If there ever was a role model to come to fruition in this dark age, he could be found at your local movie theatre. Wearing a blue duffle coat, a matching red hat and boots, and rarely without a delicious marmalade sandwich in hand, Paddington Bear is the friend you wish you had. As the recently passed creator of the loveable creature, Michael Bond wrote: “He was a hopeful bear at heart.” Paddington’s positive outlook on life is refreshingly uncomplicated. It cannot be denied that we could all learn a few lessons from this furry friend.
As our story begins, we learn that Paddington is now a true member of the Browns family and also a very popular member of the local community. His positivity and kindness is infectious and it shows on the faces and actions of those around him. Paddington wants to find the perfect present for his Aunt Lucy’s 100th birthday. In a beautiful pop up book of London city he sets his sights, but in a mysterious sequence of events, the book is stolen. What follows is a journey that tests trust, relationships and the realisation that at their essence, human beings are fundamentally good.
That is not to say that this story is without a villain. In arguably the best role of his career, Hugh Grant plays the self obsessed evil thespian, Phoenix Buchanan, who as a failed actor, now makes a living from dog food commercials. But not even Paddington could mock someone so ridiculous. The soft spoken Ben Whishaw is still marvellous at crafting the nature of this polite little creature. Paddington’s mishaps and blatant errors could easily be overlooked when one is presented with his adorableness. On his first day working as a barber’s assistant, a haircut gone wrong is dare say a sure rival for the hilarity of the first film’s memorable bathroom scene.
Beyond the silliness and the laughs though lies a profound message. At its heart, this film promotes London as an inclusive place and holds a value on the importance of community. As an outsider, Paddington is accepted by his community and in return he repays them with acts of kindness. Those who don’t accept Paddington are the ones who do not fit in. They are outsiders in their reluctance to accept change or diversity. Paddington’s patience, kindness and ability to look at the bigger picture are what make him so wonderful, which is extremely significant in the Brexit-Trump era in which we are living.
This is a movie enjoyable for all ages. One of those that make you laugh, cry and feel fuzzy on the inside. Who would’ve taught a Peruvian bear could restore faith in humanity? Paddington 2 is a ray of sunshine in cantankerous times.
Rating: ●●●●●
