Paddington 2
Grade: A
When it comes to the genre of heartwarming children’s movies, Paddington 2 is as perfect as they come — one of the decade’s most pleasant and surprisingly poignant films, and (not even kidding around) one of the best movie sequels of all time. A few more notes on Paddington 2:
- Directing – British director Paul King outdoes the original Paddington in every way with artfully composed camera movement, clever transitions between shots and a delightful eccentricity that takes heavy influence from the comforting set-pieces of Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel.
- Acting – Ben Whishaw is the perfect voice for the politest talking bear of all time, but the supporting performances of Brendan Gleeson (as softhearted prisoner Knuckles McGinty) and Hugh Grant (as charming villain Phoenix Buchanan) are what really elevate the story.
- Writing – By focusing less on Paddington’s foster family and more on Paddington himself, Paddington 2 becomes an instant classic; and even though Paddington’s experience in the British court system is quite contrived, his experience in British prison is filled with unexpectedly touching emotion.
- Music – Another obvious Anderson influence: jaunty samba/calypso tunes à la The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou — but it’s a lot cuter when a talking bear is involved.
- Ending (SPOILERS) – Paddington’s entire goal — bless his furry, marmalade-covered heart — is to give his Aunt Lucy a birthday present, which he finally does in an ending so sweet that you’ll be bawling tears of joy; concluding this tender film in the most perfect way possible: with a hug.
- Quote – “I don’t do nothin’ for no one for nothin.’” – Knuckles McGinty
- Accolades: Colin’s Review Best Films of the 2010s
“Paddington 2” (2017)