Film Review #72: PADDINGTON 2

In this incredibly kind-hearted, endearing, and humorous film, director Paul King honours the virtue of compassion. At first glance, Paddington 2 (2017) doesn't sound all that different from other family films. The eponymous bear (voiced by Ben Whishaw) never loses hope in people and spreads kindness to everyone he meets, even as his carelessness frequently leads him to trouble. It's a syrupy premise that could unnerve the cynical viewers, but King does a near-perfect job extending a dose of optimism without the unctuous sugarcoating.
Following the premise of its prequel, Paddington has settled in nicely in London. His beloved Aunt Lucy’s birthday is approaching, and Paddington has his sights on the perfect gift — a one-of-a-kind handmade pop-up book. The standout sequence of the movie sees Paddington being transported into the book, bringing its illustrations to life through crisp, immersive animation that emanates a wonderful atmosphere. It’s both visually and emotionally arresting. There’s something for everyone in the film: King blends slapstick humour and high emotional stakes all while making it look deceptively simple. Paddington dangles from ceiling fans, gives disastrous haircuts and cleans windows with all his fuzzy might.

Image credit: Warner Bros
The diabolical villain of the film is the washed-up, theatrically devious actor Phoenix Buchanan (a fantastic Hugh Grant decked in flamboyant outfits). He’s outwardly charming but internally devious, as egoistic as Paddington is generous. Phoenix steals Paddington’s cherished pop-up book, believing that it will lead him to a fortune that will provide him with the finances needed to save his once-prominent career. Like any good antagonist, he gives Paddington a hard time, but throughout all of it, Paddington stands by a philosophy that wins him the loyalty of neighbours and inmates alike: "If we're kind and polite, the world will be right."
King, along with scriptwriter Simon Farnaby, continue to construct their screenplays with the same care and meticulousness present in the first film. Every detail in Paddington 2 furthers the storyline, and the seemingly unimportant details that are brought up in the first act become crucial plot points in the third act.

Image credit: Jay Maidment/Warner Bros
In cinematographer Erik Wilson’s hands, London becomes something out of a fairytale. Fluorescent colours adorn buildings with a magical hue, and pages of storybooks are brought to life with vivid special effects. Shots are framed with a precise symmetry that evokes the work of Wes Anderson. Most impressive of all, Paddington seems nothing like a talking bear that was created entirely by computer-generated imagery (CGI).
Paddington 2 is just as charming as its predecessor. It’s a film that will delight both adults and children, best enjoyed with a marmalade sandwich.

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This review is published as an extension of *SCAPE’s Film Critics Lab: A Writing Mentorship Programme organised by The Filmic Eye with support from the Singapore Film Society.
About the Author: Anna is a student currently studying creative writing. She likes using films as a way to explore humanity’s peaks and crevices. In her free time, she likes baking, watching TV, and playing with her dog.
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Film Review #72: PADDINGTON 2

Film Review #72: PADDINGTON 2

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