Paddington 2 (2017) User Reviews (315)

Better than the first film....mostly because it's so much cuter.

[planktonrules · 9/10 · 6 May 2022]

The reason I saw "Paddington 2" is pretty unusual. As I watched the new Nicholas Cage film "The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent", I laughed when Cage and his friend, Javi, were talking about the three greatest films of all-time...and Javi placed "Paddington 2" on the list! I just had to see this family movie after hearing that!

Now, before I watched "Paddington 2", I also watched the first Paddington film....and throroughly enjoyed both...especially "Paddington 2". Why? Well, unlike the first, "Paddington 2" tried much harder to be cuter, sweeter and, most importantly, made the villain a LOT less menacing and awful than the villain in the first movie. Overall, a delightful family film which is pretty much impossible to dislike.

For once a sequel that doesn't disappoint

[trevorwomble · 9/10 · 10 November 2017]

I was hugely surprised at just how good the first film was and was tentatively cautious when this sequel was green-lighted that perhaps it might cheapen Michael Bond's beloved family friendly creation.

However, fear not, for this sequel is absolutely terrific on all levels. Firstly it is as funny and witty and as brilliantly animated as the first film. The excellent cast from the first film is also enhanced by a superb turn from Hugh Grant, who hasn't been as good as he is here in a long time. In fact it is quite clear to the viewer that Grant is thoroughly enjoying himself by playing against type and sending himself up as a faded egotistical actor and total cad who sets Paddington up to be the fall guy (or should that be Bear?) for a dastardly deed. There is a touch of the pantomime villain to his performance, but it works splendidly and it fits his character perfectly.

All the wit and heart of the first film is still evident here and in some ways, built upon. Brendan Gleeson is also excellent as an old lag and prison cook who loses his angry nature when he succumbs to Paddington's charms and talents in the kitchen. There are also loads of great jokes too, some pitched at younger children and some deliberately aimed at the more adult viewer.

All in all this is a worthy sequel and a great memorial to Paddingtons creator, Michael Bond, who died whilst this sequel was still being filmed. It is full of laughs, thrills, action sequences, great characters, some wonderful animation (one scene is an obvious nod to the 2D paper cut-outs of the human characters in the 1970s children's TV show) and you would have to have a hard heart indeed to not burst into tears at the wonderful ending. Also, don't leave the film until you watch Hugh Grant gloriously send himself up with a musical song and dance act as the end credits roll.

Thoroughly recommended to anybody who wants to see 100 minutes of family friendly fun that isn't either sickly sweet or too dark for youngsters and still thoroughly watchable to adults too. Great fun and a worthy sequel to one of the best British films in recent years.

One of the year's biggest delights

[TheLittleSongbird · 9/10 · 10 November 2017]

Loved the first 'Paddington', was not sure whether that would be the case but it turned out to be one of that year's biggest surprises and delights. Was enthused about hearing that there was a sequel with the same crew returning, always a plus when it comes to sequels, but there was the concern as to whether it would fall victim to "sequel-titis".

Very luckily, 'Paddington 2' does not fall victim to that. It is one of not many sequels to actually be equal in quality to its predecessor and come close to being even better. It maintains all of 'Paddington's' heart, fun and charm, maintaining everything that made that film so good, and even builds on that appeal. For such a hit-and-miss year and seeing my fair share of overblown big-budget blockbusters with little soul, films that waste great premises and films that attempted laugh-a-minute laughs and doing it in a way that came at the expense of heart, 'Paddington 2' was a much needed refreshment. Not saying at all that it has been a completely bad year, actually there have been very good to great films, just that 'Paddington 2' stood out in the best of ways in recent weeks.

Maybe it could have been ever so slightly longer and would have again liked to have seen more of Mr Curry and his acrimonious relationship with Paddington. Everything else is magic.

'Paddington 2' once again looks great. It's beautifully shot and vibrant in design with a little bit of grit and Paddington as to be expected couldn't have looked more perfect. The music score is suitably soothing, rousing and whimsical, while the direction keeps things moving at a bright and breezy pace. A pace that never slows down but doesn't ever feel too hasty either.

