User reviews

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.

I was hugely surprised at just how good the first film was and was tentatively cautious when this sequel was green-lighted that perhaps it might cheapen Michael Bond's beloved family friendly creation.

However, fear not, for this sequel is absolutely terrific on all levels. Firstly it is as funny and witty and as brilliantly animated as the first film. The excellent cast from the first film is also enhanced by a superb turn from Hugh Grant, who hasn't been as good as he is here in a long time. In fact it is quite clear to the viewer that Grant is thoroughly enjoying himself by playing against type and sending himself up as a faded egotistical actor and total cad who sets Paddington up to be the fall guy (or should that be Bear?) for a dastardly deed. There is a touch of the pantomime villain to his performance, but it works splendidly and it fits his character perfectly.

All the wit and heart of the first film is still evident here and in some ways, built upon. Brendan Gleeson is also excellent as an old lag and prison cook who loses his angry nature when he succumbs to Paddington's charms and talents in the kitchen. There are also loads of great jokes too, some pitched at younger children and some deliberately aimed at the more adult viewer.

All in all this is a worthy sequel and a great memorial to Paddingtons creator, Michael Bond, who died whilst this sequel was still being filmed. It is full of laughs, thrills, action sequences, great characters, some wonderful animation (one scene is an obvious nod to the 2D paper cut-outs of the human characters in the 1970s children's TV show) and you would have to have a hard heart indeed to not burst into tears at the wonderful ending. Also, don't leave the film until you watch Hugh Grant gloriously send himself up with a musical song and dance act as the end credits roll.

Thoroughly recommended to anybody who wants to see 100 minutes of family friendly fun that isn't either sickly sweet or too dark for youngsters and still thoroughly watchable to adults too. Great fun and a worthy sequel to one of the best British films in recent years.

Loved the first 'Paddington', was not sure whether that would be the case but it turned out to be one of that year's biggest surprises and delights. Was enthused about hearing that there was a sequel with the same crew returning, always a plus when it comes to sequels, but there was the concern as to whether it would fall victim to "sequel-titis".

Very luckily, 'Paddington 2' does not fall victim to that. It is one of not many sequels to actually be equal in quality to its predecessor and come close to being even better. It maintains all of 'Paddington's' heart, fun and charm, maintaining everything that made that film so good, and even builds on that appeal. For such a hit-and-miss year and seeing my fair share of overblown big-budget blockbusters with little soul, films that waste great premises and films that attempted laugh-a-minute laughs and doing it in a way that came at the expense of heart, 'Paddington 2' was a much needed refreshment. Not saying at all that it has been a completely bad year, actually there have been very good to great films, just that 'Paddington 2' stood out in the best of ways in recent weeks.

Maybe it could have been ever so slightly longer and would have again liked to have seen more of Mr Curry and his acrimonious relationship with Paddington. Everything else is magic.

'Paddington 2' once again looks great. It's beautifully shot and vibrant in design with a little bit of grit and Paddington as to be expected couldn't have looked more perfect. The music score is suitably soothing, rousing and whimsical, while the direction keeps things moving at a bright and breezy pace. A pace that never slows down but doesn't ever feel too hasty either.

Scripting is also spot on. The comedic moments are incredibly funny, the best of it hilarious, with rapid-fire wit, endearing quirkiness, clever gags that don't feel like pale retreads of before and perfectly pitched misunderstandings and physical comedy. Underneath all the humour and the darker and more suspenseful mystery/action-oriented elements of the story is a big heart and strong emotional core, with some lovely inspiring messaging and values that are very much current and some touching parts. It's also incredibly intelligent, not many films this year have treated its audience with the amount of respect that 'Paddington 2' has, and has such an endearing innocence.

A large part of that is the character of Paddington himself. Can't fault his design or Ben Whishaw's beautiful voice acting, nor can one fault his truly adorable personality, absolutely love how he tries to still remain even in the grimmest of situations and he is easy to root for and love throughout. The story may on the slight side structurally but has a lot going on, without being cluttered, that makes it very much eventful and to me there weren't any tonal issues.

Every ounce of the heart, charm and fun seen in 'Paddington' is here and everybody gets a chance to shine, especially Mr Brown and Mrs Bird of Paddington's family. The new characters are great additions, with a superior villain and the character of the cook Knuckles being one of the film's nicest surprises. Only Mr Curry could have been done better.

