Where other recent live-action CGI hybrids have failed miserably (Yogi Bear, the Garfield movies, and the dreadful Smurf films) Paddington attempts to breathe life into the genre by giving its main character and film one element the other films were missing: heart. In that regard, Paddington mostly succeeds, but the movie falters in its transition to the silver screen.

Based on the beloved Paddington Bear books by author Michael Bond, the film starts off with a geographer introducing us to a new species of bear he comes across on his adventures. After deciding not to make them extinct, he befriends them and introduces them to a new joy: marmalade.

Flash-forward to present time and we find the bears Aunt Lucy, Uncle Pastuzo, and Paddington all enjoying their marmalade filled jungle life. Sadly, tragedy strikes, resulting in Aunt Lucy heading to “the home for retired bears” and Paddington dons his trademark red bush hat to make a new home in London.

It is there where the bulk of the story takes place, with Paddington finding a new family at a train station. The family, led by Henry Brown (played by Downton Abbey’s Hugh Bonneville, who brings loads of fun to the role) decides to take him home, and gives the name Paddington, although ketchup the bear was briefly in contention. Henry is against keeping him, but Paddington does his best to fit in and prove himself to the family.

The fish out of water story has been done to death on the big-screen by this point, but with Ben Whishaw (Skyfall) voicing the titular animal, he gives him a well-spoken innocence only Whishaw could bring to the role. Paddington himself is vividly brought to life by the special effects team, exuding a sweet politeness and charm.

Unfortunately, the movie runs into some problems with a major subplot featuring the attempted murder of Paddington. Played by a deliciously evil Nicole Kidman, Millicent Clyde attempts to take out Paddington to add to her collection of rare taxidermy. It feels out of place and is reminiscent of 2012’s Ted, a movie that the team behind this film certainly wouldn’t want their family-friendly comedy to be compared to.

To add insult to injury, the movie features multiple clichés of the genre featuring outdated pop songs, endless slapstick, and gas jokes. The movie is well filmed and features a likeable main character brought to life in a charming fashion, but the movie being buried under the predictable gags holds it back from being a true family classic. But as it stands, Paddington is light and harmless fun.