Paddington 2

Apparently I wasn't the only one who enjoyed "Paddington" back in 2014. I really did not expect the first film to be as good as it was and I was even more impressed by the online critical rating for "Paddington 2". Usually with sequels, they're not as good as the first film. In the case of the "Paddington" franchise though, the second film is just as good. It may not be as funny or original as its predecessor but that is the norm and "Paddington 2" retains the same spirit of entertainment, which is what counts.

Something I failed to mention in my comments about the last movie is how well the entire cast make you believe that Paddington is real. As with the first film, the sequel also does a masterful job of setting up a plot point subtly and then paying it off in a satisfy way. Paddington's threat is once again an obsessive individual but unlike Millicent, Phoenix Buchanan is obsessed with himself. He comes across as less of a threat than Millicent at first but the climax is where Phoenix becomes just as much of a danger to our hero. I knew the Paddington was going to bring change to the prison after being framed but I was not prepared for how much he would change it. That was quite funny and what you might like to know is that the film was made in an actual, former prison. I enjoyed how the filmmakers continue to put Mr. Brown at odds with his family. He won't give up trying to clear Paddington's name but his realist attitude prevents him from accepting the Phoenix Buchanan theory. The filmmakers come up with great adventures for the Browns and considering the story, this was vital as Paddington can only provide so much entertainment whilst in prison. I find it fitting that as the climax begins, we find ourselves at the place where it all began: Paddington Station. When the film ended, I realized that Phoenix's goal was left unclaimed but there is a message in that. The very ending of the film should make it obvious that the most valuable thing in the world is a family that loves you. Paddington also has his friends and it was his kindness, manners and good nature that provided him with that blessing.

I was also surprised by how many cast members of the original film returned for a second time. I almost thought that it wasn't Samuel Joslin as Jonathan but it appears that he had a growth spurt since the last film. I haven't seen all that many films with Hugh Grant; only his more recent projects but he entertained pretty well. I always like it when I don't read too much about the movie beforehand and get a nice surprise. In this instance, I loved how yet another Harry Potter actor showed up as Nuckles. I may purchase this franchise one day because both movies were the kind of family entertainment we need more of these days. The themes they teach are eternal truths and both films are appealing to the eye as well. The balance between heart and humor is also very noteworthy.

4 Stars