush toy*, with a few modern gizmos* thrown in. These include a contemporary period setting, a long story featuring an invented baddie* (Nicole Kidman) to add tension, a right-on message about tolerance*, and some jokes only grown-ups will get. All in all, it strikes a balance between honoring the spirit of the books and servicing the needs of modern family audiences.

    It begins by telling how Paddington’s Aunt Lucy and Uncle Pastuzo met a British explorer who introduced them to the wonder that is marmalade* and also helpfully left behind a gramophone* that taught them English. Years later, when their young, orphaned* nephew has come to live with Lucy and Pastuzo, the latter is killed in an earthquake and this sets the young bear on his way to London.

    But at Paddington Station, he finds the locals less welcoming than he’d thought. Kind-hearted Mrs. Brown (Sally Hawkins), a children’s book illustrator*, takes a shine to* the little bear, whom she names after the station. She manages to talk her husband Mr. Brown (Hugh Bonneville) and kids — teen Judy (Madeleine Harris) and tween geek Jonathan (Samuel Joslin) — into letting Paddington move in with them and their elderly relative Mrs. Bird (Julie Walters) until he finds somewhere to stay.

    Meanwhile, a taxidermist* (Kidman) hears about Paddington and decides to get him for the collection at the Natural History Museum. She asks help from the Browns’ neighbor Mr. Curry (Peter Capaldi). The two storylines come together satisfyingly for the finale, prompting* the message about makeshift families and love being the winner, but done with a light touch.

    Performances across the board sing in the same key, with everyone a bit excited and overacting just enough to make it fun. (SD-Agencies)