Paddington 2 reviewed by Mark Kermode

Mark Kermode reviews Paddington. Paddington has grown up deep in the Peruvian jungle with his Aunt Lucy who, inspired by a chance encounter with an English explorer, has raised her nephew to dream of an exciting life in London. When an earthquake destroys their home, Aunt Lucy decides to smuggle her young nephew on board a boat bound for England, in search of a better life. Arriving alone at Paddington Station, Paddington soon finds that city life is not all he had imagined - until he meets the kindly Brown family, who find him with a label tied around his neck which reads 'Please look after this bear. Thank you.' They offer him a temporary home whilst he searches for the explorer who impressed Aunt Lucy all those years before. But when Paddington catches the eye of a sinister, seductive taxidermist, it isn't long before his home - and very existence - is under threat.
Please tell us what you think of the film -- or Mark’s review of the film - below. We love to include your views on the show every Friday.
www.bbc.co.uk/5...
Fridays at 2pm on BBC 5 live.

[@Galactic123]

That clip with the inmates introducing themselves was the most Wes Anderson thing I've ever seen.

[@boreeeed]

Agree. Or. not the most, but if you didnt know, wes would certanly be the first guess of the director..

[@videogamenostalgia]

I love Mark saying "It's fine, it's a talking bear. I know him. That's absolutely fine" as if he's explaining the situation to a bouncer outside a club.

[@suzannawylie8684]

Lovely to see Mark and Simon chuckling in delight at a kid's film.

[@schubertuk]

Except it is not just a kids film - and that is the delight - it is a proper family film, a family film about a family - a family who just happen to have a bear. I am not sure I want to be friends with anybody who does not like these two films... life is too short! ;-)

[@LindaMChristie]

I go to the cinema at least once a week. I saw Paddington 2 yesterday and it is, without doubt, the best film I've seen this year. I can't remember the last time I laughed so much in the cinema! Don't miss it!

[@NPA1001]

It’s a fantastic performance from Hugh Grant. It is without doubt one of the greatest comedy performances of all time.

[@admiralsturgeon]

Kinda looks like Grand Budapest Hotel there.

[@timothyw98]

admiralsturgeon The sequence in the jail was done like that with most of it being filmed like a dolls house.

[@mojosbigsticks]

Just that clip had me in stitches!

[@grantwallace1882]

Finally, a movie to look forward to seeing.... Grant, aged 43 1/2

[@grantwallace1882]

@Winter Wyvern Three times now, I think.

[@grantwallace1882]

@Winter Wyvern Looking forward for party 3 end complete the epic trilogy.

[@TheDreadfulCurtain]

Just watched Paddington 2 I thought it was an excellent film. I loved the characters, colours and charming narrative. The film had a special naïveté and reflected some of the ways of thinking I remember from early childhood before the understanding of the world and all of its complexities and impossibilities had set in. I loved Paddington’s innocence, literal interpretations of things and trusting nature, his values installed by aunt Lucy made him a beacon of decency and authenticity and stood him in good stead even when he was placed in challenging moral situations or in systems that were less then perfect. I loved the ideas the film explored through Paddington the bear who is of course is an immigrant and we see what it is like to have to leave home to a place where everything is unfamiliar like London Town. I loved that Paddington had standards seeing and expecting the good in people. The prison scenes were exceptional from the red sock in the wash to Nuckles and all the inmates. I was so moved by the idea that the prison could be so dramatically changed by Paddington’s stay and eventually the guard’s story time came to be part of the inmates routine. There is something hard to put into words about the film it somehow took you back to a place that never really existed especially for many, but should have existed, nostalgic, impossible, magical, a place of ideals where there is a sense of “home” community and hope. The film provides a kind of wishful utopia whilst dealing with loss and allowing for a clean slate even when things go a bit wrong . Hugh Grant was excellent and the end of the film tied in brilliantly. Oh that the world was one such as this! where no one is lost or without a home and where decency and simple humanity acts as a salve to rehabilitate the weary the wayward and the far from home.

[@pualos77]

Only just read this. Beautifully said thank you.

[@ManubibiWalsh]

Both movies felt like a miracle to me. I must admit I'm not from the UK and I didn't grow up with anything Paddington, so I didn't know what it was about or what any of it was like, I just knew a CGI bear was involved and I got the wrong, stupid impression from that, as in that it was going to be a movie or two kind of like those 90s movies with dogs going on adventures and I got annoyed at it before even watching it... but then I saw people being stupidly enthusiastic about it, and I mean I did not see one bad opinion about this, so I thought... maybe I'm missing out, so I watched the first one. And it was A DELIGHT. Every minute of it is pure, distilled joy in every frame. I can't believe I did not watch this immediately, but then again I was ignorant and stupid and I apologize to the whole world. Paddington feels like a hug that lasts a hour and a half or so. It IS welcoming and sweet and charming and it feels like the best bits of Mary Poppins feel. I'd dare say it's a miracle because usually family movies aren't... good. But these two movies absolutely are. And I'm not entirely too fond of typically British movies because often they are too bleak and dry for me (I'm sorry, I'm from Southern Europe, we have different sensibilities and I know it's not that British movies are bad but I'm just not coming from the target those are generally aimed to and that's fine!) but this movie was sweet in the most genuine and natural way. Like a perfectly matured strawberry that grew in the wild. Or your grandma's cooking. Yeah, that's what I'm trying to say - these movies feel like home.

