
(The pop-up book sequence is THE highlight in a film filled with dazzling special effects. Gruber ( Jim Broadbent), he knows he’s found the ideal item to express his love for the woman-er, mama bear- who raised him. When he discovers an intricate, vintage pop-up book of London in the antique store owned by old pal Mr. He is a vital member of the community: helping forgetful neighbors, running errands for friends and generally making everyone’s day a little brighter.īut back in Peru, his dear Aunt Lucy (voiced once more by Imelda Staunton, part of the formidable cast of veteran British actors) is about to turn 100, and Paddington wants to buy her the perfect gift.


Paddington (voiced again in pleasingly soothing tones by Ben Whishaw) has now settled comfortably into his new life in Windsor Gardens with the Brown family: mother and father Mary and Henry ( Sally Hawkins and Hugh Bonneville), daughter and son Judy and Jonathan ( Madeleine Harris and Samuel Joslin), and their longtime housekeeper, Mrs. Returning director Paul King, working from a script he co-wrote with Simon Farnaby (and based on Michael Bond’s beloved book series), once again depicts a London that’s colorfully picturesque but also fraught with adventure and danger. And the allegory about immigration it offers is, sadly, more necessary than ever in the post-Brexit, post-Trump world in which we live. This sequel is funnier, more charming and heartwarming than the original one you’ll enjoy tremendously, with or without kids in tow.Three years later, “Paddington 2” proves the smart-but-sweet combination that marked the first live-action film was no fluke. Besides the hilarious slapstick comedy, ‘Paddington 2’ really excels in conveying its messages about accepting outsiders and always looking for the good in people.
Paddington 2 movie times series#
Sure there are a lot of illogical and convenient series of events but they don’t seem out of place in a world where it’s perfectly normal for a talking bear to be accepted by society. The animation is top-notch with some awe-inspiring sequences that celebrate King’s version of London. Writer-director Paul King draws a lot of inspiration from Wes Anderson’s works in this film’s cinematography with symmetrical framing and vivid color palettes. Of course, none of this would work without Ben Whishaw whose voice acting as Paddington reconfirms why he’s perfectly suited for the role. Amongst all the talent, Hugh Grant ends up being the most versatile of the lot, donning various personas as Phoenix Buchanan – an actor way past his prime, and with a hidden agenda. Brendan Gleeson as Knuckles McGinty – the prison cook, is particularly hot-tempered and grizzly but Paddington’s interactions with him are absolutely delightful. Once Paddington goes to prison, we’re introduced to a bevy of odd characters. They are all clearly having fun in a film where hamming it up is more than welcome, although Hugh Bonneville as Henry Brown has the most scene-stealing moments. To begin with, the ensemble cast features some of the best actors in the UK, along with cameos from a number of familiar faces. Paddington and his family now need to clear his name and catch the real thief.Īs plots go, this is as simple as they come but don’t let that fool you as this film has a lot to offer.

Setting the film in motion, the book gets stolen and Paddington is wrongly framed for the robbery ending up in prison. For his aunt’s 100th birthday, he sets his heart on a pop-up book but as he can’t afford it, the little bear takes up window-washing to make some money. Paddington 2 Review: Picking up after the first film, Paddington has now become a member of the Brown family and is well integrated into their neighborhood. Paddington 2 Story: Paddington takes up odd jobs in order to pay for a gift for his aunt Lucy’s 100th birthday, which lands him in all sorts of trouble.
