--- title: "Paddington 2: the reviews" canonical: "https://film.one/film/paddington-2/reviews" title_page: "https://film.one/film/paddington-2" critics_score: 88 critics_reviews: 27 licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Paddington 2 (2017): what the critics said Critics' score 88 from 27 reviews: 27 positive, 0 mixed, 0 negative. The consensus is warmly positive: critics find Paddington 2 a funny, generous sequel whose belief in kindness rarely slips into sentimentality. Praise clusters around Paul King’s inventive visual comedy, intricate slapstick and richly imagined London, with Hugh Grant’s vain villain repeatedly singled out for his self-mocking performance. Most critics also admire how the film makes acceptance and community part of the comedy rather than a lesson delivered between gags. The differences are chiefly matters of enthusiasm, with no substantial negative response in the supplied reviews. The AV Club notes an episodic plot while praising the visual sophistication and absurdist humour; The Telegraph places it slightly below the original, whereas The Hollywood Reporter finds it better, citing the ingenious plotting and ensemble. Reservations remain modest, and even the more measured notices share the broader appreciation of its comic craft and unforced warmth. ## Little White Lies — David Jenkins Rating 4/5/5. 31 October 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. [Read the review](https://lwlies.com/reviews/paddington-2) ## Radio Times — Victoria Luxford Rating 5/5. 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. [Read the review](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-41z6af/paddington-2/) ## Time Out — Helen O’Hara Rating 5/5. 27 October 2017. 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. [Read the review](https://www.timeout.com/movies/paddington-2) ## Empire — Olly Richards Fi1m's normalised score 90/100 (inferred from the text). 6 November 2017. 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. [Read the review](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/paddington-2-review/) ## Film Comment — Michael Sragow Fi1m's normalised score 90/100 (inferred from the text). 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. [Read the review](https://www.filmcomment.com/deep-focus-paddington-2/) ## RogerEbert.com — Christy Lemire Fi1m's normalised score 85/100 (inferred from the text). 12 January 2018. 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. [Read the review](https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/paddington-2-2018) ## Sight and Sound — Kate Stables Fi1m's normalised score 85/100 (inferred from the text). 15 November 2017. 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. [Read the review](https://www.bfi.org.uk/sight-and-sound/reviews/paddington-2-review-brexit-pursued-bear) ## The Guardian Fi1m's normalised score 85/100 (inferred from the text). 12 November 2017. 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. [Read the review](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/nov/12/paddington-2-review-definitely-bears-repeating-hugh-grant) ## Total Film — Neil Smith Fi1m's normalised score 85/100 (inferred from the text). 27 October 2017. 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. [Read the review](https://www.gamesradar.com/paddington-2-review/) ## Variety Rating Critics Pick. 26 October 2017. 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. [Read the review](https://variety.com/2017/film/reviews/paddington-2-review-1202599843/) ## Screen Daily Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 26 October 2017. 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. [Read the review](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/paddington-2-review/5123661.article) ## The i Paper — Matthew Turner Rating ★★★★. 8 November 2017. 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. [Read the review](https://inews.co.uk/culture/film/paddington-2-review-102562) ## The New Yorker — Anthony Lane Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 8 January 2018. 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. [Read the review](https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2018/01/15/the-insult-and-paddington-2) ## The Telegraph Rating 4/5. 10 November 2017. 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. [Read the review](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/paddington-2-review-deliciously-funny-hugh-grant-makes-bears/) ## The AV Club — Ignatiy Vishnevetsky Rating B. 8 January 2018. 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. [Read the review](https://www.avclub.com/the-charming-paddington-2-is-the-the-rare-live-action-k-1821878559) ## Evening Standard — Matthew Norman 11 December 2017. 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. [Read the review](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/paddington-2-review-this-film-is-a-bear-necessity-a3716196.html) ## Los Angeles Times — Justin Chang 11 January 2018. 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. [Read the review](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-paddington-2-review-20180111-story.html) ## Slant Magazine — Keith Watson 10 January 2018. 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. [Read the review](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/paddington-2/) ## The Hollywood Reporter — Leslie Felperin 26 October 2017. 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. [Read the review](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/paddington-2-review-1052097/) ## The New York Times — Teo Bugbee Rating Critic’s Pick. 10 January 2018. 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. [Read the review](https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/10/movies/paddington-2-review.html) ## The Times — Kevin Maher Rating ★★★★☆. 10 November 2017. 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. [Read the review](https://www.thetimes.com/business/technology/article/film-review-paddington-2-dhdvf8z68) ## Den of Geek — Caroline Preece Rating 5/5. 10 November 2017. 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. [Read the review](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/paddington-2-review-2/) ## HeyUGuys — Linda Marric Rating 5/5. 6 November 2017. 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. [Read the review](https://www.heyuguys.com/paddington-2-review/) ## Collider — Matt Goldberg Rating A. 11 January 2018. 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. [Read the review](https://collider.com/paddington-2-review/) ## Consequence Fi1m's normalised score 90/100 (inferred from the text). 12 January 2018. 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. [Read the review](https://consequence.net/2018/01/film-review-paddington-2-has-more-than-enough-charm-to-go-around/) ## Eye for Film — Angus Wolfe Murray Fi1m's normalised score 90/100 (inferred from the text). 8 November 2017. 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. [Read the review](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/paddington-2-2017-film-review-by-angus-wolfe-murray) ## /Film — Josh Spiegel Rating 9/10. 9 January 2018. 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. [Read the review](https://www.slashfilm.com/555479/paddington-2-review/) ## The Wrap — Nicholas Barber Fi1m's normalised score 90/100 (inferred from the text). 8 January 2018. 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. [Read the review](https://www.thewrap.com/paddington-2-film-review-hugh-grant-weinstein-company/) ## Deadline — Pete Hammond Fi1m's normalised score 85/100 (inferred from the text). 8 January 2018. 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. [Read the review](https://deadline.com/2018/01/paddington-2-review-hugh-grant-ben-whishaw-hugh-bonneville-sally-hawkins-1202238865/) ## The Ringer — K. Austin Collins Fi1m's normalised score 85/100 (inferred from the text). 16 January 2018. 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. [Read the review](https://www.theringer.com/2018/01/16/movies/paddington-2-film-review-hugh-grant-sally-hawkins) ## The Playlist — Will Ashton Rating B+. 9 January 2018. 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. [Read the review](https://theplaylist.net/paddington-2-review-20180109/) ## NME — Nick Levine Rating 4/5. 9 November 2017. 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. [Read the review](https://www.nme.com/reviews/paddington-2-film-review-2157903) ## The Skinny — Jamie Dunn Rating ★★★★. 10 November 2017. 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. [Read the review](https://www.theskinny.co.uk/film/new-releases/paddington-2) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Our review: https://film.one/film/paddington-2.md