Two Movies on a Friday Night

I've got a love for all things quintessential British. If anything ever ticked that box would be Paddington Bear. I can't say I really grew up with the stories, but knew of them and how cute the little guy was. Occasionally I found copies in the library to read to my own kids, but he wasn't a regular household US children's book character. Still, a year ago browsing clearance on line, I found two small stuffed Paddington Bears and had to have them, one given to my daughter who studied in London, and the other for myself to share with future grandkids. I couldn't pass the by at $2.00. It seems they were run with a book as part of Kohl's charitable campaign where they sell a toy or a book for $5.00. The fact that there were any bears left was a evident Paddington hadn't really caught on here. I digress. 

A few weeks ago when I babysat for my niece and her friend, the kids briefly put on Paddington before they decided playing with Legos would be more fun. Of the 20 minutes I saw, I was delighted. Last night I decided to have a quiet movie and pizza and wine night. We've now gotten in the habit of the cheap Aldi's take and bake pizzas on Friday, a routine that does not break the bank. Anyway, I scrolled and saw Paddington was on Netflix, so I decided to finish the movie. Oh my, did I enjoy it! I laughed so hard in multiple places, like when the kind, but naïve bear, was trying to return what he thought was a mans wallet to a pick pocket. I don't care what your age is and whether or not you have young kids or grandchildren to enjoy with, this movie is so adorable and funny, I recommend for anyone. There are screen shots galore with various UK celebrities having small cameo  roles so it is fun to spot them throughout. The actors who play the Brown family are wonderful-just the right smaltz to portray each of their personalities well. There is a Paddington 2, and I will need to see that when it comes to Netfliz or Amazon.

The second movie I watched was called London Town. This little unknown gem, set in the late 70's, was about 15 year old Shay, a boy who helps his dad run a music/repair shop and take care of his little sister, in a London suburb. Abandoned by their mom who left them all to make it big as a singer in the big city, Shay is forced to step up even more after an accident that puts his dad in the hospital. Trained in classical music, insisted upon by his dad, he is drawn to the new rock/punk music. Through chance, he meets the lead singer of the Clash, prior to the band making it big. I loved the music, bringing back memories of my high school and early college years, because by then, the Clash was now heard everywhere in the US as well. I guess you could kind of call this a coming of age movie at a time when music was changing. There's a few slams to disco, and hints as to what would be coming in the world politically. 

If you've seen either of these, did you enjoy them? What have you watched lately? Comment and share your recommendations for my next Friday pizza and wine night.