[@osborn.illustration]

This is honestly one of the best movies of all time. Both of the Paddington movies are pure gold!

[@matthewwoodman7291]

Does the credits scene set up a Paddington Cinematic Universe?

[@clivewilliams7894]

The credits scene is hilarious!

[@clivewilliams7894]

No setup at all 😄

[@matthewwoodman7291]

Clive Williams I saw it a couple of weeks ago. I love the tone of both of the movies 😄

[@DarkCreed]

Credits scene is much much better than that.

[@KSRugby]

fell off my seat at the end credit sequence!

[@timothyw98]

Starkiller G-tar Captive audience. Hahaha!

[@mistaben2k]

Hugh Grant stole the show and was the actor by far in a very entertaining film the best film I seen this century.

[@katashworth41]

I can’t wait to introduce my niece to the Paddington canon, but she’s 4 weeks old so will have to wait a while.

[@katashworth41]

Now I have two nieces to introduce, but number two is less than a week old so will have to wait even longer.

[@rumblefish9]

"Precious" is the word I would describe this film. Loved it! Crying at the end of the movie.

[@sandstormxx]

the first one was so good because I watched it thinking it would be a nice feel good diversion but I didn't expect to laugh out loud as hard as I did and also feel happy. amazing, good to hear its as good as the first one.

[@fwsb-h5388]

Hayley W/W Actually think it's better- My Xmas present 2 nephews/nieces/Godchildren is tickets 4 their family ..... I figure it'll ensure visits in my old folks home in future years......

[@ManubibiWalsh]

I'd even say Paddington 2 is better than the first... which sounds insane, but I do think it, honestly.

[@timothyw98]

Im amazed at how the serious drama, slapstick and wacky set peices are balanced perfectly.

[@gavinives8760]

Watched it yesterday for the third time, and it's just as fresh and inventive as the first viewing.

[@olamideakinola7297]

Even though both films are phenomenal, I find Paddington 2 better, more cinematic, heartbreaking and emotional with some amazing character development and performances.

[@seyma1509]

This movie now has the best movie quote of all time, ladies and gentleman: “Stop that stunning sister!!!”

[@AJ-kj1go]

I think maybe the description is wrong unless this film takes a very strange turn.

[@RaefonB]

+The Bamboozler LOL!

[@DarkCreed]

The Bamboozler The sypnosis is for the first movie. It does read stranger than what we saw though :)

[@AJ-kj1go]

They actually updated it. When they first published the video the description was for some kind of movie that involved a threesome.

[@theviper1999uk]

The Bamboozler they've changed it, but they've changed it to the first movie's description smh

[@fwsb-h5388]

First #2 in a series, since Godfather 2, that I've thought was actually better than 1st.

[@doodooswaggy3825]

Empire Strikes Back?

[@KSRugby]

possibly the best film of 2017 so far!

[@GreenGo731]

Paddington is way better than justice league

[@jvanness90]

Oh god now I’m so damn excited to see it. The first one was fantastic. Probably the best family film in years and years. I️ can’t wait to take my niece to the theater to see it

[@johnedwards452]

Just been to see Padington 2 so funny but sad as well,the fully grown Mum next to me was in floods of tears I turned to the family at the end said you all enjoyed that?Thay all did.

[@221b-Maker-Street]

LOL at "fully grown Mum"... As opposed to un-fully grown Mum?! 😂

[@Alpine_Joe]

It's very good ... made me all smiley and put me in a good mood for the rest of the night (which isn't like me).

[@royw-g3120]

Took my boys. 2days later took my 86 y. O. Mum. All of us loved it.

[@JuanCarlosPrada]

You messed up with the description of the video. ;)

[@j.b.9260]

Hugh was terrific, but oh what I would have given to see Richard E. Grant play that part.

[@j.b.9260]

Oh, bad form.

[@peterd788]

Richard E Grant has already played that part to great effect in Withnail and I.

[@Markfjames]

pretty sure i saw toby jones as one of the prisoners eating breakfast. Absolutely delightful film, how can one not fall in love which it's charm?

[@BenPole90]

mark james just watching this again and I’m fairly certain I saw him as well! Can’t mistake his face surely.

[@Oomzilla]

Very Wes Anderson in the prison booth

[@vj9021]

This review reminded me of the part that was sort of written for HG, in Harry Potter, Gilderoy Lockhart. Wonder if he regrets doing that part, KB was excellent but partly because he used Hugh for inspiration.

[@fwsb-h5388]

Giving tickets 4 Padd 2 2 nieces/nephews/Godkids 2 ensure visits in my old folks home in yrs 2 come.

[@fwsb-h5388]

Paddington 2 - Best kids movie I've seen in yrs: Ealing Comedy x Mary Poppins using best Brit character actors.

[@amandastupple-vz9nw]

simon mayo love's this clip!