Performances across the board are great. Hugh Bonneville balances comedy and drama with ease, Sally Hawkins is compassionate and Julie Walters is a hoot. Jim Broadbent is always a welcome presence and the younger actors are appealing. Brendan Gleeson excels in a departure role, a dramatic actor in a more comedic role in a family-friendly film could have gone wrong but Gleeson brings a curmudgeonly charm and great comic timing. Hugh Grant is also cast against type and brilliantly sends up himself and the world of acting. This is Paddington's film though.

Overall, an absolute delight and refreshing. 9/10 Bethany Cox

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 used to read all the Paddington books when I was a small boy and my wife when she was a little girl. We both loved all the crazy escapades that Paddington got into and he did it all with a good heart.

I very much enjoyed seeing the first Paddington but did feel it wasn't quite Paddington with the scary woman and the scary scenes.

Paddington 2 completely captures the essence of the the books and really wrings out the most of some of the characters.

Brendan Gleeson is superb as the 'nasty' Knuckles who quickly warms to Paddington. This might sound far-fetched but the whole film is very childish. Now that's not childish in the sense of "silly and immature" but in the other definition of "appropriate to a child". The whole film shows and plays scenes as a child might imagine things to be - for example how the prison works and especially the lovely idea that the warden reads the inmates a bedtime story to help them all get to sleep.

There are superb performance from all the actors and a huge number of cameos. Even the small scenes put in by the like of Joanna Lumley and Rob Brydon are clearly done with great love from the actors. Hugh Grant puts in a superb over the top performance as the baddie, which really let him flex his vocal talents!

The whole film is done in bright colours and with a superb musical backing track. When you are watching the film be careful to pay attention to all the small details, such as the newspaper headlines and the To Do list in the Brown's Kitchen, there a huge number of little jokes in the background and I suspect I'll spot a whole load more when I watch this again on Blu-Ray!

Not really spoilers but there is only one really 'scary' scene near the end but it is so beautifully done and you know that Paddington will win so even the little ones won't cry. And make sure you stay for ALL the credits as they play out to an amazing "what happened after" montage.

I have noticed that that at the time of writing this review there were 927 votes and 15 people have given the film a 1-star. Now I know everyone is entitled to their opinion but in this case I suspect these people might not really understand Paddington and what he's all about, if you have young children and they love Paddington then they will love this film.

This film is suitable for young children aged 4 to 104 :)

Let you into a secret, when my wife and I went to watch this film there were a lot of people in the cinema but not one was under 18! From the looks of it the audience was aged 20 - 80!

I cried and I laughed through the whole film and rekindled my inner Paddington.

I wept throughout the whole movie. A life changing experience. It is truly a masterpiece. Number three favorite film... the first two being face off and caligari of course.

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.

It's a great movie to watch with your family. The animation was good, acting was good, and- all I gotta say, is that i recommend it

I was an unexpected fan of the first Paddington movie, walked into it expecting not to enjoy it, but I was proved wrong. When I heard that a sequel was coming, I just hoped it would retain the magic of the first and it did, with a cherry on top! This movie invoked the inner child within me and was just a perfect viewing experience for this time of the year.

The casting was genius, featuring many well known British actors, in roles big and small. It was like a gathering of all the best of British, all having the best of time together. A huge hats off to Hugh Grant, pure brilliance!

The imagination that went into this movie and the skill that managed to put this across to the audience was second to none! You will find yourself being absorbed into this world and will not want to leave. I've read some people complaining that this isn't what London is like today, but this is exactly how London was in my childhood mind, where fantasy and reality met. Don't let go of your imagination, suspend reality and just enjoy.

I cannot recommend this movie highly enough. You will laugh and you will cry. Go see it, on your own, with your partner or with you family, you won't be disappointed.

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.

Really liked it for being a children movie, the jokes was not dumbed down as many children movies do now days and relying on easy humour, and the scenes in the prison made it feel like the grand Budapest hotel prisons scene but for kids if you know what I mean. Its one of the good children movies I have seen in a long time. I think this movie was better than the first one.

I didn't see the first one, but was brought into the fold with the family at Christmas time. I wasn't expecting much. What I saw was a children's film that didn't insult one's intelligence. I remember Paddington from when I sold the books at a bookstore and the little bears (at exorbitant prices). The principle character is kind and believable. The supporting cast carries on in the world of Paddington. The scenes in the prison are hilarious, but he is always directing his efforts at being cleared of the crime for which he is accused. The plot is sophisticated without being maudlin or predictable. I will take an opportunity to watch the first one.

