Year: 2017
Director: Paul King
The first Paddington film rather than trampling over a generation’s teatime TV memories was a terrific, warm, affectionate and funny celebration of Britain with anti Brexit & Daily Mail undertones. Was a little worried that the sequel wouldn’t recreate that warm fuzzy feeling inside this big kid.
I can imagine Paddington giving me one of his hard stares for such lack of faith as I happily report that it’s captured the same kindness, fun and flair for bringing some of those illustrations of the 70s TV series to life. There are clever little visual tricks and steps that other family film would not consider – almost a cartoonists eye for storytelling.
Ben Wishaw’s naive tones are perfect for the bear, the Browns suit the stereotypical image of British life as does the tourist view of London. Portobello Road hasn’t looked so clean and tidy since, well, Notting Hill.
Talking of which, Hugh Grant hams up a storm, channelling Patrick Barlow’s deluded thesp Desmond from National Theatre of Brent as the villain of the piece. There are cameos from British comedy talent throughout as well as a great turn by Brendan Gleeson and even David Walliams is on fine form.
The plot involves robberies, chases on trains and backs of dogs, visits to key London landmarks, prison breaks plus be sure to stay for the end credits and a superb musical number. I had a tear in my eye during the final scene – it’s another delicious marmalade sandwich treat for the soul
Might appeal to people who enjoyed:
Putting away childish things. This is Christmas Day afternoon full of food n booze and cackling at a sweet, silly and touching tale
Great review, Dave. We’ve been as excited about this, in our ‘no kids’ house, as the new Star Wars. Can’t wait.
yep – me and the lad are up for this.
Can I just ask – we went to an actual cinema to watch Paddington 1 because we thought all the clips we had seen beforehand were very funny. When we watched for real we found we had already seen all the funny bits. Does the same hold for Pad 2?
the trailer gives away most of the plot – which seems true of most film trailers at present. And whilst it does show a few of the gags, I think it keeps its powder dry for the most part.
Saw it this morning, and happy to report it is fab. Everyone seems to be having a whale of a time, not least a wonderfully camp Hugh Grant (his Phoenix is right up ther with the Pirate Captain).
it’s good natured, touching and very funny.
It’s wonderful. If you don’t enjoy it, the fault is entirely with you, and you should seek help promptly.
Innit thou?
Was looking forward to taking my daughter to see it this weekend until I realised the Norrh American release date is in January. Doh!
It’s a joy. Doubly so if you are in a busy cinema surrounded by kids – the gasps, giggles and attentive silence add to the experience.
I grew up with Paddington and the thought of a CGI representation left me with chills, but both movies have nodded reverentially to the books and the TV series and moved the stories on. Fab
I concur with all the above – it’s a completely life-affirming joy. Everyone involved is at the top of their game (a special mention must go to Ben Whishaw, who has one of the loveliest speaking voices I’ve ever heard, and is absolutely perfect as Paddington).
Fabulous, beautifully made, heart-warming stuff.
One question – David Walliams? Didn’t spot him, DFB – who/what was he?
Saw it on the weekend. A pure delight. Hugh Grant is a knockout as the luvvie baddie. At one point there seems to be a cheeky nod to Vincent Price in Theatre Of Blood when Grant’s character is shown talking to himself in his lair in different voices. ( I also failed to spot David Walliams appearing in this and he’s not listed in the credits either. Who did he play?)
Theatre of Blood – magnificent film. The stage version with Broadbent a few years ago is something I really regret missing.
The Theatre of Blood blu ray has a commentary by League Of Gentlemen who point out they nicked Michael Hordern’s exclamation ‘What’s this? we’ll have no trouble here’ for Edward. The film is clearly a huge influence on their work and a delight
Amen. And what a cast! Hordern, Price, Arthur Lowe, Robert Morley, Diana Rigg at her peak of gloriousness`…
The important thing about ToB – and LoG at times – is that it is genuinely disturbing. The sequence with the poodles really haunted me when I was a young ‘un. Goes to show I shouldn’t have been watching it, I suppose…
In ToB Diana Rigg always reminds me of when Ronnie Corbett dressed as a hippie for a sketch
Eric Sykes cameo always cheers me up as well as Price’s outrageously camp hairdresser.
Sorry must have mistaken Walliams for someone else – thought he was a gruff voiced prisoner
I would like to add my comments to this thread, having seen it this afternoon.
The first thing I noticed in the opening scenes was how London has become such a multi-cultural society, her residents do not even flinch at a small brown bear wandering around the city. This sort of acceptance should be praised and encouraged.
The film itself was charming, very British, and a splendid way to spend an afternoon – even if you don’t have any children. A word of warning, however: if you are inspired to make marmalade sandwiches, don’t. Marmalade is horrible.
The first film had a strong pro immigration message (including use of Lord Kitchener’s ‘ ‘London Is The Place For Me’ harking back to the Windrush) and Mr Brown’s rant at Mr Curry is a post Brexit expression of the same.
This film points out by repeating that initial sequence later without Paddington that without those visitors the fabric of everyday life quickly unravels. We may not notice until its too late how we value them.
There’s also great slapstick in between the politics
Will have to give this a go. I remember seeing it being filmed down by Paddington station, end of last year. There was a scene or two down by the canal. Was off on a work night out and loads of roadblocks as they were doing a nighttime scene, looked like aboard a canal boat. Sadly didn’t see any famous actors at the time, kept well hidden.
And of course if you are passing through a famous London railway terminus then do stop
by and say hello
I’m very late to the party with this as the weekend we had planned to see it the showing we wanted had already sold out. We stayed at home and watched a DVD of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre instead as I recall.
Anyway, Amazon finally managed to trick me into signing up for a free month of Prime despite my best efforts so I have finally seen Paddington 2, and what I have to say is this: if you don’t have a tear in your eye by the end of this absolute joy of a film then you are a monster and even Paddington’s matchless ability to see the good in everyone cannot save you.