Paddington 2 Movie Review--Movies released in January are supposed to bad. Paddington 2 did not get that memo.

Most movies released in January are supposed to be terrible.  

Studios release the movies they don’t expect much from during this time.  Which is why is boggles my mind that Paddington 2 was released in January.  This is a thoroughly enjoyable movie.

We introduced to Paddington to when he is adopt by his aunt and uncle in a harrowing opening scene.  Then we are shifted back to where Paddington is living with his human family the Browns.  This is a great aspect of this universe Paddington lives in, he is a bear that talks, yet, it’s no big deal.  Hey, talking bear, not an issue.  I love that.

Paddington is early awaiting the birthday of his aunt, who is really his adoptive mom, and wants very much to give her a great birthday present in honor of everything that she has done for him.  The movie is based on this focus on thankfulness.

Paddington is one day visiting his friend Samual Gruber who owns an antique shop.  He discoers a pop-up book of London, and he realizes that his aunt would love it.  She has always wanted to come to London but has never been able to make it.  Unfortunately the Pop-up is a one-of-a-kind creation that is very valuable.  So Paddington decides to get a job.

The story is very comical as Paddington moves from job to job, until he discovers that he is really good at cleaning windows.  Children will love Paddington attempt as a barber.

One day, the Browns and Paddington go to the opening of year Steam festival, a festival of old-timey rides that are steam-powered.  Where the master of ceremonies is a past his prime actor Phoenix Buchanan, played to perfection by Hugh Grant.  Buchanan sees Paddington and calls on him to help him open the festival.

This is one of the details that I love, Paddington is called upon, “The bear!” and no one makes a peep.  Paddington fits right in.  Just wonderful.

During their interaction Buchanan questions Paddington about what he is working for, and he shares about the pop-up book.  Buchanan in need of money, hatches a plan to get the pop-up book.  And from here we are off and running.

Buchanan steals the book, and Paddington is incorrectly identified as the thief and sent to prison.  Where he meets Nuckles, a grumpy mean cook played by Brendon Gleason.  When Nuckles, spelled with a capital N, threatens Paddington for criticizing his prison food, I was surprised at the level of humor for a kids movie.  Look for the guard, who asks for a medic first, and then a priest second.  

As Paddington is put into prison, his natural tendency for being polite and positive earns him friends and special protection from Nuckles.  Paddington is a ray of sunshine in a dark place.

The movie moves as the Brown try to proves Paddington’s innocence, and Paddington’s life in prison.

The movie works because it has jokes for adults, and silliness for kids.  The movie is touching, warm, and not over the top.

Paddington is voiced by Ben Whisaw, who is famous for playing Q in the Daniel Craig Bond films.  Paddington’s kindness and tenderness are portrayed experting though Whisaw’s voice.

Brendon Gleason brings the hard on the outside, but teddy bear on the inside, Nuckles to life.

Hugh Bonneville, plays Henry Brown, Paddington’s human dad, who feels stuck and frustrated in a mid-life crisis.

Hugh Grant plays Phoenix Buchanan to perfection.

It’s All in the Details

This movie was described by the director as a labor of love.  And it shows, in all the details.  For example, as Paddington describes how his aunt would love the pop-up book of London, London is immediately transformed into a pop-up book and Paddington takes his aunt through the magical detail filled pop-up book.

When Paddington is in the kitchen with Nuckles, look at the newspaper headlines that Brendon Gleason is reading.  They are joyful, well written puns.  If you see this on Blu-Ray or digital pause it and see what I am referring to.

It is these details that bring extra life and fun to the movie.  And that extreme attention to details shows through out the movie.

Paddington 2 recently broke Toy Story 2’s Rotten Tomatoes record of 163 straight Fresh reviews.  Paddington 2 deserves it.  Currently as of this writing it has 184 Fresh reviews.

Final Thoughts

If you enjoyed the original Paddington books—see this movie.

If you have kids who like movies—see this movie.

If you enjoy well made movie—see this movie.

Paddington 2 is full of joy and happiness and everything a trip to movies should be.