Despite my love for bears, especially of the talking variety, I never got around to seeing the original Paddington. Somehow director Paul King's rendition of Michael Bond's lovable Peruvian immigrant just managed to slip out of my grasp, even though I recall catching bits of it on TV. It wasn't until the chatter around Paddington 2 reached a fever pitch that I found myself watching the original film in preparation, surprised and delighted in just about every way. Quirky and whimsical without ever feeling childish, Paddington is family entertainment of the highest order. It's a marvelous film, and I was thoroughly enchanted from start to finish. In a world where so many family films feel either hopelessly dumb or cheaply cynical, Paddington is a downright exceptional refutation of both of those ideas.
Having now fallen in love with the original, I suddenly felt an immense degree of excitement for the follow-up. Paul King is evidently a filmmaker of massive talent, sort of a British response to the specific style of Wes Anderson. Early word from critics and British audiences was that King's sequel was somehow superior to the original, which has made this film something of an event in early January. And deservedly so- Paddington 2 lives up to the hype and then some. It's a film that works in two ways. First, it's a cry for dignity and decency in a cruel world, led by a protagonist who embodies hope and optimism at every moment. Paddington is just a genuinely good, idealistic person, completely free of irony and endlessly devoted to the people around him. That's admirable, and in an increasingly miserable world, this film touches a nerve. But on a more cinematic level, Paddington 2 continues the franchise's perfect blend of Anderson-inspired visuals and Chaplin-esque physical humor, resulting in an experience that is both profoundly emotional and incredibly fun. It's a blast, and it's hard to imagine anyone not loving every second of it.
After surviving his near-fatal encounter with a vengeful taxidermist, Paddington (voiced by Ben Whishaw) is back to enjoying life with the Brown family. To get things started, the film catches us up with the happenings in the Brown family- Henry (Hugh Bonneville) is going through something of a mid-life crisis, Mary (Sally Hawkins) is preparing for a lengthy swim, Judy (Madeleine Harris) is printing newspapers after a crushing break-up, and Jonathan (Samuel Joslin) has crafted a new hip-hop image. Meanwhile, Paddington is hoping to get a birthday present for his Aunt Lucy (voiced by Imelda Staunton), and he wants to get her something extra special. He has his eye on a pop-up book of London, since Lucy and Uncle Pastuzo (voiced by Michael Gambon) always wanted to see the city that their beloved explorer came from. But there's just one small problem- shop owner Mr. Gruber (Jim Broadbent) informs Paddington that the book is a little out of his price range.
Being a thoroughly noble bear, Paddington decides that he's going to work for the money. He starts washing windows and helping people around the neighborhood, adding a little bit of money to his change jar each day. One night, Paddington notices a thief attempting to steal from Mr. Gruber's shop. He immediately jumps into action, chasing down the man who has stolen Gruber's famous pop-up book. But as the culprit vanishes into thin air (literally), Paddington is framed for the crime. Unable to provide a good alibi, Paddington is thrown in jail, leaving his family to find a way to clear his name. While all of this is going on, a washed-up actor named Phoenix Buchanan (Hugh Grant) embarks on a hunt for a secret fortune, using the stolen pop-up book as his guide. As he gets closer to the treasure, the Brown family is hot on his heels, hoping to find a way to stop Buchanan, free Paddington, and maybe even make the world a brighter place along the way.
Writing an in-depth review of Paddington 2 feels like an exercise in futility. Just see this movie, guys. If you haven't seen it yet, stop what you're doing, drive to the nearest theater, and buy a ticket. I promise that it's worth it. Even if you think you wouldn't be interested in a children's film about a marmalade-obsessed talking bear, it's impossible to walk out of Paddington 2 without a big smile on your face. This film is an unfiltered shot of pure happiness, so idealistic and joyful that its sense of energy and optimism is virtually contagious. There's certainly much to be said about the Paddington franchise's political celebration of the immigrant experience, and this tremendous sequel is primarily about finding the good in every single person. Whether that's a friendly face or a convict named Knuckles (Brendan Gleeson), Paddingon doesn't care. It's a film that preaches kindness, acceptance, and community, but it never feels overly sentimental or didactic. It's true to the character, and it feels necessary and right in a world that has lost so much of Paddington's spirit.
Paddington 2 also pulls off something magical in the family genre- it never goes for the cheap laugh. So many mainstream kids' movies are devoted to fart jokes and other scatological comedy, avoiding any kind of nuance or.....well, humor (lookin' at you, Minions). If those kinds of films are on one side of the family spectrum, the Paddington franchise is the opposite in practically every single conceivable way. Its style of humor isn't even decidedly adult in the Pixar kind of way- it just relies on a brand of comedy that feels old-fashioned and warm-hearted, much like Paddington himself. Watching the titular bear silently attempt to balance a bucket and his own weight is a special kind of treat, like a throwback to an old Buster Keaton or Charlie Chaplin short. Those individual sequences are hysterical, but the film's sense of visual comedy is never lacking. Obviously inspired by the work of the aforementioned Wes Anderson and even Edgar Wright, Paddington 2's colorful style and visual symmetry is both playful and whimsical, a sugary flight of fancy so spectacular that it feels out of this world.
