Paddington 2 (2017)

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In my review of the first 'Paddington' film, I mentioned how this series provides a bit of a "comfort food" feeling for those bad days, and I stand by that. What's more, is how incredibly well-adapted these stories are without trying to be "cool" or strive for what "the kids are looking for nowadays," and failing miserably by guessing wrong and losing the heart that made the property so good, to begin with. Thankfully, 'Paddington' keeps it simple, innocent and fun without needing Paddington to break out into some prison rap song.

In case you're wondering, yes, Paddington does indeed end up in prison in this chapter, surrounded by hardened criminals. But he brings his all-around charm to the table as well, providing quite a few genuine laughs as he interacts with said criminals and somehow making the film incredibly warm in what should be the coldest place Paddington could end up for a movie. But before we get into this sweet, innocent bear doing time, perhaps a minor update since the last film is in order.

Paddington (Ben Whishaw) is still living with the Brown family: Henry (Hugh Bonneville), his wife, Mary (Sally Hawkins), and their kids, Judy (Madeleine Harris) and Jonathan (Samuel Joslin). He has also made his presence known throughout the neighbourhood positively by helping others with their daily routines and being an all-around good bear. Everyone loves him, save for one jerk who just plain doesn't like him for whatever reason, but that's all a bit of a side story and lesson about generally not being a jealous bum.

The main plot here involves Paddington (Ben Whishaw) trying to get his paws on a pop-up book to give to his Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton) as a birthday present, as well as perhaps a bit of a thank-you for bringing him to London to live with the Browns. However, the pop-up book in question is a very special antique worth a pretty penny, so Paddington decides he should get a job to save up for it - more solid life lessons about responsibility for the kids watching without it being so in their faces. Eventually, he finds work washing windows and continues his good nature by doing some for free just because they're dirty.

Meanwhile, a master of disguise named Phoenix Buchanan (Hugh Grant) also chases after this book, as it holds some special secrets to some hidden treasure, unbeknownst to Paddington. When Buchanan attempts to steal the book, there's a mixup as Paddington gives chase to the thief, and he is soon framed and arrested, and much of the film is him in jail while the Browns try to clear his good name. But as dark as that may sound for a kid's movie, it's when Paddington gets jailed that the film becomes real fun.

While the Brown family makes some effort in trying to get Paddington out of jail, Paddington himself starts making friends on the inside with something as simple as attempting to change the prison's food menu, starting with the wondrous taste of marmalade sandwiches (remember, marmalade is practically a character in these films) after accidentally cramming one in head thug Knuckles McGinty's (Brendan Gleeson) mouth. Even in prison, this bear wants to improve people's lives by helping in any way he can.

The film's gist is about clearing Paddington's name, capturing the crook, and getting this pop-up book to Aunt Lucy. But as simple as it all is, the film is still filled with all of the warmth and good feeling of the first film, even in a harsher setting. It's pretty impressive, and they still don't try to overreach with these lovable characters. Again, we have a lovely, light-hearted film that will cure what ails you on those harsh days. Much like its predecessor, this film feels like a nice, warm hug for the soul. Perhaps even more so!

​5/5

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