Paddington 2 (Gen) - Movie Review

The little red-hatted bear returns to the big screen after an unbelievable three years. Time flies, and in 2014, ‘Paddington’ (the movie) was big box-office and a critical hit.
The very English setting of ‘Paddington 2’, which is mostly modern, but yet which could be set any time in the past 50 years is the world that Paddington the bear has moved to after leaving South America in the last movie.  At this stage, and after a lot of adventures, he is living happily with the Brown family in the middle of London, and the friendly bear has become a respected citizen.
One day he visits an old shop to find a present for his Aunt Lucy’s 100^th birthday.  His Aunt is still living in South America, and Paddington agrees with the shopkeeper to save and buy a pop up picture book of London.  However Paddington finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time when the book is stolen, and he unwittingly becomes a convicted criminal.
Most of the cast has returned for this second feature film, which is based on the books of Michael Bond.    Hugh Bonneville as Mr. Brown is probably the standout performance of the lot, alongside the brilliant Julie Walters as the housekeeper, Mrs. Bird, writes David Flynn.

Hugh Grant makes a welcome return to movies as a funfair performer, Phoenix Buchanan.  

Through the cast list there are also people like Jim Broadbent, Tom Conti and Peter Capaldi (one time Dr. Who), Eileen Atkins, and a special appearance by Ireland’s Brendan Gleeson.
Most of the movie is about Paddington’s search for justice, and his battle to clear his name.  There is a lot of action throughout the movie, and comedy is to the forefront and like in the first movie, it’s not just for the kids either.

‘Paddington 2’ is hilarious, but it’s not as good as the first movie.  However it’s a must for the kids, and for anyone who likes the tales of the friendly bear who lives in London.