Julie Walters is back in the sequel (Image: ALLSTAR/STUDIOCANAL)
It’s undeniable that this feel-good film captured the nation’s hearts upon its 2017 release, and it returns to BBC screens today for another viewing.
Paddington 2 proved a runaway box office hit, surpassing its equally beloved first instalment and securing « classic » status amongst devotees of the endearing Peruvian bear’s adventures.
Voiced by Ben Whishaw, the sequel pits Paddington against fresh adversary Phoenix Buchanan, brilliantly embodied by Hugh Grant.
The follow-up reunites the cherished ensemble, with Hugh Bonneville reprising his role as Harry Brown, Sally Hawkins as his spouse Mary, and Julie Walters returning as their dependable Scottish housekeeper Mrs Bird.
The impressive cast roster includes returning favourites such as Jim Broadbent, Peter Capaldi, and Imelda Staunton as Paddington’s beloved Aunt Lucy.
Hugh Grant as ‘outrageous’ Phoenix Buchanan in Paddington 2 (Image: undefined)
Brendan Gleeson enters the fray as one of Paddington’s prison companions – an unexpected narrative development for first-time viewers.
Beyond its commercial success, amassing a remarkable $283.7 million globally, Paddington 2 garnered widespread critical praise, achieving an almost flawless 99 per cent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
One critic bestowed a flawless five-star review, 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 hailed 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 while 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 reviewer 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 yet another wrote: « 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. »
Fans were similarly quick to shower praise upon the cherished family feature.
One enthusiastic viewer said: « This movie was the best movie I have ever seen. Number 1 movie ever! » Another proclaimed: « This is an absolute classic which never misses a joke and is a British masterpiece. »
A third fan added: « this movie is just absolute perfect you can ruin the animation make it bad but the story is a masterpiece. »
Another fan 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.