And it all goes back to director Paul King. There's a great piece at Film School Rejects that puts King in the same class as Wright and Thor: Ragnarok director Taika Waitit, and I couldn't agree more. He has a knack for witty visual storytelling, a style that feels like the product of famous directorial influences and King's own humorous sensibilities. The Paddington films have a kinetic sense of momentum, bouncing from one action beat to the other without so much as breaking a sweat. The pacing here is impeccable, and King's mastery of composition allows him to blend Dario Marianelli's thrilling score with Erik Wilson's wonderful cinematography to marvelous effect. But King, along with co-writer Simon Farnaby, also emerges as a terrific storyteller, crafting a tight and affecting narrative. Each little story beat and character moment comes back around in some way, and it only makes the whole thing feel that much more beautifully realized. Every piece of King's gorgeously eccentric puzzle fits into place.
The Paddington franchise also has the benefit of an excellent cast, one that seems to be in competition with the Harry Potter series for the award of "Best Assembly of Living British Actors." It's kind of odd to think that Colin Firth was originally set to play Paddington- I love Firth, but he's just so completely wrong for the character. Ben Whishaw once again delivers an excellent vocal performance, capturing Paddington's boyish charm, as well as his earnest, pure heart. Even in the most dire of situations, Paddington is polite and warm, resulting in a character that is just so easy to love. I do wish that Paddington and the Brown family interacted more in this sequel (perhaps my biggest complaint here), but they're great on their own terms. Hugh Bonneville is always terrific, Sally Hawkins is all kinds of great, and Julie Walters is brilliant as the stern Mrs. Bird. And special kudos to Brendan Gleeson, who pulls off a nice balance as hardened chef Knuckles McGinty. But the real scene-stealer is Hugh Grant, who is downright hilarious as Phoenix Buchanan. When I saw that Grant had received a BAFTA nomination for his performance here, I was a little taken aback. But he undeniably deserves the accolade- it's the perfect kind of over-the-top, so expertly calibrated and outrageously funny at each moment.
For 104 minutes, Paddington 2 is cinematic bliss. From its clever production values and animated interludes to the breathtaking final train chase, this movie just delivers an unparalleled kind of magical escapism. Did I mention that it made me cry? It came out of nowhere, but it hit me like a ton of bricks. After an unpredictable plot and several dazzling action scenes, Paddington 2 pivots to an emotional conclusion that had tears streaming down my face. It's the perfect tribute to a character who represents the best in humankind (or bearkind), and it's a big, beautiful embrace of the everyday people who make the world a better place. It's an absolute blessing of a movie, as heartfelt and charming as movies can possibly be. And it only leads me to one conclusion- no matter who we are or where we come from, we could all learn a few lessons from Paddington Brown.
THE FINAL GRADE: A (9.2/10)
Images courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
Having now fallen in love with the original, I suddenly felt an immense degree of excitement for the follow-up. Paul King is evidently a filmmaker of massive talent, sort of a British response to the specific style of Wes Anderson. Early word from critics and British audiences was that King's sequel was somehow superior to the original, which has made this film something of an event in early January. And deservedly so- Paddington 2 lives up to the hype and then some. It's a film that works in two ways. First, it's a cry for dignity and decency in a cruel world, led by a protagonist who embodies hope and optimism at every moment. Paddington is just a genuinely good, idealistic person, completely free of irony and endlessly devoted to the people around him. That's admirable, and in an increasingly miserable world, this film touches a nerve. But on a more cinematic level, Paddington 2 continues the franchise's perfect blend of Anderson-inspired visuals and Chaplin-esque physical humor, resulting in an experience that is both profoundly emotional and incredibly fun. It's a blast, and it's hard to imagine anyone not loving every second of it.
After surviving his near-fatal encounter with a vengeful taxidermist, Paddington (voiced by Ben Whishaw) is back to enjoying life with the Brown family. To get things started, the film catches us up with the happenings in the Brown family- Henry (Hugh Bonneville) is going through something of a mid-life crisis, Mary (Sally Hawkins) is preparing for a lengthy swim, Judy (Madeleine Harris) is printing newspapers after a crushing break-up, and Jonathan (Samuel Joslin) has crafted a new hip-hop image. Meanwhile, Paddington is hoping to get a birthday present for his Aunt Lucy (voiced by Imelda Staunton), and he wants to get her something extra special. He has his eye on a pop-up book of London, since Lucy and Uncle Pastuzo (voiced by Michael Gambon) always wanted to see the city that their beloved explorer came from. But there's just one small problem- shop owner Mr. Gruber (Jim Broadbent) informs Paddington that the book is a little out of his price range.
