Paddington 2

As with the first Paddington film, I will admit to not seeing Paddington 2 when it first released, mainly due to how silly it looked in the marketing. After actually watching the original recently, I found myself eager to watch the sequel at the next opportunity, enough to actually track down and read a library copy of the original A Bear Called Paddington book in the interim. I can not only speak more confidently of the first film’s faithfulness to the source material, I can also say that I enjoyed the second film, which I rented through Amazon Prime Video, even more than its predecessor.

While trying to get a gift for his Aunt Lucy’s 100^th birthday, Paddington (Ben Whishaw) learns of a pop-up book of London that Mr. Gruber (Jim Broadbent) had recently come into possession of. When he learns of the price due to it being one-of-a-kind, Paddington resolves to get a job to buy the book and becomes a window washer. Just when he’s close to his goal, the book is stolen and Paddington chases after the thief, only for him to be wrongly accused of the theft.

Compared with the first film, the plot of Paddington 2 has greater complexity with its handful of subplots, however they are all weaved together very organically, making it very easy to follow. The returning characters are also consistent in their portrayals, especially Paddington in his continuing role as the agent of change, making their character growth feel natural. The newer characters are also interesting in their own ways, especially some of the Portobello prisoners and prison chef Knuckles McGinty (Brendan Gleeson), making them feel right at home in the Paddington universe. Although the plot does get dark at times and the characters are put in mortal peril in the third act, there is still a nice mixture of comedy and heart that culminates in a very emotional climax.

 

It only takes a marmalade sandwich for Paddington (Ben Whishaw, left) to turn
things around in prison.

As with the first film, Paddington 2 features some interesting visuals of its own, including a great use of toys as transitions as well as a very effective use of lighting to match the relevant tone. Additionally, the movie has clever moments using traditional animation during investigative scenes, giving them an extra flair that makes them stand out from many other, similar scenes. Paddington himself has some improved and more involved effects that make him feel like he has a physical presence in the environment, with said effects holding up nicely. The talent and commitment from the actors helps immensely on this front, with Brendan Gleeson and Hugh Grant being particular highlights.

Paddington 2 is a rare sequel that not only lives up to the first movie, but also improves on it in just about every way. Whether you’re a fan of the books or have only seen the first movie, there’s almost no reason not to watch it.