Scripting is also spot on. The comedic moments are incredibly funny, the best of it hilarious, with rapid-fire wit, endearing quirkiness, clever gags that don't feel like pale retreads of before and perfectly pitched misunderstandings and physical comedy. Underneath all the humour and the darker and more suspenseful mystery/action-oriented elements of the story is a big heart and strong emotional core, with some lovely inspiring messaging and values that are very much current and some touching parts. It's also incredibly intelligent, not many films this year have treated its audience with the amount of respect that 'Paddington 2' has, and has such an endearing innocence.

A large part of that is the character of Paddington himself. Can't fault his design or Ben Whishaw's beautiful voice acting, nor can one fault his truly adorable personality, absolutely love how he tries to still remain even in the grimmest of situations and he is easy to root for and love throughout. The story may on the slight side structurally but has a lot going on, without being cluttered, that makes it very much eventful and to me there weren't any tonal issues.

Every ounce of the heart, charm and fun seen in 'Paddington' is here and everybody gets a chance to shine, especially Mr Brown and Mrs Bird of Paddington's family. The new characters are great additions, with a superior villain and the character of the cook Knuckles being one of the film's nicest surprises. Only Mr Curry could have been done better.

Performances across the board are great. Hugh Bonneville balances comedy and drama with ease, Sally Hawkins is compassionate and Julie Walters is a hoot. Jim Broadbent is always a welcome presence and the younger actors are appealing. Brendan Gleeson excels in a departure role, a dramatic actor in a more comedic role in a family-friendly film could have gone wrong but Gleeson brings a curmudgeonly charm and great comic timing. Hugh Grant is also cast against type and brilliantly sends up himself and the world of acting. This is Paddington's film though.

Overall, an absolute delight and refreshing. 9/10 Bethany Cox

Top 3 Greatest Films Ever Created.

[lagoonfun · 10/10 · 25 April 2022]

Nicolas Cage and Pedro Pascal sent me here. This film has it all. Paddington 2 rocked my socks off. Stay for the credits, because there's an easter egg video waiting for you. Enjoy everyone.

Unbelievably good, brings back all those Paddington memories

[NikolaiDante · 10/10 · 13 November 2017]

I used to read all the Paddington books when I was a small boy and my wife when she was a little girl. We both loved all the crazy escapades that Paddington got into and he did it all with a good heart.

I very much enjoyed seeing the first Paddington but did feel it wasn't quite Paddington with the scary woman and the scary scenes.

Paddington 2 completely captures the essence of the the books and really wrings out the most of some of the characters.

Brendan Gleeson is superb as the 'nasty' Knuckles who quickly warms to Paddington. This might sound far-fetched but the whole film is very childish. Now that's not childish in the sense of "silly and immature" but in the other definition of "appropriate to a child". The whole film shows and plays scenes as a child might imagine things to be - for example how the prison works and especially the lovely idea that the warden reads the inmates a bedtime story to help them all get to sleep.

There are superb performance from all the actors and a huge number of cameos. Even the small scenes put in by the like of Joanna Lumley and Rob Brydon are clearly done with great love from the actors. Hugh Grant puts in a superb over the top performance as the baddie, which really let him flex his vocal talents!

The whole film is done in bright colours and with a superb musical backing track. When you are watching the film be careful to pay attention to all the small details, such as the newspaper headlines and the To Do list in the Brown's Kitchen, there a huge number of little jokes in the background and I suspect I'll spot a whole load more when I watch this again on Blu-Ray!

Not really spoilers but there is only one really 'scary' scene near the end but it is so beautifully done and you know that Paddington will win so even the little ones won't cry. And make sure you stay for ALL the credits as they play out to an amazing "what happened after" montage.

I have noticed that that at the time of writing this review there were 927 votes and 15 people have given the film a 1-star. Now I know everyone is entitled to their opinion but in this case I suspect these people might not really understand Paddington and what he's all about, if you have young children and they love Paddington then they will love this film.

