Paddington 2 (2017)

The review hails it as an effortlessly great and immensely satisfying family sequel that delivers political messages of kindness and inclusion with modesty and grace, singling out Hugh Grant's meta-ham performance as a highlight.

Calls it a triumphant sequel and one of the best family movies, commending the hilarious moments, quick wit, and standout performances especially Hugh Grant as the villain.

Praises the film for maintaining maximum charm without schmaltz in this bigger, darker sequel, noting the perfect feel for the character's humor and the fairytale London setting that makes one feel better about the world.

This splendid sequel shows you can make a brilliant film by doing simple things very well; it is a pure delight, as sweet and sharp as marmalade. Hugh Grant's camper-than-camp turn as the villain provides every second of joy.

The critic praises the film's improbable success as a genuinely feel-good sequel that embraces goodness without sentimentality, highlighting its inventive visuals, slapstick comedy, and strong ensemble performances.

The film proves the smart-but-sweet formula of the first Paddington was no fluke, delivering charm and heart in a post-Brexit, post-Trump world. It depicts a colorful yet adventurous London while emphasizing kindness to outsiders through the bear's mishaps and resolution.

The critic praises the sequel for balancing sentiment and slapstick while celebrating multiculturalism through Paddington's decency in the face of prejudice and a hilarious villain. The film's Chaplinesque positivity and detailed animation are highlighted as strengths.

The sequel is a full-on charm offensive that cements Paddington as a beacon of hope through his decency and good manners. The critic praises its generosity, emotional depth, top-class clowning and Keatonesque physical comedy, along with the director’s willingness to include genuine peril.

State-of-the-art effects combine with playful, generous storytelling in a feelgood sequel only marmalade haters could resist. It is an engaging, rib-tickling and warm-hearted charmer with inventive set pieces and strong comic performances, especially from Hugh Grant.

The sequel easily avoids sequelitis in a daffy, delightful romp that honors the books’ spirit while updating London with wit and visual imagination. It offers open-hearted advocacy of acceptance alongside pratfalls and homages in equal, marmalade-flavored measure.

Describes it as an exemplary sequel that retains innocence while exploring new motifs, praising the charm, Hugh Grant's performance, and the message of decency and good manners as a balm for troubled times.

Paddington 2 is an utterly delightful sequel that makes 2017 more bearable, with inventive direction, impeccable comic timing, and a sharp script delivering a message about kindness and acceptance. Hugh Grant's hammy, hilarious performance as the villain steals the show.

Paul King delivers another charming sequel full of deftness, with Hugh Grant stealing scenes in multiple disguises as the villain. The courteous bear’s creed and courtroom antics provide a gentle, funny contrast to heavier fare while honoring the source spirit.

Paddington 2 is very nearly as good as the first film and becomes irresistible once Hugh Grant arrives as the self-absorbed villain Phoenix Buchanan. The critic highlights Grant’s deliciously funny performance and the crackpot inspiration of director Paul King.

The film is a cut above most family entertainment thanks to its sophisticated visual style, Rube Goldberg slapstick, and absurdist humor influenced by Wes Anderson. It maintains the sweet worldview of the source material despite an episodic plot.

The critic calls it the most joyous of movies and a perfect antidote to darker fare, praising its blend of laugh-aloud gags, visual comedy, and touching story without sentimentality. Hugh Grant's comic turn as the villain is singled out as glorious and spectacular.

Paul King returns with a beautifully structured old-school comedy of intricate gags, wordplay and inspired digressions that push Wes Anderson-like stylization to new aesthetic heights. The sequel keeps its warm, unforced sweetness while delivering visual precision and narrative payoff.

The review highlights the film’s gloriously daffy absurdism, fusing Wes Anderson-style aesthetics with Chaplinesque slapstick and heartfelt warmth. It praises the eccentric sensibility, physical comedy, Hugh Grant’s over-the-top villain, and the profound belief in politeness and kindness that permeates every frame.

The critic calls the sequel even better than the first, with an ingenious plot, slapstick gags, and strong ensemble performances led by Hugh Grant. It delivers a timely moral message about kindness and civility while remaining light, charming, and perfectly tuned.

Director Paul King crafts a world of adorable objects and people transformed for the better by Paddington's touch. The film spins good writing and effects into rococo children’s entertainment that follows the bear’s guileless lead with tact and ingenuity.

The joyous sequel is a gorgeous love letter to kindness and London, living between naivety and sophistication with broad slapstick, sly satire and a moving prison sequence. The critic singles out the film’s quintessentially British quality and its near-impossible kindness in the closing scene.

The review calls the sequel even more entertaining than the first, singling out its charm, wit, humour, inventive gags, and Hugh Grant's standout comedic performance as the highlight.

The critic calls it a perfect sequel that surpasses the original with charm, heart, and balance for all ages. Hugh Grant stands out as a revelation in the villain role.

The critic calls Paddington 2 even better than the original, praising its fully realized identity, vibrant direction like Wes Anderson for kids, and ability to show the value of kindness without being preachy or mawkish. Singles out the simple emotional core and Hugh Grant's performance as the villain.

The review describes the film as a pure, joyful antidote full of wholesomeness and decency, highlighting its playful visuals, creative digressions, and the way Paddington rehabilitates everyone around him through kindness. The prison sequences, train chase, and universal lessons of manners and sympathy are singled out positively.

This is exactly the sequel one hopes for: respectful to the original, goosebumpy, and warm-hearted, improving on its predecessor while retaining a sense of wonder. The filmmakers balance innocence, perseverance, and pace to magical effect.

The critic praises it as a great sequel that improves on the original in every way with buoyant whimsy, cleverness, heart, and humor. Hugh Grant's funny, self-mocking performance as the villain is singled out as a highlight.

The critic praises it as a superior sequel that's a sure-footed, sweet-natured family comedy full of warmth and fun. They single out Hugh Grant's delightfully self-parodying performance as the vain villain and the film's celebration of selflessness and community.

The critic finds it a charming family pic that tops the first for delight, with Hugh Grant stealing the show as the villain. Praises the droll and charming tone that appeals to all ages without talking down.

The review describes the film as a charming and clever sequel that emphasizes empathy, neighborly spirit, and how Paddington wins over everyone, including in prison, through good manners and cheer. Singles out the poignant (if simple) idea about communities and outsiders along with light comic touches.

It is described as a blessing and even more charming than the first, offering a rare message of kindness and sincerity as welcome diversion in dark times. The whimsical sight gags and consistent cleverness are highlighted positively.

The review finds the film heartwarming, charming, and full of entertaining visual gags and community spirit that appeals to all ages. It highlights the prison scenes filled with warmth and humor alongside the underlying message about kindness.

The critic calls it a joyful, breakneck comic caper that improves on the original with added Hugh Grant and sly political undertones about compassion. They single out the inventive visual style, production design, and playful homages as particularly delightful.