"Paddington 2" Remained True to the Spirit of the Creation - Review
Synopsis: Following the worldwide hit "Paddington," one of the most successful family films of all time, this much-anticipated sequel finds Paddington (Ben Whishaw) happily settled with the Brown family in London, where he has become a favorite member of the local community, spreading joy and marmalade wherever he goes.
While searching for the perfect present for his beloved Aunt Lucy's hundredth birthday, Paddington sees a unique pop-up book in Mr. Gruber's antique shop and embarks upon a series of odd jobs to buy it. But when the book is stolen, it's up to Paddington and the Browns to unmask the thief.
Paddington’s return to the big screen was again helmed by BAFTA-nominated director Paul King (“Paddington,” “Come Fly with Me,” “The Mighty Boosh”) from a script written by King and Simon Farnaby (Sky TV’s “Yonderland,” “Mindhorn”), based on the best-selling and internationally adored books by Michael Bond, creator of Paddington Bear.
Review: Everyone's favorite bear is back for seconds, and little Paddington has proved that with the right amount of magic, mystery, and marmalade, a sequel can be successful. "Paddington 2" was such a great movie with an even greater adventure. It is a film for all ages to enjoy! Through the eyes of Paddington, I was able to take my imagination to places it hasn't been in years. From the bright colors, the fantastic pop-up book shots and to the quirky music throughout, every scene was put together beautifully.
The acting was superb and stayed true to the books. Reuniting many of the original film’s cast while welcoming those in new roles, “Paddington 2” stars Golden Globe nominee Hugh Bonneville (“Downton Abbey”), Oscar nominee Sally Hawkins (“Blue Jasmine”), three-time Golden Globe nominee Brendan Gleeson (“The Guard,” “Into the Storm,” “In Bruges”), Oscar nominee Julie Walters (“Billy Elliot,” “Educating Rita”), Oscar winner Jim Broadbent (“Iris”), and Oscar winner Peter Capaldi (short, “Franz Kafka’s It’s a Wonderful Life”), with Golden Globe and BAFTA Award winner Hugh Grant (“Four Weddings and a Funeral”), and BAFTA winner Ben Whishaw (“The Hollow Crown”) as the voice of Paddington. The starring ensemble also includes Madeleine Harris, Samuel Joslin, and Oscar nominee Imelda Staunton (“Vera Drake”) as the voice of Aunt Lucy.
Both "Paddington" and "Paddington 2" remained true to the spirit of the creation of Michael Bond, creator of Paddington Bear, who passed away six months before the release of this film, at the age of 91.
"It was very sad that he never got the chance to see it ("Paddington2"). He saw a few sequences, which he really liked but he sadly passed away before he had the chance to see the finished thing. I hope wherever he is, that he is smiling down on our creation," said the director, Paul King.
"Paddington 2" was lighthearted, warm and very wholesome. In our book, it is a must see. We truly enjoyed every minute of it and the fun ending during the credits.
Be sure to watch the "Paddington 2" trailer below and to watch our one on one with director, Paul King and actor, Hugh Bonneville click here. Rotten Tomatoes Current Score: 100%
THAheadline Score (THAscore): 10/10