Paddington 2

Date: 10/04/2018 Times: 3:00 pm - 4:45 pm

This is one of our occasional family showings at 3pm; a near perfect film for the Easter holidays. Paddington 2 has BAFTA nominations for Best British Film and Best Supporting Actor (Hugh Grant).  It was placed 18th in the Guardian’s best films of 2017.  The aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes has declared Paddington 2 to be the best reviewed film in the site’s history.

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 hundredth 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… 

The film’s real selling point, though, is once again its villain, this time played by an irresistible Hugh Grant.  Grant essentially steals this whole movie as the thief, an egotistic, washed-up actor named Phoenix Buchanan.  Grant shines almost as brightly here as he did in Florence Foster Jenkins, finding the perfect mix of nastiness and harmlessness that makes for a great kiddie villain.  Another bright spot here is Brendan Gleeson as Knuckles McGinty, an irascible jailhouse cook whose heart is softened by Paddington’s famous marmalade sandwiches.  Add in a whimsical storyline and an overall air of British charm, and “Paddington 2” has the potential to become a family classic.  Paddington 2 has a warmth and wit that’s missing from many a children’s movie.  Please don’t miss it.

This film has been adjudged at level PG (Parental Guidance) which means that it is for general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children.  A PG film should not unsettle a child aged around eight or older.  Unaccompanied children of any age may watch, but parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger, or more sensitive, children.  This film was given a PG because of ‘mild threat’.

Click below for reviews and more information.

Venue: William Loveless Hall