Paul King's follow-up to his beloved 2014 British hit is a true gem - a big, warm-hearted hug of a film that manages to fully entertain audiences both young and old through clever writing, terrific performances, a great sense of fun and wonder and of course, the oh-so charming Paddington himself. Ben Wishaw once again proves to be the quintessential voice for the eponymous marmalade-loving bear who, after attempting to buy a rare and very expensive birthday present for his great Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton), finds himself framed for theft and thrown in jail by the villainous Phoenix Buchanan (Hugh Grant) - a vain and wholly ridiculous actor who once ruled the stages of the West End but is now reduced to starring in dog food commercials on TV. With the help of his beloved family, his neighbours and his new criminal friends on the inside, Paddington must prove his innocence and win back the hearts of those he holds so dear as well as foil the nefarious plans of Buchanan.
As was the case with the first film, the computer effects used to bring the ever-optimistic Paddington to life are very impressive indeed and Wishaw's dulcet, overly-enunciated tones are the absolutely perfect accompaniment to the hugely pleasing visuals. With his polite demeanour and positive outlook on life, Paddington is an incredibly watchable presence and every second he is on screen is like spending time with a dear old companion. But while the bear himself is of course the main attraction, the performances from the live-action cast are marvelous too. Sally Hawkins, Hugh Bonneville and Julie Walters are once again great as the loving Brown family while Peter Capaldi is deliciously mean in his brief but memorable role as their cantankerous neighbour Mr. Curry. Very funny too is Brendan Gleeson who manages to be both threatening yet utterly lovable as the dim-witted, cake-loving prison cook Knuckles McGinty. However, it is Hugh Grant who steals the show from under Paddington's sticky paws with his splendidly over-the-top turn as the foppish Buchanan. It is a truly hilarious and self-deprecatory performance that sees the British legend delivering the best performance of his entire career and one that deserves serious consideration during the upcoming awards season.
Just as the many trailers promised, 'Paddington 2' is consistently delightful from start to finish, with every well-executed slapstick gag and smart witticism eliciting big laughs from both kids and their parents - a spectacularly silly set piece in a barbershop may just be the most amusing thing I have seen on any cinema screen this year. But like the first film, it is also a deeply touching movie that delves into some beautifully poignant and surprisingly deep subject matter regarding acceptance, friendship and the importance of love for your fellow man. I defy anyone to reach the final 5 minutes of 'Paddington 2' without shedding a tear or two of pure unbridled joy. As the news continues to report, we are sadly living in a time full of evil atrocities, tyrannical leaders and hideous wars. However, as long as such gloriously universal entertainment as this is being created, the world can seem just a little bit brighter. Funny, moving, gorgeously animated and jam (or marmalade)-packed full of English charm, 'Paddington 2' rivals 2015's equally wonderful 'Inside Out' as the best family release of the past five years. In fact, you could say it's practically paw-fect in every way.
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