Paddington 2

The reason I saw "Paddington 2" is pretty unusual. As I watched the new Nicholas Cage film "The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent", I laughed when Cage and his friend, Javi, were talking about the three greatest films of all-time...and Javi placed "Paddington 2" on the list! I just had to see this family movie after hearing that!

Now, before I watched "Paddington 2", I also watched the first Paddington film....and throroughly enjoyed both...especially "Paddington 2". Why? Well, unlike the first, "Paddington 2" tried much harder to be cuter, sweeter and, most importantly, made the villain a LOT less menacing and awful than the villain in the first movie. Overall, a delightful family film which is pretty much impossible to dislike.

Nicolas Cage and Pedro Pascal sent me here. This film has it all. Paddington 2 rocked my socks off. Stay for the credits, because there's an easter egg video waiting for you. Enjoy everyone.

I loved "Paddington" and - to my delight - I loved "Paddington 2" too.

Of course, we start with the adorable character created by Michael Bond (who died between the release of the two films), the brilliant CGI representation of our furry friend, and the purr-fect voicing by Ben Wishaw. This is such a British franchise with so very many British character actors (OK, and one Irish) and so many London locations, although this is the kind of gentle London that we saw in "Notting Hill" (most notably in the prison scenes). Indeed the villain this time is less threatening than Nicole Kidman's character in the first film and played brilliantly by the ever-so- English star of "Notting Hill", Hugh Grant, who - following his success in "Florence Foster Jenkins" - shows that he is not just a pretty face.

The film is endlessly inventive, not least in bringing to life a pop-up book of London landmarks which is at the heart of the plot, and it is stuffed full of visual gags as well as so many funny lines, a few aimed at adult viewers rather than little ones. My granddaughter (almost seven) found it delightful with one of her favourite scenes being Paddington's window-cleaning efforts. Be sure to stay for the credits - a final delight in 100 happy minutes.

Paddington 2 really is a fine children's movie. In fact, I would go as far as to say one of the best children's movies I have seen. It is not just charm and whimsy and genuine laughs though it has those in buckets - it is a real plot, and a solid caper movie to boot. By building on an ingenious crime element and real plotting it has turned from a sentimental journey to something more. As an avid reader of the books as a child, the main worry is the spirit of the bear who believes in the good in everyone, while creating untold chaos around him, will get lost to serve the storyline or some idea of updating Paddington. Luckily, none of the spirit is lost, and instead, we have an immensely enjoyable, fun, funny, and charming film. The whole family loved it - and we all laughed, cried, and cheered. Just be sure to stay seated for the credits. A really excellent children's film.

Spoiler Free Even better than the first! One minute I'm cracking up, one minute I'm tearing up and the whole time my jaw is on the ground from the visual effects. Great for the whole family. The music is so beautiful and creative. The writing and scene composition is so amazing and thought out. Just like the first, you just love Paddington and every character surrounding him. I hope they make a third!