Paddington 2 Leaves Audience Smiling Cheek to Cheek

Three years since the release of the first Paddington, the sequel is capturing the attention and the hearts of audiences of all ages, once again. On January 12, 2018, Paddington 2 premiered in theaters. Crowds gathered to watch the long-awaited sequel on opening night, going into the movie excited and expectant, and coming out heart-warmed and clearly satisfied. The film definitely did not disappoint.

Paddington 2 follows the same endearing and irresistable Paddington bear from years earlier. By now, he has settled in to his new life in London and established close relationships with his family and the people in the community, as well as a sprightly daily routine in the neighborhood.

Paddington is looking forward to the 100th birthday of his Aunt Lucy, the bear who took him in when he was a stranded cub and raised him as his mother figure. As it gets closer to her birthday, he eagerly searches for the best birthday present until he stumbles across the perfect choice: an antique pop-up picture book of London and all of its major landmarks – it had always been a dream of Aunt Lucy’s to visit London.

With his eyes set on the pop-up book, which happens to be considerably pricey because of its rarity and history, Paddington decides to get a job and earn the money to buy the gift for his beloved aunt. However, complications arise when Paddington witnesses someone stealing the book from the antique shop and, in the midst of trying to catch the thief, is mistaken as the culprit. With that, he is arrested.

In prison, Paddington initially struggles, but soon finds himself making friends and even helping the infamously mean cook make delicious Marmalade Sandwiches. Meanwhile, the rest of Paddington’s family searches diligently for the real thief. Soon enough, they discover that the real culprit is their neighbor, Phoenix Buchanan, who had wanted the book for its hidden clues that would eventually lead to a secret fortune. As the movie progresses, Paddington and his newfound friends eventually escape prison and Paddington contacts his family, agreeing to meet up with them at Paddington station, where Buchanan is also headed.

Action-packed scenes unravel on the train from Paddington station, and, needless to say, Phoenix is found out to be the true culprit. By the end of the movie, Paddington, rather than gifting Aunt Lucy the prized book, is able to meet her in person as she physically comes to London, her dreams of visiting London finally fulfilled.

Paddington 2 is filled with diverse scenes that will give viewers a wide range of emotions from endearment (Paddington’s adorable mistakes) to sadness (Paddington’s wrongful arrest) to laughter (Paddington’s adorable mistakes, yet again) to triumph (Phoenix Buchanan’s defeat) to warmth (Aunt Lucy’s ultimate attainment of her dream and her reunion with Paddington).

The side-stories of many of the characters are also worth noting. Paddington has helped his neighbors in different ways and formed special bonds with each one of them. It is thanks to Paddington that the neighborhood is able to function smoothly and happily. He is a beloved and precious bear, not only to his immediate family, but also to the people of the small London neighborhood.

Additionally, the movie is not simply a fun-loving family film; it also contains many instances of comedy and humor. It is definitely a must-watch for all. After all, it has earned the title of best-rated movie on Rotten Tomatoes.

AOC junior, Erin Song, comments,“Paddington 2 is a sweet-natured, feel-good movie that will definitely leave you smiling cheek to cheek by the time you walk out the theater.”