Paddington 2 is in theatres on Friday, January 12th!
Paddington is the lovable, marmalade-loving bear who traveled from the Peruvian rainforest to England to find a new home. As told in the book and movie, he ends up with the Browns, a friendly family who welcome him in.
My family and I saw the first Paddington movie, which came out in 2015, and we enjoyed it. Though it was cute, it didn’t impress me as much as it impressed my kids – it was nice but nothing more – so I was pretty neutral about seeing this second one. But my kids and I had the opportunity to see Paddington 2 earlier this week and honestly I’m so glad we saw it! I was surprised how much I enjoyed it. I thought it was 10 times as good as the second, and I highly recommend it!
In Paddington 2, Paddington is still living with the Brown family in England and spreading joy to everyone around. One day he finds a pop-up book in an antique shop, which he decides will be the perfect present for his beloved aunt’s 100th birthday. It’s costly so he gets a window washing job to earn money to buy the book (this had some really funny scenes). But then a thief steals the prized book, Paddington is framed and goes to jail, and his family go on an amazing adventure to track down the thief, prove Paddington’s innocence and retrieve the book before Aunt Lucy’s birthday celebration.
Whew! That’s a lot but the story is light and easy to follow, with many laugh-out-loud moments. Though I felt the plot had a noticeable flaw (I won’t spoil it but will say two words – no proof!), it was nonetheless entertaining from beginning to end.
Hugh Grant is in it and does a phenomenal job. He plays an actor and villain in one; he plays the role easily and clearly has fun with it (you have to stay through the end credits for the best scene of all!). In fact, all the actors were so likable – including all the prisoners, as Paddington proves he spreads happiness wherever he goes, even in the worst of places. A lot of fun moments happen in the prison, including when the prisoners all end up in pink uniforms and when they first try Paddington’s homemade marmalade.
One of my favorite scenes in the movie is when Paddington is looking at the pop-up book and imagining his Aunt Lucy and him in it, exploring London together. It’s beautifully and imaginatively done and with great detail.
Paddington’s likability is what we all need right now. My kids and I were smiling throughout the movie not just at the funny moments but at how Paddington made better all the lives he touched. And he does so just being himself.
“Paddington looks for the good in all of us, and somehow he finds it,” says Mr. Brown.
Watch the trailer:
How kid-friendly is Paddington 2?
It’s rated PG though I don’t know why. I think many G-worthy movies are rated PG or higher because then older kids don’t feel like it’s just for little kids. The movie is for everyone. There’s nothing scary. But little kids may not understand all of what’s going on. And some of the themes are sad – like the idea of Paddington’s family not coming back for him after he’s in jail. Still, little kids will enjoy it. But I recommend it for at least ages 5 and up.
My rating?
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars. Definitely recommended.
Paddington 2 is what all family movies should be like. Heartwarming, funny, adventurous, cute, charming, feel-good, and appropriate for all ages. Many so-called family movies nowadays are injected with seizure-inducing action and bathroom humor galore, but Paddington 2 stands out as one of the good, quality movies. Go see it!
And I bought some orange marmalade at the store after I watched it – I couldn’t resist (it looked so good!).
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Trailer: https://youtu.be/sw7RElt-SvE