On paper this movie would look like something I wouldn't enjoy. It looks like a generic children's film that an adult should have no business liking. The first film transcended that and was a great watch, and this film is even better than that one.
This film follows a bear named Paddington, now situated with his new family, the Browns, in London. Paddington's aunt's birthday is coming up and he wants to give her something special after all she had done for him as he grew up. He finds an antique pop-up book of London and begins saving up, only to have the book stolen before he can buy it, not to mention he is framed and sent to prison. A charming and exciting mystery ensues as Paddington and the Browns try to catch the thief.
This entire cast is great. Returning actors such as Hugh Bonneville and Sally Hawkins continue the great work they did in the first film. We see Bonneville as a much more open-minded Mr. Brown as opposed to how we saw him for most of the first film. Sally Hawkins' Mrs. Brown hasn't really changed but her character is just as delightful. This film introduces us to a flurry of fun new characters as well. Brendan Gleeson is a huge highlight as the prison cook. The entire cast of inmates Paddington meets is great but Gleeson is in a very different role than usual and he's honestly incredible. This film also adds Hugh Grant in the antagonist role as a washed up, pretentious actor. Of course I can't talk about performances and ignore the main character. Ben Whishaw's voice acting as Paddington is flawless, it captures the magic it did in the first film and when necessary brings some pretty solid emotion. His line delivery is great whether it is a joke or a cute remark and that really makes his performance stand out among other voice performances.
The direction is really quite good in this film, especially when compared to other family films. Paul King once again brings the most out of his cast and brings some remarkable creative elements to the film. I have to say, the set design in this film is actually incredible. It perfectly fits the world of Paddington and allows for some amazing slapstick comedy, as well as a surprisingly awesome action scene. The colours are bright and exciting, helping bring London to life in a joyful way. The costume design also helps make this film very colourful. While the script doesn't bring much more development to the characters, I don't think it needed to all that much. The script is full of absolutely hilarious moments and a lot of heart. If you don't smile at least 12 times during this film you need to see a therapist or take the cactus out of you butt. I have two small issues with this film. I really would have enjoyed a little more development of the Brown family. We see a decent amount of Mr and Mrs Brown but don't learn much new about them, and while some exposition is given showing how the kids have changed, their roles in this film are a lot smaller than in the first film. I also would've enjoyed a bit more at the end. It isn't and abrupt ending by any means but I just wanted more.
This is a really great film. Not many family films actually impress me let alone as much as this one did. It invokes so much happiness and joy that I can't think of anyone I wouldn't recommend this too. Try to look past the G-rated children's movie that Paddington 2 appears to be and just enjoy a really well-done and very enjoyable film.
Rating: 4.2/5
Written by Matt McKenzie
This film follows a bear named Paddington, now situated with his new family, the Browns, in London. Paddington's aunt's birthday is coming up and he wants to give her something special after all she had done for him as he grew up. He finds an antique pop-up book of London and begins saving up, only to have the book stolen before he can buy it, not to mention he is framed and sent to prison. A charming and exciting mystery ensues as Paddington and the Browns try to catch the thief.
This entire cast is great. Returning actors such as Hugh Bonneville and Sally Hawkins continue the great work they did in the first film. We see Bonneville as a much more open-minded Mr. Brown as opposed to how we saw him for most of the first film. Sally Hawkins' Mrs. Brown hasn't really changed but her character is just as delightful. This film introduces us to a flurry of fun new characters as well. Brendan Gleeson is a huge highlight as the prison cook. The entire cast of inmates Paddington meets is great but Gleeson is in a very different role than usual and he's honestly incredible. This film also adds Hugh Grant in the antagonist role as a washed up, pretentious actor. Of course I can't talk about performances and ignore the main character. Ben Whishaw's voice acting as Paddington is flawless, it captures the magic it did in the first film and when necessary brings some pretty solid emotion. His line delivery is great whether it is a joke or a cute remark and that really makes his performance stand out among other voice performances.
The direction is really quite good in this film, especially when compared to other family films. Paul King once again brings the most out of his cast and brings some remarkable creative elements to the film. I have to say, the set design in this film is actually incredible. It perfectly fits the world of Paddington and allows for some amazing slapstick comedy, as well as a surprisingly awesome action scene. The colours are bright and exciting, helping bring London to life in a joyful way. The costume design also helps make this film very colourful. While the script doesn't bring much more development to the characters, I don't think it needed to all that much. The script is full of absolutely hilarious moments and a lot of heart. If you don't smile at least 12 times during this film you need to see a therapist or take the cactus out of you butt. I have two small issues with this film. I really would have enjoyed a little more development of the Brown family. We see a decent amount of Mr and Mrs Brown but don't learn much new about them, and while some exposition is given showing how the kids have changed, their roles in this film are a lot smaller than in the first film. I also would've enjoyed a bit more at the end. It isn't and abrupt ending by any means but I just wanted more.
This is a really great film. Not many family films actually impress me let alone as much as this one did. It invokes so much happiness and joy that I can't think of anyone I wouldn't recommend this too. Try to look past the G-rated children's movie that Paddington 2 appears to be and just enjoy a really well-done and very enjoyable film.
Rating: 4.2/5
Written by Matt McKenzie
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