[@flirnk302]

Stop whatever it is youre doing and WATCH PADDINGTON 2

[@timothyw98]

Bit difficult maybe after seeing Wishsaw and grant in a very British scandal

[@thehitherto5348]

Grittier than John Wick 2.

[@winnielai7455]

Don’t miss the very very end!!!!

[@PauLtus_B]

I actually haven't seen the first Paddington...

[@mattjazzfan2288]

I was disappointed that he didn’t say Danger-y 7:17

[@jane9875]

its even better than the frist one

[@MohamedSalah-sd2yq]

*KACHIIIIINNGG* !!!!!!

[@emile1365]

Absolute kino. Does anymore need to be said?

[@Ben_Mdws]

Lovely film

[@christopherloughlin9430]

Is it Farage that you arent allowed to say btw?

[@fancybunny3878]

do you need to watch the first one to understand this one?

[@peterd788]

No. Paddington is a sweet natured bear from Darkest Peru who lives with the Brown family in London. He regularly finds himself in interesting situations which always work out well in the end. His best friend outside the Brown family is Mr Gruber, an antique shop owner and his regular nemesis is Mr Curry, his next door neighbour that doesn't like him. His backstory is not particularly complicated.

[@doodooswaggy3825]

No, but you should anyway. It’s a lovely film.

[@Widmerpool99]

What aren't they allowed to say about Mr Curry?

[@katashworth41]

Widmerpool99 that he’s a UKIP supporter

[@vegandinner1731]

Shouldn't Paddington be speaking Spanish as he's from Peru?

[@davidphillips4207]

Vegan Dinner Watch the first one....

[@eloiseripley]

He is not a bad actor, he is lost popularity because he refuses to work with other people

[@josearielortiz2055]

Who?

[@SLACKLINEDUDE]

lol nobody in America saw Paddington 2 sadly.

[@doodooswaggy3825]

The rest of them are missing out, I love it.

[@SLACKLINEDUDE]

@@doodooswaggy3825 Same

[@freddiefrezza]

6:28 what is he not allowed to say?

[@DavysFlicks]

Peter Capaldi plays Mr Curry....not sure why they were tight-lipped given he did in the first one too.

[@lukewhitticase4506]

Back in the Paddington review, Mark referred to him as a dig a UKIP supporters and I think they got some flack for it. I thought it was apt though and a funny point.

[@petercooper5201]

A very weak story but the aesthetic and heart of this movie were great. A few echoes of Hugo in it as well.

[@doodooswaggy3825]

Does it really need an intricate plot?

[@virtualpilgrim8645]

I despise movies with inappropriate language like this

[@tomraffell1923]

Paddington 2 is the best prison movie ever made.

[@johnshields3658]

"Exit bear, pursued by an actor". The greatest line in modern cinematic history.

[@rhyslloyd3200]

A brilliant decision to show this on BBC One on Boxing Day. Now all of Britain can relish the greatest movie of the decade. It's so lovely.

[@iamcaptainsarcastic2454]

Paddington - The only really complex and multi-layered superhero of the 21st Century.

[@GiantSandles]

This is probably the closest thing I've seen to Pixar's 2007-10 output since then, it's pretty much a perfect film.

[@matthewrobinson5221]

Loved this film, anything that makes me shed a tear is A* in my book

[@jmurray2018]

That scene where Mrs Brown dives into the river and the ringing of the doorbell a complete blub fest on completely Bearfect film 😀

[@mrcoatsworth429]

Man, that movie is just perfect. Absolutely loved everything about it.

[@ggfffgggds]

Nicolas Cage sent me here

[@michaelc8192]

Same

[@joanr6915]

Wonderful film - I loved every minute.

[@williamwong1982]

Paul King should direct the movie adaptation of Matilda the Musical with Lily James playing Ms Honey.

[@graemevaughey7432]

If a film like _Paddington_ can have a poor trailer but actually turn out really rather good, perhaps the same thing might also happen with _Peter Rabbit (2018) ..._ ... Bah ha ha.

[@lukewhitticase4506]

We can always hope, but I do fear that poor Edwardian Peter Rabbit is lost.

[@garethreesjournalism8877]

Graeme Vaughey the trailer made the film look poor and I felt it was poor

[@matthewfield2958]

The only thing that saved Peter Rabbit for me was Donmhall Gleeson’s performance.

[@EscargoTouChaud]

One of the prisoners said "wotcher"! Do people still use that word?

[@lfcizdabest]

Can't wait to see this.

[@badabing8884]

So glad I went to see this over Star Wars: the last Jedi at the Cinema.

[@Jenniferlwarm]

This film is brilliant

[@MrWidmerpool99]

What are they not supposed to say about Capaldi/Mr Curry?

[@tariqkhan-qo3ow]

10/10

[@garethreesjournalism8877]

Am I the only one that dislikes this movie. It is not very good at all

[@Dutchburd62]

Yes, you must be

[@djggou]

Yup

[@alistairwaterson6676]

Still are! ;)

[@HD-ol1mc]

Yes, you are. It's a delight!

[@jazznolan]

In the world