I love bears. I always have. Bears are fascinating creatures. I even like Nabisco'sTeddy Grahams. I won't, however, be heading to the movies this month to see Paddington Bear 2.
I know the masses (old and young alike) ooh and aah over what they consider to be a wonderful Paddington bear and movie. For me, though, Paddington Bear is about the most annoying, clump of a bear I've met. I don't know what it is about him that sets me on edge, but I'm simply not fond of Paddington Bear. I think there are other more captivating and endearing bears.
Cartoon bears are far more fascinating and funny than Paddington could ever dream to be. Some of the first bears I encountered and still love today are Yogi Bear and Boo-Boo. Ranger Smith had his hands full every episode with those two hungry bears. Even minor characters like Cindy Bear had personality. The Hillbilly Bears certainly had character, too. I loved Paw's mumbling as he was forced to deal with the rest of the family, usually from his front porch rocker or traipsing after Maw, Floral, and Shag along the rocky path. The Berenstain Bears are also adorable Bear County folks, entertaining and teaching important lessons that everyone needs to think about in their lives. Paddington, on the other hand,acts like a lump of down-trodden coal buried in the mud compared to all the other bears. Paddington has no personality.
Acclaimed writer William Faulkner wrote "The Bear," one of his best-known and fascinating works. "The Bear" is considered one of the best stories from the 20th century and deals with the complexity of soical problems and the loss of the wilderness. Interesting true accounts along with shows like "The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams" and "Gentle Ben" have appeared for the pleasure of many. The classic and awesome Winnie the Pooh offers so much delight and insight into Life. Winnie and all of his pals are phenomenal characters. Paddington, however, should just disappear... for good.
Boyd's Bears designed hundreds of bears throughout the years for kids (and adults) to love. Teddy Ruxpin captured the heart of many. Even Smokey the Bear is way cooler than Paddington.
So,as you may be able to tell, I won't be seeing Paddington Bear 2 at the movies. I'd rather stare at a blade of grass for a couple of hours, instead. Paddington Bear simply needs to go away before anyone's brain is harmed by his boring nothingness..
Boy, oh boy, am I ever sorry I asked you to go to this movie! I may never hear the end of it! I think Paddington has bumbling British charm, of which you would say is an oxymoron. I just think it is unkind to blame a fictional character for the way his author writes him! He has no choice in the matter! Teaching in a lower grade classroom for a lot of years has shown me that good ol' Paddington has many sweet admirers who think he is a bit funny, so even tho' a good friend of mine seems to detest him, I think he will be alright! Oh, by the way, I will see the movie sans Cindy! :-)
ReplyDeleteLOL! I just finished toning this post down. Please enjoy the movie ... without me.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a freshman in college, we were assigned to read The Bear, by William Faulkner. A fellow student, who I will call Jeff (because that was his name) decided to call Faulkner and ask him to explain the story. He got through, and Faulkner took the question, said "It's a huntin' story", and hung up.
ReplyDeleteI remember as a young parent, dreading reading time if I had on premises a Berenstein Bear book. I'd try quoting anything from Shakespeare to Dr. Seuss to reading that book. Of course that made it the most requested book for a number of months. Never encountered Paddington, so no opinion.