“Paddington 2” (2017)

Paddington 2

Grade: A

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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.

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. Heartwarming and surprisingly artful.

Acting:

Ben Whishaw is the perfect voice for the titular bear, so plain and polite. He carried the first film, but this time 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 Wes Anderson influence: cute calypso tunes à la The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004). This time it’s put to better use. A talking bear is a thousand times cuter than Bill Murray. No offense to Mr. Zissou.

Ending (SPOILERS):

Paddington’s entire goal — bless his furry, marmalade-soaked heart — is to give his Aunt Lucy a birthday present, which he finally does in an ending so sweet you’ll be bawling tears of joy; concluding this tender film in the most perfect way possible: with a hug.

“I don’t do nothin’ for no one for nothin.’” – Knuckles McGinty

Why Paddington 2 gets an A:

Outdoing the original in every way, Paul King’s Paddington 2 is elevated by impressive directing, colorful supporting actors and the immense lovability of the title character. It will shock you how well put together this film is.

Accolades:

Colin’s Review Best Films of the 2010s

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