Retro Post: Paddington 2 (1/21/18)

Paddington 2 is, as of this moment, one of four films to maintain a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. If you are flummoxed by this, you haven't seen the movie, and you probably never bothered with the first one. But trust me, those are two mistakes you should rectify.

Synopsis: 
Paddington lands himself in jail, after being framed for the robbery of an antique pop-up book. It falls on his family's shoulders to prove his innocence, while he does his level best to make prison a better, more polite place.
Pros: 
Ben Whishaw: is perfection, as Paddington. He has a wonderful sense of innocence that plays exceedingly well. Consider this pitch-perfect casting.
Wonderful CG: How does Paddington 2 look more realistic than Justice League? We live in this world. There are times where I forgot that Paddington was a CG creation: that is the mark of a well-made, beautifully constructed piece of cinema magic. Go fuck yourself, DCEU. (Yeah, I just dropped an F bomb in the review of a kids movie. Deal with it)
More Magic: In the first Paddington, director Paul King showed a real knack for some beautiful shots and injections of magical play into the world of his film. He carries that, again, and lets it grow in Paddington 2. There is a sequence where, while reading the antique pop-up book, Paddington is transported into it, and runs around a two-dimensional London with his aunt. It's really sweet, and more-than-passing clever. Another example is the way that the prison begins to show Paddington's influence: what was once a dingy, dark Victorian hell-place starts to shine with joy, especially when Paddington accidentally leaves a red sock in with the inmates' laundry, dying everyone's jump suits a delightful shade of pink. And then there's Phoenix Buchanan's flat (played by a game Hugh Grant): it is a mish-mash of colors, dominated by a thousand portraits of the man (he is a once-famous West End actor). In his attic, he maintains something of an absurd lair, peopled with various mannequins dressed in the costumes of his old roles. He speaks to these mannequins. And he speaks with their voices. It's ridiculous, and a lot of fun, besides.
Who's Who: The first Paddington movie boasted a wonderful cast of amazing British actors. Paddington 2 continues that tradition, nicely. Hugh Grant is a treat, and Brendan Gleeson brings his trademark menace (and, later, kindess) to bear (couldn't resist) as the dangerous prison cook, Nuckles McGinty. Richard Ayoade even gets a fun bit as a forensics investigator during Paddington's trial. Sally Hawkins again proves while she is one of the finest talents of her generation, as Mrs. Brown, bringing warmth and wonder to a part most would probably only consider an easy pay check. Hugh Bonneville, likewise, is back as Mr. Brown, letting his hair down and having a ball. Most of the cast that showed up in the first one, is back on board, and everyone is having a great time.
Callbacks: Paul King and Simon Farnaby's script features some nice callbacks to the original film. It isn't mandatory that you've seen the first Paddington movie, but, if you have, you'll be pleasantly rewarded. We get the return of Paddington's "hard stare." We even get to see the haughty security guard, played by Farnaby, who is smitten with Unusually Attractive Older Women.
A Story With a Message: In these trying times, it's nice to see a movie that celebrates kindness and joy like the Paddington films do. Look, I dig Game of Thrones, and I pay attention to politics, which means I am no stranger to sadness, and a sense of masochism. But the Paddington movies warm my heart. They posit a world where kindness, manners, and goodwill have an appreciable effect. And it's just really nice to see that someone still values those things, and wants to show them to the world.
Not Long: Paddington is a brisk hour-and-forty-four minutes, which means that even if you remain untouched by its charms, you won't have wasted any of your time.
Feels in its Stride: It feels like Paul King and Co. really settled into a groove with this one. The success of the first film must have given them license, and a bigger budget, and it shows. They strike a perfect balance between kid-friendly fare, and genuine heart. This is a movie that feels lovingly crafted, and it's an IP that I see myself returning to the theaters for, if they decide to give it a third go. Or a fourth. 
Cons:
It's a Kids Movie: Go in with the right expectations, and you will be pleasantly surprised. If kids movies aren't your thing, this one may not win you over: it is quite whimsical. But, if you like your kids movies with a flash of genuinely magical film-making and passion, Paddington 2 is for you.
In Conclusion:
Look, I'll probably be buying this one when it comes out on BluRay. If they announce a third Paddington movie, I'll be in theaters as soon as it drops. I like this series. You might, too: give it a shot.
Should You See It: This movie is a good time. It is well scripted, beautifully composed, sports a wonderful message, and is capably acted. I cannot think of anyone that shouldn't see this movie. I'm a thirty-one-year-old man, and I loved this movie.