Review: ‘Paddington 2’ continues to bring out the best in everyone (Includes first-hand account)

For several years now, studios have been reaching into the past for inspiration with varied results. Trying to recreate the magic of something to which people may already have an emotional attachment is a difficult task as nostalgia is a powerful drug. Yet, occasionally they prove successful and the final product strikes just the right balance of respectful and fresh. This was the case with the first Paddington film, in which the most loveable bear in a pea coat finds a home in London. Now, in Paddington 2, the delightful cub’s happiness is threatened when he’s framed for a crime.

Paddington (voice of Ben Whishaw) has really settled into his new home. He spends a lot of his time at Mr. Gruber’s (Jim Broadbent) antique shop, where he’s recently been searching for a birthday present for Aunt Lucy (voice of Imelda Staunton). Finally, the perfect gift arrives as part of an estate sale: a pop-up book of London created by a famous circus performer. However, when washed-up actor Phoenix Buchanan (Hugh Grant) hears of its discovery, he’s willing to do anything to obtain the unique book… including framing an innocent bear for its theft. Paddington is sentenced to prison, where some hardened criminals don’t take kindly to his kindness… not right away anyway. In the meantime, the Browns doggedly search for the real robber in order to clear Paddington’s name.

Mr Gruber’s antique shop is full of magical things. I recently found this book for Aunt Lucy there. #Paddington2 pic.twitter.com/UcshfMs7Fa

— Paddington (@paddingtonbear) November 5, 2017

The opening scenes in the film demonstrate the talking bear has become an integral part of the community. He’s friends with all the neighbours — except Mr. Curry (Peter Capaldi), but that man never liked him anyhow — and has a daily routine that keeps everyone in good spirits. At home, he’s a full-fledged member of the Brown family, even partaking in the gentle ribbing of Mr. Brown. Though he’s established his own uses for the electronic toothbrush, he’s mostly adapted to life in the city. Unfortunately, all of this is upended when Paddington is falsely convicted; even though it’s somewhat peculiar that he’s not sent to a juvenile detention centre instead. In any case, he quickly learns there are no bedtime stories in jail and most people aren’t interested in making friends… which doesn’t mean it can’t happen eventually.

These narratives are absolute fantasy, but they’re also so lighthearted and heartfelt that it’s difficult not to accept and enjoy them. It’s completely outrageous that Paddington should transform his prison into a floral lovefest, but it’s also completely endearing. The films’ intention is to make audiences smile and they do so frequently and unfailingly. It has the feel of being a classic family movie without being overwrought or overtly magical, capturing the tone of similarly wholesome pictures from the ‘50s and ‘60s. All the returning actors continue to be wonderful, including Hugh Bonneville and Sally Hawkins (who is again caring for a somewhat helpless creature), while Brendan Gleeson and Noah Taylor join the cast to play the hardened criminals whose soft spots — and love for culinary arts — are revealed by Paddington. Moreover, Grant is his ever-charming self as he attempts to evade capture and find a hidden treasure via the pilfered book.

Director: Paul King
Starring: Ben Whishaw, Hugh Grant and Hugh Bonneville

Similar Posts

  • Review: ‘The House with a Clock’ will start new generation of horror fans (Includes first-hand account)

    Some of the key elements of young adult fiction is the adolescent protagonist makes mistakes that can be attributed to their immaturity, while also finding the strength to triumph over whatever villain or personal obstacle is at the tale’s centre. This formula is so generic, it allows for any number of narratives in any number of genres, meaning it never gets old because you never have to tell, read or watch the exact same story twice. Thus, even though The House with a Clock in its Walls features some aspects seen in other tales, it is its own picture.

  • Review: ‘Midnight Special’ is a unique tale of knowing and not knowing (Includes first-hand account)

    In spite of humans’ desire to be all-knowing, we must admit that which we don’t know far exceeds that which we understand. Who knows what the rest of the infinite universe holds or what other intelligent life may live beyond our reach, and whether or not they’re aware of our existence; or, as many films have proposed, how long these beings have observed us and/or lived undetected in our midst. On top of scientific unknowns are the various possibilities provided in religion regarding omnipotent deities, the afterlife and Earth-bound saviours. Writer/director Jeff Nichols’ latest picture, Midnight Special, is a captivating mystery steeped in faith and devotion.

  • Review: ‘A Cure for Wellness’ has gothic style that’s stretched for hours (Includes first-hand account)

    Human mortality has always been treated as a malady rather than an inevitability. Each day scientists and doctors work to find cures for disease and a means to repair damaged cells or reverse the effects of aging, all in an effort to prolong life. Legends tell of people dying in search of a “fountain of youth” and immortals going mad due to their longevity; yet we still dream of living forever. It seems many confront their mortality in old age, wishing for some way to turn back the clock; projected advancements may even make this possible one day… for the right price. In A Cure for Wellness, wealthy seniors discover a retreat so invigorating no one ever leaves.