Classic Christmas Review #5: Paddington & Paddington 2
Available on Netflix
My love for Paul King’s cinematic adaptation of Michael Bond’s cherished Paddington Bear stories has increased tenfold since I realised that its titular hero has an uncanny resemblance to Ted, my Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Nonetheless, both of these films are outstanding in their own right.
Paddington is quintessential British fun from start to finish, a kids film that manages to avoid the smorgasbord of drudgery that is largely synonymous with similar endeavours. Slapstick humour and witticisms can be found in equal measure throughout the duration of King's film and are delivered with aplomb by a fantastic ensemble cast which is helmed, of course, by Paddington (Ben Whishaw) himself, who proves to be an astute choice to voice the UK's favourite mammal. Only someone with a heart made of granite could not be cheered by the sight of this amiable bear navigating the sights and sounds of London, gaining friends and, most importantly, family along the way.
However, as joyous as that maiden voyage might be, Paddington 2 is where this franchise truly excels. While it matches the heart-warming charm and irresistible humour of its predecessor, it betters it from a stylistic perspective, with the broad palette of colours used by cinematographer Erik Wilson and co. creating an aesthetic not entirely dissimilar to Wes Anderson's signature tone. Narratively, King and co-writer Simon Farnaby pit their hero against a nefarious and unapologetically hammy villain that elicits an arguably career-best turn from Hugh Grant, who provides adult viewers with almost all of the laughs via a brilliantly self-aware performance. The screenplay does a great job of advancing the returning characters’ arcs, with Paddington further earning the affections of his audience by coyly showing the folly of anti-immigrant rhetoric and virtue of inclusivity.
Truly, this is all anyone could ever want from a family film - laughs aplenty, an engaging and educational story, and unwavering cultural attune. I cannot wait for the third instalment.
