I've been posting more about the sequel to Paddington more so than I usually would, but that's because I've been genuinely so looking forward to it. And with my other 2017 all-the-hype sequel Kingsman: The Golden Circle letting me down a little, there was a lot of pressure on this little bear's shoulders. A-a-a-aand I'm happy to report that YES I have seen Paddington 2 and YES it is really, really good!

The last time we saw him, dear Paddington had finally found a home in London with the Brown family. Fast forward a few years, and he's starting to get the hang of London life, although he's still as endearingly clumsy as ever and the film and returning director Paul King has boundless fun imagining up scenarios to illustrate this. He's the neighbourhood Samaritan, window cleaner, matchmaker - everybody's bear buddy. But of course, domestic bliss will never last more than 5 minutes as a mysterious pop-up book lands Paddington in hot water - and behind bars. It doesn't take a genius to piece the plot together even before watching, but the fun will play out, believe me. The storyline is absurd and heartwarming in equal parts, and even though there's less intrigue and tricks than the first film, there's something special about this sequel. Besides, Paddington's biggest achievement may well be making London look so bright and friendly.


I'd already watched a few preview clips before heading to the screening, and given how entertaining they all were, I was slightly worried I'd seen the best of it. Fear not, I was wrong. It does largely follow the very successful formula of Paddington the original, but that doesn't detract from how brilliant it is in its own right. The enjoyment comes from the heart of the movie, and the heart comes from our big-hearted bear. The other common threads are the fact that Paddington is constantly (accidentally) getting into trouble, and that the pantomime bad guy is played by a superfamous actor - just like Kingsman, hey! Previously Nicole Kidman as the museum curator / wannabe bear-stuffer, this time it's Hugh Grant as a narcissistic actor past his heyday, Phoenix Buchanan. The film makes no efforts to hide Grant's meddling involvement, and in fact his laughable disguises become a running source of laughter. All he wants to do is be on stage again, but instead he has to settle for dog food adverts. Aww. And if there isn't enough gentle self-mockery of his caricatured self, there is a priceless mural of 1990s Hugh Grant portraits.

Prison is an unexpected setting for Paddington 2, far from the quirky colours of Windsor Gardens, but it is genius and a lot of fun. 100% unrealistic, but a lot of fun. It gives Pads a chance to stay true to who he is in adverse circumstances, and a chance for the Paddington power to transform yet another place. A lot of the jail scenes are like something out of a cartoon, with the scary prison chef Knuckles McGinty (a perfectly cast Brendan Gleeson) and scenes that will remind you of Tangled 's I've Got a Dream. The basic plot is just that - basic, however lots of mini adventures are wrapped up in a fully entertaining and immersive story.


Without giving too much away, Paddington is after a beautiful, old pop-up book of London as a gift for his Aunt Lucy. I think the pop-up book coming to life may well be one of my favourite scenes from 2017 cinema so far...and that's a big statement considering how many films I've watched this year! The first film had an exceptional CGI team, who have once again worked their magic to draw out scenes from Paddington's world in a way that is stunningly effective, like entering the imagination of a young child. The film strikes a careful balance of such intricate moments alongside some pure, unashamedly slapstick British comedy. There are one-liners, cringe-worthy gags that you'll let slide cos you enjoy them so much, and scenes that could be lifted out of Mr Bean. The cameos from Richard Ayoade, Joanna Lumley and particularly Tom Conti as a judge are further highlights. Don't write Conti off - he's a very well-played long-running in-joke.

What's lovely about Paddington and his family, is that we're rooting for the family too. Hugh Bonneville's Henry Brown may be entering a yoga-filled midlife crisis, but he plays a risk analyst with bold flair. Sally Hawkins is equally reliable and likeable as Mrs Brown, and the same can be said about Julie Walters's Mrs Bird. It's a film about family, and this is a family of hidden/budding talents which all get a chance to shine. Because that's what sort of film this is. And let's not forget the unspoken speaking talent of Mr Ben Whishaw - he wouldn't have been my first pick but I can't imagine anyone else as the earnest voice of Paddington.

You can also read into what the film says about morals (be nice to everyone - it pays off!), being an outsider, friendship and family...even Brexit and immigration. It's something for the kids, but will also hit home for the non-kids. The film is utterly "Paddington" through and through, with feel good-ness and life lessons too; forget that out of date phrase about lemons...when life gives you oranges, you obviously make marmalade with Aunt Lucy's recipe. Cynics may think the plot isn't realistic in the slightest, but then you ought to realise that you are watching a film about a talking bear from darkest Peru wearing a blue rain jacket. Think again. Paddington 2 is irresistibly charming in every way...it's pawsome and pawfect and bear-illiant. The best thing since sliced bread (with marmalade filling).  I'll stop now; when can I watch it again?

Paddington 2 is in UK cinemas on 10th November.