This film is suitable for young children aged 4 to 104 :)

Let you into a secret, when my wife and I went to watch this film there were a lot of people in the cinema but not one was under 18! From the looks of it the audience was aged 20 - 80!

I cried and I laughed through the whole film and rekindled my inner Paddington.

602nd review: A Superb Children's Movie

[intelearts · 9/10 · 12 November 2017]

Paddington 2 really is a fine children's movie. In fact, I would go as far as to say one of the best children's movies I have seen. It is not just charm and whimsy and genuine laughs though it has those in buckets - it is a real plot, and a solid caper movie to boot. By building on an ingenious crime element and real plotting it has turned from a sentimental journey to something more. As an avid reader of the books as a child, the main worry is the spirit of the bear who believes in the good in everyone, while creating untold chaos around him, will get lost to serve the storyline or some idea of updating Paddington. Luckily, none of the spirit is lost, and instead, we have an immensely enjoyable, fun, funny, and charming film. The whole family loved it - and we all laughed, cried, and cheered. Just be sure to stay seated for the credits. A really excellent children's film.

Practically perfect Paddington production

[ramonster_uk · 9/10 · 20 November 2017]

I was an unexpected fan of the first Paddington movie, walked into it expecting not to enjoy it, but I was proved wrong. When I heard that a sequel was coming, I just hoped it would retain the magic of the first and it did, with a cherry on top! This movie invoked the inner child within me and was just a perfect viewing experience for this time of the year.

The casting was genius, featuring many well known British actors, in roles big and small. It was like a gathering of all the best of British, all having the best of time together. A huge hats off to Hugh Grant, pure brilliance!

The imagination that went into this movie and the skill that managed to put this across to the audience was second to none! You will find yourself being absorbed into this world and will not want to leave. I've read some people complaining that this isn't what London is like today, but this is exactly how London was in my childhood mind, where fantasy and reality met. Don't let go of your imagination, suspend reality and just enjoy.

I cannot recommend this movie highly enough. You will laugh and you will cry. Go see it, on your own, with your partner or with you family, you won't be disappointed.

Somehow - and thankfully - as good as the first

[rogerdarlington · 13 November 2017]

I loved "Paddington" and - to my delight - I loved "Paddington 2" too.

Of course, we start with the adorable character created by Michael Bond (who died between the release of the two films), the brilliant CGI representation of our furry friend, and the purr-fect voicing by Ben Wishaw. This is such a British franchise with so very many British character actors (OK, and one Irish) and so many London locations, although this is the kind of gentle London that we saw in "Notting Hill" (most notably in the prison scenes). Indeed the villain this time is less threatening than Nicole Kidman's character in the first film and played brilliantly by the ever-so- English star of "Notting Hill", Hugh Grant, who - following his success in "Florence Foster Jenkins" - shows that he is not just a pretty face.

The film is endlessly inventive, not least in bringing to life a pop-up book of London landmarks which is at the heart of the plot, and it is stuffed full of visual gags as well as so many funny lines, a few aimed at adult viewers rather than little ones. My granddaughter (almost seven) found it delightful with one of her favourite scenes being Paddington's window-cleaning efforts. Be sure to stay for the credits - a final delight in 100 happy minutes.

Liked it and great visuals for a children movie

[fredrikagodis · 7/10 · 26 April 2019]

Really liked it for being a children movie, the jokes was not dumbed down as many children movies do now days and relying on easy humour, and the scenes in the prison made it feel like the grand Budapest hotel prisons scene but for kids if you know what I mean. Its one of the good children movies I have seen in a long time. I think this movie was better than the first one.

Good enough for Nic Cage, good enough for me

[woofnpeter · 10/10 · 24 April 2022]

I wept throughout the whole movie. A life changing experience. It is truly a masterpiece. Number three favorite film... the first two being face off and caligari of course.

I thought this was one of those mediocre, low-budget, corny, children's films, but it's not!

