Today's free movie, courtesy of Moviepass, is Paddington 2. I enjoyed the first feature length Paddington movie, which premiered in 2014. It was a solid movie, but had room for improvement. I am always concerned about sequels, which often only capitalize off the success of a previous film. In this case, the sequel found that room for improvement from the first film and delivered. The sequel is a better film all the way around.
Paddington 2 picks up with some additional backstory. In the first film, we learn a bit about how Paddington ended up traveling halfway around the world to land in London. The sequels starts a bit earlier, showing us how Paddington (Ben Whishaw) came into the care of "Aunt Lucy" (Imelda Staunton) to begin with. Aunt Lucy, its seems, is about to celebrate her 100th birthday. Paddington wants to send her a gift that will make up for her never having been able to visit London. He finds that gift in Mr. Gruber's (Jim Broadbent) antique store. A pop-up book of London that has pop ups of a dozen famous London landmarks.
Paddington takes up some odd jobs to pay for the book. When the book is stolen from the shop, Paddington is framed for the theft. His family, Mary (Sally Hawkins), Henry (Hugh Bonneville), Judy (Madeleine Harris) and Jonathan (Samuel Joslin) set out to clear his name by piecing together clues. Meanwhile, Paddington is sent to the big house, where he teams up with a ragtag group of convicts that includes the time-hardened Nuckels (Brendan Gleeson). Will Paddington serve his ten-year sentence? Will his aunt get her 100th birthday gift? And why is the pop up book so important? To answer these questions, you have to watch the film!
Director Paul King is back at director for the sequel. He co-wrote the screenplay with Simon Farnaby, who also worked on the first film. The plot in the sequel had substance. It was an interesting tale (tail?) augmented by an amazing use of media. The film utilizes fantasy sequences that incorporates several different types of media. The effect is seamless, creating an exceptional, engaging illusion. The characters are interesting, although many are there as role-players. The film is predictable in many ways, as well. But the great pacing, intriguing action sequences and zany antics gave this film enough umph to exceed it's predecessor.
Paddington 2 starts out with an award winning cast. What might ordinarily be average characters becomes enhanced when you cast guys like Jim Broadbent in the minor role of Mr. Gruber. Or Hugh Grant as Phoenix Buchanan. Or Brendan Gleeson as Nuckels. Throw in Sally Hawkins and you have a handful of Oscars and Oscar nominations. The film is bursting with talent. The roles were well cast, intentionally leaning toward comical characters to support this fun trip. It is two hours of getting carried away with good old fashioned fun. The people actors did an exceptional job of interacting with the animation, as well.
The MPAA gave Paddington 2 a kid-friendly PG rating. The film runs 1 hour and 43 minutes, which seemed just about right. I was never bored. The pacing was steady, with nice action sequences scattered throughout. The film has the typical kid-oriented laugh lines and visual humor. Things like a bear washing a window with his behind. Overall, about as tame as you are going to find at the theater. More tame than the average evening television program. Good fun for the entire family.
Paddington 2 gets a recommendation. The question is: "Should I see it at the theater?" Why not? If you are planning to visit the theater anyway, this is one of the best films on screen right now. It is an excellent film. If you have kids, they are bound to be delighted by this film. My wife and I, long removed from childhood, although young-at-heart, loved this movie. While a bit predictable and a few flat characters, the film is crazy fun. It has an interesting plot, great pacing, awesome animation, great use of multi-media styles and a lovable cast. Definitely recommended. 8/10.
