The original “Paddington” film exceeded expectations thanks to its pure whimsy, sense of adventure and the likability of its small star. It was a box office smash hit, and now writer/director Paul King is delivering a sequel aptly titled “Paddington 2.”
From the start of the film, there’s something different. Unlike most sequels, “Paddington 2” doesn’t attempt to recapture the style or sensibilities of the first film. When the title is shown, it isn’t flashy or explosive. It’s just Paddington spelling out his name in a fogged window, with the two being simply made by a paw wiping away the excess fog. It’s a small yet detailed moment.
The original cast returns, and Ben Whishaw is as good as ever as the titular marmalade loving bear. Paddington's childlike excitement blends into everything he does, yet Whishaw still has the talent to pull emotion and intensity out of the bear.
Sally Hawkins, fresh off an exceptional performance in “Shape of Water,” is also excellent as Mrs. Brown, giving a bit of a bent edge to her eccentric mother character. She feels like Mary Poppins, with her eclectic outfits and investigative sensibilities, and Sally adds the kind of snark that makes her instantly memorable as a character who refuses to stand back.
Hugh Grant is the star of the show however, as the chameleon-like, looney actor Phoenix Buchanan. He chews the scenery to shreds, taking delight in being the center of attention. He’s sleazy, deliciously evil and just an all-around great villain.
The film's spirit is unlike anything else in cinema, including the first "Paddington." It’s sweet without being sappy, it’s innocent without being naïve and it’s adorable without being annoying. It manages to push past the eye-rolling nature that subsequent films have received to enter the realm of the pure and sublime.
Part of that is due to the excellent cast and writing, but the cinematography and use of color deserves special commendations. The entire film feels like if Wes Anderson; with his square and fantastical cinematography, and Charlie Chaplin; with his detailed comedic styling, made a children’s film together. Its spirit of fun above all else manages to create a visual feast for the eyes.
Whether it’s a sequence within a pop-up book, a prison transformed into a pinkish, flowery resort or an escape seen through a dollhouse model of the building being escaped from, imagination resonates from every frame of the film.
Its messages also manage to make it across without being ham-fisted or sappy. When tears flow, and they definitely do, they feel deeply earned. Nothing seems forced, and the film even acknowledges its own sentimentality in a few places.
By the end of the film, it becomes almost impossible not to smile. For a film chock-full of little details, moments and characters, it’s a testament to King’s direction and script that by the end each piece is still memorable, even though some of the characters haven’t been seen for a majority of the film.
Colorful, perky and with nary a moment of cynicism, “Paddington 2” not only exceeds the quality of its predecessor, but it also manages to avoid the pitfalls of other overly positive family fare. It’s sheer delight and not one moment of the film ever feels unbearable. From the pastel visuals, to the wit that only belongs to “Paddington," this phenomenal family film has managed to be one of the first great films of 2018 and will most likely be one of the best films of the year. 5/5
A screen grab from what critics have predicated to be one of the best films of 2018, "Paddington 2."