[romervince · 7/10 · 11 December 2018]

It's a great movie to watch with your family. The animation was good, acting was good, and- all I gotta say, is that i recommend it

A nearly perfect film

[neil-476 · 10/10 · 8 May 2018]

Small Peruvian floppy-hatted bear Paddington, now comfortably and lovingly ensconced with the Brown family, is looking to send a book to his Aunt Lucy. Unfortunately it contains clues to a treasure and Paddington ends up in prison, framed for a crime he didn't commit, while the real criminal is on the treasure trail. Can the Browns (and Paddington's fellow prisoners) obtain justice for the loveable little fellow?

Well, no prizes for guessing the answer, but the journey to get to it is sheer delight from start to finish. The story, if improbable, is beautifully textured and works perfectly. The visuals are carried off peerlessly and the editing, particularly transitions between scenes, are imaginative and cleverly executed. The script, as well as telling the story well, is warm, witty, very funny (both verbally and sight gags), full of jeopardy and memorable characters: it is an object lesson in what a script should be.

The cast are excellent. Ben Whishaw's voice acting is superb (there is an almost inaudible sigh at one point, touchingly subtle). And Hugh Grant is a revelation in an hilarious performance where he manages to spoof himself as well as demonstrating unsuspected versatility. His song and dance routine over the closing titles is hysterical.

This is not only a wonderful family film, it is a wonderful film full stop, and I recommend it highly.

Good Enough

[PennyReviews · 7/10 · 5 October 2018]

Paddington 2 might be better that Paddigton one. It was a sweet and cute that all the family should enjoy, with funny moments here and there, enough action and the fairy tale element all over the movie. The CGI were great and the performances were enjoyable.

Not Believable : Spoilers only towards the end

[pawanpunjabithewriter · 2/10 · 20 July 2023]

Paddington I was a treat to watch, skillfully bringing to life a sweet and charming protagonist, the lovable bear. While I enjoyed the movie and rated it a solid 7/10, I wasn't entirely sure if I'd be eager to watch its sequel. Nevertheless, upon discovering its promising ratings on IMDb, I decided to add it to my watchlist without hesitation.

The movie commenced on a positive note, introducing an endearing character that instantly won hearts once again. Soon, conflicts unfolded, although they proved to be rather predictable. The adventure aspect was reminiscent of the first part, delivering some enjoyable moments. However, the highlight for me was the marmalade! The bear can make you fall in love with it although it contains excessive sugar.

Allow me to discuss two specific aspects of the film: The Prison Escape in the first half and the train scene.

In the United Kingdom, we witness an adorable, harmless bear easily escaping from prison, while policemen either sleep or nonchalantly loiter around. This implausibility may not resonate well, and indeed, it felt quite foolish and unworthy of a major movie.

During the train scene, Hugh (Henry Brown) navigates between fast-moving trains with astonishing ease. Now, can one realistically expect such agility from an elderly man? Meanwhile, everyone seems to miraculously escape danger, and even little kids find themselves driving the train. The sheer incredulity of these events made it challenging for me to suspend disbelief.

Intelligent Children's Movie

[Hitchcoc · 9/10 · 26 December 2018]

I didn't see the first one, but was brought into the fold with the family at Christmas time. I wasn't expecting much. What I saw was a children's film that didn't insult one's intelligence. I remember Paddington from when I sold the books at a bookstore and the little bears (at exorbitant prices). The principle character is kind and believable. The supporting cast carries on in the world of Paddington. The scenes in the prison are hilarious, but he is always directing his efforts at being cleared of the crime for which he is accused. The plot is sophisticated without being maudlin or predictable. I will take an opportunity to watch the first one.

Pure bearfection 10/10

[Padreviews · 10/10 · 21 November 2017]

To think I had second thoughts about even going to see this !

A perfect film in all ways suitable for all the family for children 8 months to 80 years and beyond .

A total delight . Cinema-photography was excellent, giving an interesting nostalgic feel set in modern times , at times you felt you were being transported back to your childhood in the 1950s - 1970s with many aspects such as steam trains and Victorian architecture and prisons - the Hugh Grant Phoenix Buchanan character was almost as if Terry Thomas had been reincarnated to play the role! Shots of Windsor gardens and the Shard juxtapositioned the tourist view of London old and new .