Paddington 2 returns with all the fun from the first one showing a quintessentially British family movie that fans of the genre will appreciate.

"Marmalade sandwiches" is the staple of Paddington Bears food, and sums up the simplicity of the movie, that being an eccentric outing leaving warm smiles on audiences faces.

The cast from the first movie resume their roles in Paddington 2, and Ben Whishaw once again providing the voiced charms of Paddington Bear.

The story unfolds in a predictably warm way, and results in a rather enjoyable chase scene through the English countryside.

Overall, the movie is worth seeing due to its enjoyable family fun.

Just as a warning and to give you a sense of how much "Paddington 2" was ruined by my involuntarily seeing the trailer multiple times prior to its opening (I go to the movies in theaters a lot), all of its major plot points and surprises are in the trailer--there are no additional joke punchlines, plot twists, or revelations at all. The trailer is one big, long, Spoiler. But my 2 out of 10 star rating and reaction to seeing the film is also as much about what a wisp of a movie it is even if it's been ruined by seeing the trailer--and don't start assuming I hate sweet films that are meant to be inoffensive and loveable: Just the opposite--I'm often overcome with emotion in G or PG-rated films that are a stark and daring contrast to all the snark and violence in many mainstream films. But "Paddington 2" all but fluffs up, softly twinkles, and disappears while you're watching it. It feels like there's nothing there. Even a bright, primary-colored onscreen carnival and its rides have been scrubbed and painted to a glossy sheen, and it struck me as so odd that no one is seen actually riding and enjoying them in the background. The whole film feels just as sterile and lifeless as that carnival. One critic lovingly compared this film to a roll of Charmin toilet tissue--and I'm assuming he or she meant soft, fluffy, and comforting. But, for me, it was so sweetly bland it lost me early on, and never regained my interest--and there was that nagging, recurring realization that I'd seen all of its best moments in the trailer. I'm happy for those who love this film, and Paddington the bear and the books that feature him--it is undeniably well-intentioned to be a comforting, inoffensive family film (and character), but somehow it left me bored, cold, depressed, and very, very disappointed.

Thanks a lot Pedro Pascal & Nic Cage! You 2 have made me watch this absolute masterpiece. It's a movie for everyone. I, an 18 year old teenager, watched it with my grumpy dad and my stressed mother and we adored it. For me, a top 5 movie oat. And that's maybe a strange pick if you know the other 4 are Fight Club, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Her and Joker.

It's a tragedy but it also gives me vibes from The Grand Budapest Hotel. Especially with the pink prison suits. There are some lovely shots, scènes and decors in this movie. But what surprised me the most was the CGI. I didn't expect to have top notch CGI, in my opinion, in a movie made for kids (but enjoyed by everyone). Paddington was just perfect, the amount of emotion shown by a bear is incredible. It's just not possible the feel no empathy for this little friendly fella.

Okay, I admit it, the story isn't all that great. BUT (a very big but) it didn't need to be and I didn't expect either. It's just a movie that makes you fall in love with the most polite English bearperson. And of course the Brown family, I wish I had a family like that. The movie isn't about the story. It's about the bear who is polite, friends with everyone and everything better wherever he is. How could you not love something like that.

Hugh Grant plays the villain in this movie. Now again don't go expecting the greatest villain of all time. It's not Joker or Gus Fring level villain. But I do admit I hated his guts in this movie. And while he maybe isn't the best written villain, he does reach his goals. I wholeheartedly wanted him to be catcht.

So why do I think it's such a masterpiece when I think the story isn't great and neither the villain? Because it moved me, Paddington makes me want to be a better person. I've seen 1000 of movies, and only few made me want to do something better with my life. I actually want to be way more polite and friendly because Aunt Lucy said so. There where times in the movie were I could cry, and immediately after could laugh. Normally I hate this, but this time it was done so good that it didn't bother me.

Paddington is a true national treasure and I don't think we get to see such a good wholesome bear in the future. While I wish to see more of the little guy, I don't think they should after the end. The end just fitted perfectly for the 2 movies

Paddington is a 10/10 and don't let anyone tell you different if you think it too.

Keep Calm and Love Paddington, the Browns & Aunt Lucy and Uncle Pastuzo.

To think I had second thoughts about even going to see this !

A perfect film in all ways suitable for all the family for children 8 months to 80 years and beyond .

