Paddington 2

Live action family movies in the modern era are radically different from the previous decades in terms of finding that heartwarming feeling associated with those of past childhood times. It's downgraded from treating children like actual respectful people to pandering to the lowest degree in terms of pop culture references that are incredibly forced, over reliance on physical gags that result in gross objects interacting with a character, having random abrupt decisions out of nowhere just as an excuse for more gags, and misusing aspects of its subject material. However, while currently many of those from American side leave much to be desired, I recently discovered that the British don't have the same lower standards such as their a delightful 2014 hit, Paddington, which had terrible marketing but surprised many critics and audiences. Years later a sequel, Paddington 2, was announced and there was a little concern with sequel-itis that could hurt it but thankfully the international market (who received before the US) reported good things about it. I watched the predecessor recently on Netflix before taking on this new comedy in theaters and I left the auditorium very charmed by this improved sequel.

Thoughts on Paddington (2014): After his home in Darkest Peru is destroyed, our titular protagonist moves to London to find a new residence to live in and meets a family who help him try to find the explorer who encountered his kind years ago. This is a charming experience that allows this adorable polite talking bear who's still learning a few things about London learning to adjust with his new life. His innocence is captivating to those around him and most viewing audiences from his naiveté with simple objects to the unexpected emotional scenes. The visual style contributes a nice change to progress the story, the music carries a sweet tone throughout, the predictable humor lands more naturally, and the chain reaction of property destruction commonly associated with this genre is kept to a minimum. The cast is very perfect in the doses they are utilized whether it's the children, the parents, the voice actor of our furry lead, and Nicole Kidman as an evil taxidermist with sinister plans. Paddington carries enough material for adults and children to remind them how great live action entertainment can be for all ages. ⭑⭑⭑⭑1/2 Runtime: 1 hour 35 minutes PG

Plot: The story follows our titular lead as he finds himself in jail after being falsely convicted of stealing following a chain of events and his relatives works to find the culprit in order to prove his innocence. One of the best aspects of this demonstrates the effect Paddington has on those around him with his mannerisms but on a more expanded scale. It takes that idea in another direction in how far his positive outlook can last while waiting for his family to find a solution to his predicament. There are some recurring jokes from the predecessor but instead of feeling recycled, they are fitting for the environment while managing new ones through fun interactions. It manages to present some details about the Browns that do come back to shine through later on.

The pacing is rather smooth with nothing dragging down the momentum and many of the key characters being given their chances to shine. There are some great moments of visual styles both similar and different from its antecedent that took enough an effort to not overstay their welcome but make a good impression for their intent. The best way to describe the physical antics here would be describing akin to a Wallace and Gromit short film in terms of good comic timing, great choreography with the movements (such as the barber scene), and plenty of possibilities with the layout of the present environment to be creative. A minor noticeable gripe would be a few support characters not having enough screen time that results with their involvement in the third act climax feeling a little shoe horned in. The climax isn't as strong as the rest of other pieces within the story but manages some tense scenes and neat jokes while ignoring the laws of physics/reality in this fictional world.

Note: Stay during the beginning end credits for a funny sequence with Hugh Grant!

Characters: The individuals to focus on are Paddington Brown (Ben Whishaw), Phoenix Buchanan (Hugh Grant), Knuckles McGinty (Brendan Gleeson aka Mad-Eye Moody from Harry Potter). Paddington is an adopted talking polite bear who ends up in jail for being wrongfully convicted for the theft of a book he was saving enough to buy for a relative. Ben Whishaw once again delivers in being capable of projecting the well-intentioned personality and optimism that infects the surroundings. Phoenix is washed out, egotistical actor who causes our main protagonists misfortune for his own needs. Hugh is great in this role as it's obvious how much fun he's having being very narcissistic in his vocabulary and how similar he is to Paddington in regards to use his own charms on the present public when it suits him.

Knuckles is a gruff safecracker and prison cook our furry friend encounters while imprisoned. Brendan is a solid standout for having fun being a grump who most of the inmates fear and his interactions with the titular lead are pleasant to watch. Honorable mentions go to Henry Brown (Hugh Bonnevile) and Mary Brown (Sally Hawkins aka Elisa from The Shape of Water) for the comedy they are able to provide while having a strong screen presence. Side note: There are some unintentional Shape of Water jokes with Mary in both Paddington installments.

Overall Consensus: Paddington 2 improves from its already charming antecedent to an enjoyable adventure complete with hilarious interactions, heartwarming moments, likable characters, adorable visuals, and a well-balanced story. ⭑⭑⭑⭑1/4🍿🎟 Runtime: 1 hour 43 minutes PG

Reasons to watch it: You like any of the aforementioned actors. You enjoy British comedies abundant with genuine humor and delightful sweet moments. You are looking for great live action movies for you and/or your children that's geared towards not only your kids but also adults. You have seen the first Paddington and want to see how they handle the sequel. You want to see how many bear puns and Shape of Water jokes you can find. You like marmalade being used for funny jokes and in the plot.

Reasons to avoid it: You dislike any of the aforementioned actors. You don't enjoy British comedies abundant with genuine humor and delightful sweet moments. You aren't interested in films that have some predictable elements. You have seen the first Paddington and didn't like it.

Coming up next: Unless something else comes up for this month, the January Leftovers has concluded with Paddington 2's sweet adventure. As a whole, this new batch of reviews have started out this year on a good note with some relics of last year having unexpected good qualities that surprised audiences while this newly released journey of antics and polite optimistic personality of a talking marmalade loving bear contains enough heart in its genre for both adults and children. February Frenzy 2: The Frenzy Fights Back will have some predictable anticipated releases with a few under the radar ones joining in. That review roster is still being decided and will be posted on the Facebook page for Screening Spectacles next month. If anything else before February 16th hasn't been selected for upcoming reviews, tune in next time as Screening Spectacles will be taking a field trip to the fictional African nation of Wakanda with Black Panther!!

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