Being a thoroughly noble bear, Paddington decides that he's going to work for the money. He starts washing windows and helping people around the neighborhood, adding a little bit of money to his change jar each day. One night, Paddington notices a thief attempting to steal from Mr. Gruber's shop. He immediately jumps into action, chasing down the man who has stolen Gruber's famous pop-up book. But as the culprit vanishes into thin air (literally), Paddington is framed for the crime. Unable to provide a good alibi, Paddington is thrown in jail, leaving his family to find a way to clear his name. While all of this is going on, a washed-up actor named Phoenix Buchanan (Hugh Grant) embarks on a hunt for a secret fortune, using the stolen pop-up book as his guide. As he gets closer to the treasure, the Brown family is hot on his heels, hoping to find a way to stop Buchanan, free Paddington, and maybe even make the world a brighter place along the way.
Writing an in-depth review of Paddington 2 feels like an exercise in futility. Just see this movie, guys. If you haven't seen it yet, stop what you're doing, drive to the nearest theater, and buy a ticket. I promise that it's worth it. Even if you think you wouldn't be interested in a children's film about a marmalade-obsessed talking bear, it's impossible to walk out of Paddington 2 without a big smile on your face. This film is an unfiltered shot of pure happiness, so idealistic and joyful that its sense of energy and optimism is virtually contagious. There's certainly much to be said about the Paddington franchise's political celebration of the immigrant experience, and this tremendous sequel is primarily about finding the good in every single person. Whether that's a friendly face or a convict named Knuckles (Brendan Gleeson), Paddingon doesn't care. It's a film that preaches kindness, acceptance, and community, but it never feels overly sentimental or didactic. It's true to the character, and it feels necessary and right in a world that has lost so much of Paddington's spirit.
Paddington 2 also pulls off something magical in the family genre- it never goes for the cheap laugh. So many mainstream kids' movies are devoted to fart jokes and other scatological comedy, avoiding any kind of nuance or.....well, humor (lookin' at you, Minions). If those kinds of films are on one side of the family spectrum, the Paddington franchise is the opposite in practically every single conceivable way. Its style of humor isn't even decidedly adult in the Pixar kind of way- it just relies on a brand of comedy that feels old-fashioned and warm-hearted, much like Paddington himself. Watching the titular bear silently attempt to balance a bucket and his own weight is a special kind of treat, like a throwback to an old Buster Keaton or Charlie Chaplin short. Those individual sequences are hysterical, but the film's sense of visual comedy is never lacking. Obviously inspired by the work of the aforementioned Wes Anderson and even Edgar Wright, Paddington 2's colorful style and visual symmetry is both playful and whimsical, a sugary flight of fancy so spectacular that it feels out of this world.
And it all goes back to director Paul King. There's a great piece at Film School Rejects that puts King in the same class as Wright and Thor: Ragnarok director Taika Waitit, and I couldn't agree more. He has a knack for witty visual storytelling, a style that feels like the product of famous directorial influences and King's own humorous sensibilities. The Paddington films have a kinetic sense of momentum, bouncing from one action beat to the other without so much as breaking a sweat. The pacing here is impeccable, and King's mastery of composition allows him to blend Dario Marianelli's thrilling score with Erik Wilson's wonderful cinematography to marvelous effect. But King, along with co-writer Simon Farnaby, also emerges as a terrific storyteller, crafting a tight and affecting narrative. Each little story beat and character moment comes back around in some way, and it only makes the whole thing feel that much more beautifully realized. Every piece of King's gorgeously eccentric puzzle fits into place.
The Paddington franchise also has the benefit of an excellent cast, one that seems to be in competition with the Harry Potter series for the award of "Best Assembly of Living British Actors." It's kind of odd to think that Colin Firth was originally set to play Paddington- I love Firth, but he's just so completely wrong for the character. Ben Whishaw once again delivers an excellent vocal performance, capturing Paddington's boyish charm, as well as his earnest, pure heart. Even in the most dire of situations, Paddington is polite and warm, resulting in a character that is just so easy to love. I do wish that Paddington and the Brown family interacted more in this sequel (perhaps my biggest complaint here), but they're great on their own terms. Hugh Bonneville is always terrific, Sally Hawkins is all kinds of great, and Julie Walters is brilliant as the stern Mrs. Bird. And special kudos to Brendan Gleeson, who pulls off a nice balance as hardened chef Knuckles McGinty. But the real scene-stealer is Hugh Grant, who is downright hilarious as Phoenix Buchanan. When I saw that Grant had received a BAFTA nomination for his performance here, I was a little taken aback. But he undeniably deserves the accolade- it's the perfect kind of over-the-top, so expertly calibrated and outrageously funny at each moment.
For 104 minutes, Paddington 2 is cinematic bliss. From its clever production values and animated interludes to the breathtaking final train chase, this movie just delivers an unparalleled kind of magical escapism. Did I mention that it made me cry? It came out of nowhere, but it hit me like a ton of bricks. After an unpredictable plot and several dazzling action scenes, Paddington 2 pivots to an emotional conclusion that had tears streaming down my face. It's the perfect tribute to a character who represents the best in humankind (or bearkind), and it's a big, beautiful embrace of the everyday people who make the world a better place. It's an absolute blessing of a movie, as heartfelt and charming as movies can possibly be. And it only leads me to one conclusion- no matter who we are or where we come from, we could all learn a few lessons from Paddington Brown.
THE FINAL GRADE: A (9.2/10)
Images courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
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