A total delight . Cinema-photography was excellent, giving an interesting nostalgic feel set in modern times , at times you felt you were being transported back to your childhood in the 1950s - 1970s with many aspects such as steam trains and Victorian architecture and prisons - the Hugh Grant Phoenix Buchanan character was almost as if Terry Thomas had been reincarnated to play the role! Shots of Windsor gardens and the Shard juxtapositioned the tourist view of London old and new .

The theme of good versus evil reigned supreme throughout . Together with love conquers all and community spirit . Michael Bond the author sadly died in Paddington on the last day of filming never reaching the age of Aunt Sally but at 91 he lived a long life and left us with a masterpiece .

The cast was absolutely superb - the animation top notch - you'd forget that Paddington is a bear as did the characters at times - watch the credits right to the end for Hugh camping it up to the max .

Superb - you'll love it

Pad.A 10/10'

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!

I really thought this film franchise would suffer from diminishing returns. I mean, how could a story that relied so much on enchanting tone and whimsical details work again and again? Well, if anything this movie ratcheted up the enchantment and whimsy. And did so while incorporating prison? It was an impressive (and delightful) feat. That said, my 13 year old son was rather frustrated with the gaping and implausible plot holes about 2/3 of the way through. That was when I paused and reminded him we were watching a movie about the adventures of a talking bear who likes marmalade. So sure: you should suspend disbelief. Then just enjoy the ride.

I went to see this film simply because the critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes was 100%, and I had already seen the rest of the films at my local theater (Jumanji, Molly's Game, The Commuter) and this was the last thing I had to see before the next week's new shows would come around.

I hadn't seen the first Paddington. No one I knew had yet seen Paddington 2. So I saw it knowing nothing except that everyone I talked to loved the first Paddington. Whew. I was floored. I immediately took to the main character. The voice actor is just perfect for Paddington. So polite, and so likeable.

I laughed when the kids in the theater laughed, and cried a few times during the heartwarming scenes. The very end scene made me sob because it was so extremely touching. I tell people that this stupid kid's movie made me cry. Paddington 2 is AWESOME.

I then watched the first Paddington movie at home. This sequel is better, and you don't need to see the first one to enjoy it, but if you saw the first one? It continues the story with many of the same characters. Not just the main ones, but also the secondary characters!

I don't care for films aimed at children, simply because there's enough films aimed at adults like me to take my theater money, but at this very time, with films like Jumanji and The Last Jedi.... Paddington 2 is at the top! If you have to spend your hard-earned money to watch something on the big screen, you will not regret spending it on this!

All the prison scenes, and scenes with the characters from the prison, are just the most enjoyable things I've seen in years. Nuckles the chef is just the best! The final scene... I'm talking about the very last 30 seconds of the film... make the whole movie worth more than anything else playing in the theater right now. Bring your tissues!

Great cast, super story and a cuddly bear...what's not to like?

Seriously, it's extremely well made and very funny. A great film that everybody of all ages can thoroughly enjoy.

Cute as hell! Want to live in such a fairy tale world. And Mr. Brown's split beat bulanqiete's split as the funniest split in the history of splits.

I remember watching "The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (2022)" and the character played by Pedro Pascal says that Paddington 2 is one of the best films ever.

He is right...

It is rare to have a family movie as well written as this one.

It is rare to have a family movie as beautifully directed as this one.

It is rare to have a family movie as phenomenally acted as this one.

It is rare to have a family movie as wonderfully crafted and designed as this one.

It is rare to have a family movie as charming and meaningful as this one.

Special shoutout to Hugh Grant's eccentric performance and Brendan Gleeson for how he says "MARMALADE". This film is an amazing sequel that can bring a tear to one's eye, even to adults.

