Paddington is happily settled with the Brown family in Windsor Gardens, where he has become a popular member of the community, spreading joy and marmalade wherever he goes. While searching for the perfect present for his beloved Aunt Lucy's 100th birthday, Paddington spots a unique pop-up book in Mr. Gruber's antique shop, and embarks upon a series of odd jobs to buy it. But when the book is stolen, it's up to Paddington and the Browns to unmask the thief.
Chock full of fantastical London sets, a million and one famous British thespians having a whale of a time, and good cheer, love and joy. It's even better than the first one, having more jokes for the adults while a much better villain for the kids.
Paddington 2 is ultimately about the importance of remaining civil and tolerant despite a world increasingly being overwhelmed by prejudice and bigotry.
Undeniably charming and infectiously disarming, it's almost impossible not to be swept away or even find a fault in the follow-up to Paul King's 2014's Paddington.
Another near-pawfect family entertainment, honoring the cozy, can-do spirit of Bond's stories while bringing them smoothly into a bustling, diverse 21st-century London - with space for some light anti-Brexit subtext to boot.
The good news on the sequel is that one good minor miracle deserves another: Paddington 2 is the equal of its predecessor, not allowing standards to slip anywhere.
The suspense-thriller plot involving a frame-up is throwaway for anyone older than 12, but there is so much going on - the Wes-Anderson-meets-Studio-Ghibli visuals, the skits, Grant's over-the-top work - that the older ones will be kept happy.
A sure-footed, sweet-natured family comedy which isn't set at Christmas, but which glows with so much warmth and fun that it might well be a staple of festive television for years to come.
