Julie Walters stars in the film (Image: ALLSTAR/STUDIOCANAL)
There’s no denying this heartwarming film won over the nation when it arrived in cinemas in 2017, and now it’s streaming on BBC iPlayer.
Paddington 2 became a phenomenal box office success, outperforming its equally cherished predecessor and earning “classic” status among fans of the lovable Peruvian bear’s escapades.
With Ben Whishaw providing the voice, the sequel sees Paddington face new villain Phoenix Buchanan, magnificently portrayed by Hugh Grant.
The film brings back the much-loved cast, including Hugh Bonneville as Harry Brown, Sally Hawkins as his wife Mary, and Julie Walters as their reliable Scottish housekeeper Mrs Bird.
The stellar line-up features returning performers including Jim Broadbent, Peter Capaldi, and Imelda Staunton as Paddington’s adored Aunt Lucy.
Hugh Grant as ‘outrageous’ Phoenix Buchanan in Paddington 2 (Image: undefined)
Brendan Gleeson joins as one of Paddington’s fellow inmates – a surprising plot twist for those watching for the first time.
Alongside its commercial triumph, raking in an impressive $283.7 million worldwide, Paddington 2 received overwhelming critical acclaim, securing an almost perfect 99 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
One reviewer awarded a perfect five-star rating, saying: “Brimming with cinematic and family-themed amusement and timeless with the effectiveness of kindness, “Paddington 2″ is an genuine delight on multiple levels.”
Another praised it as a “guiding light in the dark”, saying: “A guiding light in the dark to help place a worldwide blanket of comfort over us all, all the whilst placing a hand on our shoulders and saying, if you’re kind and polite, the world will be right.”
Ben Whishaw voices Paddington (Image: ALLSTAR/STUDIOCANAL)
A third added: “Paul King made a thrilling, funny, heartwarming film with Paddington 2, one that easily outclasses its predecessor. [TOP 50 FILMS OF THE DECADE]” whilst another observed: “It is all silly, zany and utterly delightful. Paddington 2 is a masterclass in filmmaking for children, and a brilliant example of what filmmakers can achieve with relative simplicity.”
Viewers were equally enthusiastic in their adoration of the beloved family favourite.
One delighted fan said: “This movie was the best movie I have ever seen. Number 1 movie ever!”
Another added: “This is an absolute classic which never misses a joke and is a British masterpiece.”
A third admirer noted: “this movie is just absolute perfect you can ruin the animation make it bad but the story is a masterpiece.”
Another wrote: “I thought it a absolutely perfect films it so good perfect funny film I absolutely love it was a absolutely loved it a absolutely loved it a absolutely wonderful film I absolutely really recommend it to you and perfect perfect film.”
Paddington 2 is streaming on iPlayer now.
