Movie Review - Paddington 2

MegaSoulhero The worst part about watching a kids movie in theaters is having to sit through a bunch of awful trailers. So many movies coming out this year that look horrendous! If I have to sit through that Gnome trailer again, I’m gonna scream! Good thing is there are still enjoyable kids movies that come out from time to time. Paddington 2 is a perfect example! I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the first one. The sequel I was a little skeptical about. Sequels usually don’t end up being as good as the first. But I am glad to say that Paddington 2 is better than the first one.

Paddington, a bear who moved to London, wants to get his Aunt Lucy something for her birthday. He decides to get her a pop up book from an antique shop that shows London since she has always wanted to see the city. Unfortunately, someone steals the book because it will help him find treasure. Paddington gets framed for it, he gets put in jail, so it’s up to the Brown family to clear his name. Best way to describe the film is weird, yet charming. Which is why I love it. It took everything that made the first film so great, and made it better. The characters are very likeable. I love how everyone pretty much accepts Paddington for who he is. He’s still trying to adapt to being in the city, but no one makes fun of him for messing up in hilarious ways. It’s not mean-spirited in any way. Also, every character serves a purpose in some sort of way. There’s no character that I felt didn’t belong. There were also no filler scenes. Everything that happens in the film actually needed to happen for the story. Paddington is a character that we grow really attached to. I actually worried about him when he was in trouble. I actually cared about what happened to him. Sally Hawkins did an excellent job. While her performance in this wasn’t as strong as her performance in the Shape of Water, I still thought she was enjoyable and she got a few laughs out of me. Also, there was one scene that immediately made me think of the Shape of Water. If you saw the movie, you will probably know which scene I’m talking about. Hugh Grant plays the antagonist of the film. Quite possibly the most entertaining character. He’s so over the top and so silly. He made me laugh every time he was on screen.

Fun fact: While I was walking out of the theater, I literally said to myself “Best Cinematography Oscar, 2019”. I really mean it. The cinematography was some of the best I’ve seen in a while. There are certain camera movements and changes of scenery that are just so smooth. I have to give props to the filmmakers. They definitely put a lot of effort into this. This is the kind of movie that treats kids with respect and doesn’t try to be hip and cool. It’s not like some of those other CGI live action films like the Smurfs, Yogi Bear, Garfield, Scooby-Doo, or Alvin and the Chipmunks. This one is actually respectful to the original source material. You can tell it was made by someone who actually cares. It’s kind of sad that the first one didn’t get the attention it deserved since people thought it would be like those other films that I mentioned. In Paddington 2, there’s a lot more sense of danger. When the characters are in danger, it actually feels like they are. There’s nothing really bad I have to say about the film. I’ll admit that the ending is kind of predictable, but it was still a very touching and heart-warning ending. I didn’t cry, but I felt like I was going to.

Paddington 2 is a delightful and charming film. I loved the first one, but this one was better. Excellent characters, excellent humor, excellent cinematography, and an overall excellent film. This is the kind of movie that other kids movies should try to be like. Can’t wait to see what films this year will top it. It’s gonna be a tough one. This isn’t the only thing I saw this weekend by the way. My next review is gonna be the Aladdin Broadway Musical.

Score: 10/10

Comments

So far, this is the best film this year. Until Incredibles comes out in June... - Drawbox (2/5/2018)

Or until Infinity War comes out in May - MegaSoulhero (2/5/2018)

Or the Greatest Showman exists - RandomGuy1234 (4/1/2018)

The movie was pretty decent - BoyGenius234 (2/9/2018)

A perfect 10 eh? Maybe I'll check it out then. - cjWriter1997 (2/11/2018)

Have you heard that it is now the best reviewed on Rotten Tomatoes? - Gangem (2/15/2018)

I loved Paddington. Interesting characters including the villain. Actually good jokes in a kids movie. Overall a 10/10. However, I did not want a sequel. If they did do it, it would probably rip up the franchise like some other sequels *ahem* mulan 2 and other straight to dvd movies I can't speak of. And then I see a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes for Paddington 2. Better go see it straight away. - TristGamer (2/18/2018)

I think it would be a 9/10 - RandomGuy1234 (4/1/2018)

What Peter Rabbit should be - iliekpiez (6/2/2018)