I Loved the first Paddington movie as it was not only charming and inventive in its visuals and storytelling, but it proved that CGI/Live Action Hybrid movies have a place in the hearts and minds of children and adults. Not surprisingly, a sequel was greenlit after the first movie’s success. Usually, sequels have a lot to live up to, especially seeing that Paddington was a rare success that managed to dodge the every CGI/Live-Action Hybrid movie trap made famous in movies like Alvin and The Chipmunks and The Smurfs where it is nothing but forced product placement and bottom of the barrel humor. Somehow against the odds, Paddington 2 not only garnered almost unanimous critical acclaim but managed to outdo its predecessor in almost every way possible.
In Windsor Gardens, Paddington (Ben Whishaw) has settled into his new life with the Brown family. When Aunt Lucy’s (Imelda Staunton) birthday comes around the corner. Paddington looks for a perfect present for her, seeing as she has done so much for him. He finds a pop-up book in Mr. Gruber's (Jim Broadbent) shop that seems perfect for Aunt Lucy but realizes he doesn’t have enough money to buy the book, so he works a few odd jobs to save enough to buy the book. However, Paddington manages to see a thief stealing the pop-up book, but he vanishes in an instant leading the police to believe that Paddington stole the book even though he’s innocent. Paddington is thrown in Jail, but luck may be on his side as the Brown family tries to hunt down who really stole the book. The thief is then discovered as Phionex Buchanan (Hugh Grant) using the book to find a secret stash of gold and jewels. Meanwhile, Paddington’s charming influence starts to change the environment around him while the brown family counties to decipher who the real thief is.
The story retains what made the original so endearing while also putting the main character in a situation you’d think he wouldn’t survive in and having many heartfelt and even tear-jerking moments that feel genuine and outstandingly wholesome. Instead of telling the same old story again, this sequel takes the audience on a new adventure that does not conform to being a cheap kids' film that offers nothing new or exciting. Like before, many of the jokes and setups they introduce in the beginning pay off in the end when every character’s journey brings back a plot device used in one scene or the previous film make a return to help the story feel like they never leave even the smallest detail out of the picture. There are no dated pop culture references or modern slang, as the storytelling feels more classical and timeless, just like a great Disney or Pixar movie. The heart of the movie never gets lost, and even when the primary mission changes, the characters' feelings really help sell the ideas that keep getting thrown into the story’s charming narrative. The heart makes Paddington 2 stand out from even the last movie. Many moments of pure sentiment will surely make the audience's hearts melt and even tear up, which is something that even the original Paddington couldn’t achieve as well as this sequel does. This is a fantastic story filled with adventure and heart. It’s a sequel that has no right to be this great, but it exceeded my expectations and created a story with pure honorable intentions that will inspire young and old.
The characters are delightful, with both new and old coming to bring their talents to help elevate the film’s charming status. Paddington, played by Ben Whishaw, is as curious and naive as even in the best way possible. His impact on the people he meets in prison is the same impact the audience will have on him trying to be a friendly bear in a seemingly harsh environment. The Browns family also has a part to play in this movie. While some of their character traits, such as Mr. Brown’s, are repeated from the last movie, the film gives them a chance to shine when trying to find out about the real thief of the pop-up book, especially in the third act when all their character arcs come to a close. The people in prison, such as Brendon Gleeson as the tough chef Knuckles, work very well off the Paddington’s delightful and humble nature and learn to enjoy a more carefree and happier life that changes the prison’s environment. Then there's the villain of the movie Phoenix Buchanan played by Hugh Grant. His way of slipping through criminal situations undetected using costumes is so much fun to watch, and his backstory of why he is the villain of the movie is admittedly hilarious. Whether they be heartfelt or hilarious, every character in the movie feels like they belong in the story, which is to the credit of the excellent actors they got to represent them.
The cinematography and CGI effects work as effectively as in the last film. The film uses both mediums to tell the story and is not just a case of just putting a CG character in the movie to hopefully wow the audience into thinking that’s all a CGI/Live Action Hybrid movie can do. Paddington is still just as impressive to look at as ever. Because of the more tear-jerking momments, the CG model also has to express many emotions of sadness and joy, which made me forget that Paddington was just a CG character occasionally. The Wes Anderson-like style of cinematography also makes a comeback not only in the brown’s home but also in prison, where it starts out as a bleak and colorless environment and manages to become more colorful and lively when Paddington’s influence begins to change the way the prisoners act and live in a happier state of mind. Many experimental shots use both cinematography and CG effects to further emphasize the storybook feel that Paddington was based on, such as Paddington imagining being in a pop-up book or being back in Peru in a dream sequence. This is, so far, the gold standard for any CGI/Live Action movie to live up to on a visual scale. it proves why this format should be more than just a one-trick pony that so many others fail to understand.
The music this time was made by Dario Marianelli, but you’d never be able to tell because the score is so similar to the last movie in spirit and tone to be considered different. Instead of throwing in modern songs that will automatically date the movie, this film only uses copyrighted songs that are older and help to evoke a feeling rather than distract from it. On the other hand, the rest of the compositions give off a very playful vibe and even some somber and hopeful vibes when the movie decides it is time to make the audience empathize. This is a beautiful music score, it's simple, playful, and fun overall.
Paddington 2 deserves all the love and attention its been getting from critics and audiences. Its an inventive adventure that wears its big heart on its sleeve and never fails in being the most wholesome and adventurous tale that is fun for the whole family. I would never have imagined that a CGI/Live Action Hybrid movie sequel would be one of the most endearing and heartfelt movies i have ever seen in my life. So many other sequels using the same CGI/Live Action formula could only dream of being as praised and well regarded as Paddington 2. If you loved the first Paddington, you’ll definitely love this one too. I love this movie so much. It makes me hope that more exciting adventures are in store for our favorite marmalade loving bear in the future.
(Final Grade: A)