Paddington 2

Paddington Bear turned 60 in 2018. 

He first appeared in 1958 within the pages of ‘A Bear Called Paddington Bear.’ The name originates from Paddington Station in London.

There are a couple cinema-style adventures, in addition to that 60-year span of books. The Blu-ray combo pack and DVD debuted on April 24 in 2018. 

The author, Michael Bond, even kept writing through the years. ‘Paddington at St. Paul’s’ - the final book - is planned to be published in the summer. 

Bond died in 2017. He was 91.  

RARE

There may be a big debate in the merits of a rating system like Rotten Tomatoes, but moviegoers pay attention. (Films like Blade Runner 2049, Dunkirk and IT - all promoted their ‘Certified Fresh’ Tomatometer rating.) 

Paddington 2 (presently) has 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. It is a rare distinction for a movie. 

This doesn’t mean every critic gave two thumbs up, five stars, or a 10/10 score. The Tomatometer analyzed all reviews and deemed them to be positive. 

When negative reviews outpace the good ones, it can lead to a ‘Rotten’ rating. A movie between 60% and 75% is simply ‘Fresh.’ A movie must average above the 75% mark to be ‘Certified Fresh.’

   
(The first Paddington released in 2014, still stands at 98% and Certified Fresh.)

Paddington 2 proved to be popular with international audiences. The movie brought in a worldwide total of over $223 million. Only $40 million came from North America.  

The PG sequel was again directed by Paul King, who also co-wrote the script. 

Paddington - voiced by Ben Whishaw - has settled into life with the Brown family. Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins and kids Samuel Joslin, Madeleine Harris all return from the original movie. So does, Julie Waters, as housekeeper Mrs. Bird.  

Paddington sets out to find a birthday gift for his Aunt Lucy’s hundredth birthday. The search is anything but easy. This leads to encounters with Jim Broadbent, Brendan Gleeson, Peter Capaldi and Hugh Grant.

VERDICT

Would I buy this film? Yes. 

My knowledge of the Paddington Bear books was quite limited. I don't remember if ever read one in my younger days.

Paddington feels like he is real though. It’s a testament to the cast, crew and Ben Whishaw.    

Of course, this leads to the fantasy element of the story. You kind of just go with it. There are some sequences set in a prison. It turns into the easiest going and colorful prison...I have ever seen featured in a movie. 

That’s ok. 

Paddington 2 is simply a delight to watch. It’s cute. It’s heartfelt with some sprinkles of humour. It’s almost a guarantee to feel good by the end of the 104 minutes.    

I have never seen Hugh Grant play the bad guy role before. It appears like he had a blast doing it. Prisoner Brendan Gleeson also makes an impression. 

Every member of the Brown family has a moment to shine. 

I bet a third Paddington movie would have a lot of pressure since the two films have been well-received. 

I would watch another adventure...if there was one to be made.

SPECIAL FEATURES OVERVIEW

The standard DVD only has the Paddington: The Bear Truth feature.

To maybe add to the mystery of Paddington, Ben Whishaw does not appear in the special features. 

Paddington: The Bear Truth (5 minutes, 20 seconds)

- There’s discussion on what it’s like to act with Paddington. And some of the techniques/secrets of bringing him to screen. 

How to Make A Marmalade Sandwich (2 minutes, 42 seconds) 

- It’s Paddington’s Aunt Lucy’s secret recipe. It won’t be revealed here.

Music Video with Phoenix Buchanan (1 minute, 34 seconds)

- There is a musical number featured in the film, led by Hugh Grant. This is just an opportunity to rewatch it.

The Magical Mystery of Paddington’s Pop-Up Book (3 minutes, 3 seconds)

- A pop-up book plays a big part in the story. It is also one of the more visually unique sequences in the film. It gets discussed here. 

The Browns and Paddington: The Special Bond (5 minutes, 43 seconds)

- This is where Hugh Bonneville had a feud working with Julie Waters. (I don’t think he’s too serious.) The cast discusses some of the changes from the first film with their characters. 

Knuckles: A Fistful of Marmalade (2 minutes, 30 seconds)

- Brendan Gleeson talks about his character. The experience was fun for him. 

The (Once) Famous Faces of Phoenix Buchanan (3 minutes, 45 seconds) 

- Discussion on Hugh Grant’s role in the movie and the fact he was playing a washed-up actor. He was Director Paul King’s first choice for the role.

Audio Commentary by Director/Co-Writer Paul King

Warner Brothers Home Entertainment