Paddington (Ben Whishaw) is one of the most joyous entertainment for the whole family with likeable actors and big fun. Paddington 1 followed story of how arrives at London's Paddington station all alone, and begins to realize that life in the city is not as he had imagined. However, when he had almost lost all hope, the bear meets the kind Brown family (Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Madeleine Harris, Samuel Joslin) at the station, who read the tag hanging on his neck; Please take care of this bear, thank you very much, and after naming him, he is offered a temporary home; later on , Paddington is luckily settled with the Brown family in Windsor Gardens. Nowadays, in Paddington 2 , the little Peruvian bear with big appetite for marmalade, is happily settled with the Brown family and a popular member of the local community, picks up a series of odd jobs. Paddington spots a unique pop-up book in Mr. Gruber's antique shop, and performs a series of jobs to buy it. But the book is stolen, and it's up to Paddington and the Browns to unmask the thief, but then thing go wrong and he's judged and incarcerated. Everyone does everything that they can to catch the real thief and clear his name. One small bear will scale new heights of adventure !. Magic, Mystery, Marmalade !. Please look after this bear, thank you !. Get ready for a little trouble !. The adventure is about to begin !. A little bear will make a big splash Where All Your Dreams Come True !. Paddington is back, join the adventure !. Have you seen this man?. One small bear will scale new heights of adventure !. Where All Your Dreams Come True !.

Paddington 2 (2017) is directed by Paul King, with similar cast, in which the bear now happily settled with the Brown family and a popular member of the local community, picks up a series of odd jobs to buy the perfect present. This is the second adaptation based on the famous bear of the same name, an icon of English children's literature that first appeared in 1958, in the book entitled ¨A Bear called Paddington¨ by writer Michael Bond. Fantasy, magic and adventure for the whole family come together in this British film about a a very special bear and a family and the power to change fate. This is a tender, funny and family-friendly adaptation, it is a great fun and full of charm, alongside some superb actors and cameos. The marvelous and enjoyable premise suffers , at times , from a repetitive script, highlighting the clumsiness and bungles of the mischievous bear who unwittingly gets into all kinds of trouble though it's made up for the splendid interpretation, the sympathy of theenjoyable roles, a lot of beloved scenes and adequate use of computer generator images .

It stars some of the best British actors, such as Hugh Bonneville and Sally Hawkins as Mr and Mrs Brown, Julie Walters as the grandmother Mrs Bird, Jim Broadbent as Mr Gruber, the owner of the antique shop, and a very, very bad Hugh Grant who plays the diabolical actor who has a sinister aim for Paddington, Peter Capaldi as evil but nice neighbor Mr. Curry and Brendan Gleeson as a prison cook. In addition, Ben Whisaw voices Paddington Bear, while Imelda Staunton and Gambon voice Aunt Lucy and Uncle Poodle. Paddington was nominated for the Alexander Korda Award for Best British Film and for Best Adapted Screenplay at the 2015 BAFTAs.

The film packs glamorous and brilliant cinematography by cameraman Erik Wilson. Just like a lively and rousing musical score by Dario Marinelli. The motion picture was well written and directed by Paul King. He works in television, film, and theatre, and specializes in comedy. King worked as Associate Director on the subsequent TV transfer, Garth Marenghi's Darkplace, a six-part series for Channel 4. In 2002, King garnered another Perrier Award nomination for directing Noel Fielding's Edinburgh Festival show, "Voodoo Hedgehog". Paul King is also the director for The Mighty Boosh. He has directed all three series (earning a BAFTA nomination as Best New Director in 2004) and their live tour shows in 2006 and 2008. King was originally brought in after the director of the pilot, Steve Bendelack, was unavailable to direct the first series. He also directed Matt Lucas and David Walliams' 2011 airport mockumentary Come Fly With Me. King wrote his first feature film, Bunny and the Bull, in 2009, which he also directed. And other films and TV series, such as: Outsiders, Space Force, Little Britain Sketch, Little Crackers, The Pajama Men: Last Stand to Reason, Come Fly with Me, Wonka, and Paddington I and II. Rating : 7/10. Notable family film . Wholeheartedly recommend for a great family movie. Fun enough and great adventure for kids and adults. The movie is harmless fun and a good time for all, which is something that can't be under appreciated.

It's followed by another sequel: Paddington in Peru (2024) by Dougal Wilson . The director of the two previous films, Paul King, has decided not to direct this installment. However, he pitched the idea for this third film and was involved as an executive producer. Each of the three films in the series has been released by different studios in the United States. Paddington (2014) was released by The Weinstein Company, Paddington 2 (2017) by Warner Bros. Pictures and this film by Sony Pictures. And Paddington in Peru (2024) by Dougal Wilson , his feature directorial debut with Ben Whishaw, Emily Mortimer who replaced Sally Hawkins, Olivia Colman, Imelda Staunton, Antonio Banderas, Imelda Staunton, Paddington returns to Peru to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, who now resides at the Home for Retired Bears, with the Brown family in tow, a thrilling adventure ensues when a mystery plunges them into an unexpected journey.