Children's stories have been an avenue Hollywood has used to base films from for a number of decades. Ever since Danny Kaye starred in "Hans Christian Andersen" in 1952, about a children's storyteller, Hollywood has been fascinated with creating more of these films. The list is too numerous, but suffice it to say, when "Paddington" was released in 2014, because of its popularity, "Paddington 2" simply had to be made.
Paddington (voice of Ben Whishaw) is happily settled with the Brown family including Henry (Hugh Bonneville), Mary (Sally Hawkins), Jonathan (Samuel Joslin), Judy (Madeleine Harris) and Mrs. Bird (Julie Walters) in Windsor Gardens-- where he has become a popular member of the community, spreading joy and marmalade wherever he goes. While searching for the perfect present for his beloved Aunt Lucy's (voice of Imelda Staunton) 100th birthday, Paddington spots a unique pop-up book in Mr. Gruber's (Jim Broadbent) antique shop, and embarks upon a series of odd jobs to buy it. But when the book comes up stolen, it's up to Paddington and the Browns to unmask the thief before Aunt Lucy's big celebration.
Others to round out the cast are Brendan Gleeson as Knuckles McGinty, Hugh Grant as Phoenix Buchanan, Michael Gambom as voice of Uncle Pastuzo, Tom Davis as T-Bone, Noah Taylor as Phibs, Aaron Neil as Spoon, Nicholas Lumley as Farmer Jack and Peter Capaldi as Mr. Curry.
Since "Paddinton" was so creative in its direction, this was also directed by Paul King ("Under One Roof" (TV movie) '07, "Bunny and The Bull" '09, "The Pajama Men: Last Stand to Reason" (TV movie) '11, "Paddington" '14) plus TV and video shorts. After watching this film for a while, Paddington comes across as being so human that it doesn't seem possible that he's actually a bear. He's real, compassionate, has heart and doesn't appear to have an enemy in the world--this is talented direction that King pulled off in this as he did in its predecessor. It was also methodically well thought out by writer King ("Bunny and the Bull" '09, "Paddington" '14) plus TV and Simon Farnaby ("Mindhorn" '16) plus TV based on "Paddington Bear" created by Michael Bond. This was easily as well written as its predecessor if not better. It was cohesive, tight, easy to follow and methodical as the film unfolded. Down to the smallest detail this film was delineated with such precision. Everyone reprised their respective roles with the exception of Hugh Grant who played the baddie in this one--Nicole Kidman played the baddie in "Paddington", and Brendon Gleeson was also thrown in with a great role. If sequels were written as well as this was, I might look forward to them more often.
This film has it all: humor, heart, compassion, great direction and writing-- why can't Hollywood produce more films like this? It's funny, thrilling, is a great family film and with a great message. Will there be a "Paddington 3" in the works sometime in the foreseeable future? Hopefully. This is pure entertainment at its finest. Grab the popcorn and enjoy!
Out of 4 Stars: 4 Rated: PG 104mins.
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