Review of Paddington 2 (2017) by Wayne K — 07 Jan 2018

I was in no way prepared for how incredible Paddington 2 was going to be. Sequels of this kind of quality are a rare commodity nowadays and should be celebrated all the more for it. I never seen the original film, and only briefly remember watching the character on TV when I was a child, but the Paddington presented here is as soft-spoken, genteel and effortlessly charming as his reputation has suggested.

Ben Whishaw is flawless as the lead voice actor, instilling Paddington with an indelible likeability and making every word he says resonate so deeply. The little fuzzy hero worms his way so easily into our hearts, and makes sure he remains there for his entire journey.

It's so close to being a perfect family film that I can't think of any real flaws it has. It exhibits a kind of exaggerated logic, but it never takes it too far and it compliments the tone beautifully.

The acting is eccentric, almost like you would get in a theatre production or cabaret show, but it's never stupid or over the top. Hugh Grant hits all the right notes as the villain. Again, he's eccentric, with outlandish dress sense, a plethora of accents and a huge, gaping grin, but he has a clear motivation, Paddington has a clear reason to stop him, and we have a clear reason to see his devious plan fail.

This is exactly the type of movie that children should be raised on. Not only is it funny, terrifically paced and with inexhaustible charm, but it's also deeply touching without being treacly, heart-warming without being sappy and teaches good manners and morals without being preachy.

It may very well be one of this year's best film, and certainly one I enjoyed more than many others. A children's film which can entertain kids while also charming their parents is the kind we don't see much of anymore, and it's always a welcome relief when we do.