Back in 2017, director Paul King and screenwriter Simon Farnaby, alumni of The Mighty Boosh, released their sequel to 2014’s Paddington. The very British Paddington 2 surpassed the excellent original in a new live-action adventure following Michael Bond’s talking bear from Peru, living in London. The film sees Paddington framed for a burglary by a dastardly actor called Phoenix Buchanan, played by Hugh Grant in a BAFTA-nominated performance.
For years, what I consider the greatest film of the 21st century had a rare 100% positive score on Rotten Tomatoes, that was until one contrarian review added much later downgraded it to 99%. But why is it so good? Hilarious, heartwarming, charming and tear-jerking at times, Paddington 2 is the perfect escapism for adults and children alike.
Paddington Bear himself beautifully embodies warm-hearted kindness throughout the film, which proves infectious wherever he goes. Paddington in Peru, the third film, is also a decent effort (even without King and Farnaby), but nothing compares to Paddington 2. There’s even a running joke in 2022’s The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent in which Pedro Pascal’s character gets Nicolas Cage to watch the film, and they’re both blown away by how good it is.
Paddington 2 is on BBC One at 7:10pm this evening and will be streaming on BBC iPlayer for a limited time afterwards.