The theme of good versus evil reigned supreme throughout . Together with love conquers all and community spirit . Michael Bond the author sadly died in Paddington on the last day of filming never reaching the age of Aunt Sally but at 91 he lived a long life and left us with a masterpiece .

The cast was absolutely superb - the animation top notch - you'd forget that Paddington is a bear as did the characters at times - watch the credits right to the end for Hugh camping it up to the max .

Superb - you'll love it

Pad.A 10/10'

Even better than the first!

[thechriscloud · 8/10 · 7 April 2018]

Spoiler Free Even better than the first! One minute I'm cracking up, one minute I'm tearing up and the whole time my jaw is on the ground from the visual effects. Great for the whole family. The music is so beautiful and creative. The writing and scene composition is so amazing and thought out. Just like the first, you just love Paddington and every character surrounding him. I hope they make a third!

I can't believe I'm giving this film 10 stars... but it deserves it!

[keal · 10/10 · 22 January 2018]

I went to see this film simply because the critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes was 100%, and I had already seen the rest of the films at my local theater (Jumanji, Molly's Game, The Commuter) and this was the last thing I had to see before the next week's new shows would come around.

I hadn't seen the first Paddington. No one I knew had yet seen Paddington 2. So I saw it knowing nothing except that everyone I talked to loved the first Paddington. Whew. I was floored. I immediately took to the main character. The voice actor is just perfect for Paddington. So polite, and so likeable.

I laughed when the kids in the theater laughed, and cried a few times during the heartwarming scenes. The very end scene made me sob because it was so extremely touching. I tell people that this stupid kid's movie made me cry. Paddington 2 is AWESOME.

I then watched the first Paddington movie at home. This sequel is better, and you don't need to see the first one to enjoy it, but if you saw the first one? It continues the story with many of the same characters. Not just the main ones, but also the secondary characters!

I don't care for films aimed at children, simply because there's enough films aimed at adults like me to take my theater money, but at this very time, with films like Jumanji and The Last Jedi.... Paddington 2 is at the top! If you have to spend your hard-earned money to watch something on the big screen, you will not regret spending it on this!

All the prison scenes, and scenes with the characters from the prison, are just the most enjoyable things I've seen in years. Nuckles the chef is just the best! The final scene... I'm talking about the very last 30 seconds of the film... make the whole movie worth more than anything else playing in the theater right now. Bring your tissues!

Delightful, fun and very entertaining

[Gordon-11 · 7 January 2018]

This film tells the story of Paddington Bear who is imprisoned for a break in that he has not done. He has to clear his name, with the help of his family and his new friends.

"Paddington 2" is delightful, fun and very entertaining. It is great to see Paddington Bear being so polite and kind all the time, which sets a great role model for children. His adventures are entertaining and thrilling as well. The final scene is very touching I enjoyed watching it.

My 13 year old said this movie was unrealistic

[cliftonofun · 7/10 · 26 May 2020]

I really thought this film franchise would suffer from diminishing returns. I mean, how could a story that relied so much on enchanting tone and whimsical details work again and again? Well, if anything this movie ratcheted up the enchantment and whimsy. And did so while incorporating prison? It was an impressive (and delightful) feat. That said, my 13 year old son was rather frustrated with the gaping and implausible plot holes about 2/3 of the way through. That was when I paused and reminded him we were watching a movie about the adventures of a talking bear who likes marmalade. So sure: you should suspend disbelief. Then just enjoy the ride.

Delightful

[Alanjackd · 10/10 · 12 November 2017]

For starters ..I have given a 10 for this as a family movie and nothing else.

As family movies go you won't get better. A delight from start to finish with everything you could possibly want...fun..comedy...romance...heist..slapstick....drama..danger.... .baddies..robbery ...everything.

Everybody hams it up perfectly..and also some of the direction and animation is actually very awesome.

Perfect family trip to the cinema here for young and old.

One thing to add...in the drama of the Weinstien troubles...some expected a boycott here..nothing of it at all..the theatre was rammed at every showing..I don't know what that tells us but I thought it was worth mentioning!!

Surprisingly Enjoyable!

[leonblackwood · 7/10 · 18 March 2018]

Review: I personally wasn't expecting that much from this film but I found it quite entertaining, and the storyline was well put together. I also enjoyed the first movie but I didn't think that they could have done anything interesting with a sequel but now that I've watched it, I have to say that I surprisingly found it refreshing and quite funny in parts. If you have seen the first movie, this film see's Paddington settled with the Brown Family, and he has become a popular member of the community. He picks up odd jobs to try and buy a pop-up book for his Aunt Lucy's 100th birthday present but the book gets stolen, and he gets accused of the crime. All of the evidence points to Paddington, and he ends up serving time, while his family try and find the culprit who stole the book. Whilst in jail, Paddington becomes friends with the scary cook, Knuckles McGinty (Brendan Gleeson), and they soon realise that the only way that Paddington can prove his innocence, is by breaking out of jail. Meanwhile, the Brown family delve deeper into the crime, and they find out that the book is actually a map to priceless treasure but when they workout who is causing the crimes, they have to fight against time to try and stop him. There is definitely something for everyone in this film, and all of the performances were top form, especially from Brendan Gleeson and Hugh Grant. The CGI was also top form, and it really did seem like the little bear was in the room in every scene. The dramatic ending was pretty unrealistic but still enjoyable, if you don't take it seriously, so it's definitely worth a watch if your in the mood for light-hearted fun. Enjoyable!

Round-Up: This movie was written and directed by Paul King, who also brought you the first Paddington movie, along with Bunny and the Bull and many projects with the Mighty Boosh comedians. Judging by the profit of this movie made at the box office, I think that the audience was happy with this sequel, and I personally haven't heard a bad word said about it, so for a director who hasn't worked on many movie projects, he must be happy with this franchise. He is currently working on a movie about a young Willy Wonka and how he met the Oompa-Loompas, which should be interesting but there isn't any talk about a 3rd movie Paddington movie yet.

Budget: $40million Worldwide Gross: $217.8million

Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy Cast: Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Julie Walters, Hugh Grant, Peter Capaldi, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Ben Miller, Robbie Gee, Jim Broadbent, Brendan Gleeson, Joanna Lumley, Tom Conti, Meera Syal, Richard Ayoade, Noah Taylor, Joel Fry and the voices of Michael Gambon, Imelda Staunton and Ben Whishaw. 7/10

Just as good, if not better than its predecessor

[adamonIMDb · 8/10 · 19 August 2018]

As someone who thoroughly enjoyed the first 'Paddington' movie, this sequel was a must see for me. Not only does it not disappoint, as so many hyped movie sequels do, it exceeds all expectations and is arguably the better of the two films. 'Paddington 2' is another visual feast - the warm, vibrant animation is just phenomenal and a delight to watch, and the London setting is once again captured perfectly.

In terms of the plot, I actually think 'Paddington 2' is even more enjoyable than its predecessor. It's full of ideas and creativity and contains so many laughs and memorable individual scenes. The cast is also brilliant, with the two Hughs (Grant & Bonneville) delivering particularly entertaining performances in their roles. And of course, Paddington is as charming as ever. This is another perfect family film and a sequel that, for once, lives up to all expectations.

Really Good Again

[Gubby-Allen · 7/10 · 28 April 2018]

Another terrific film. This is about as good as you can get for a family film. It was not quite as good as the first one and you need to suspend disbelief a little too much but it is still brilliant entertainment.

I'm confused.

[kowstoff · 4/10 · 22 March 2021]

The critics are too positive, I'll probably need to watch it again. I didn't see anything too special in this movie. It's surely cute, and I'd have fun if I was a kid, but I don't seem to enjoy that much watching it for the first time as a 20 years old guy. It's fun, that's why 4 stars, not a big deal for me though.