The reason I saw "Paddington 2" is pretty unusual. As I watched the new Nicholas Cage film "The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent", I laughed when Cage and his friend, Javi, were talking about the three greatest films of all-time...and Javi placed "Paddington 2" on the list! I just had to see this family movie after hearing that!

Now, before I watched "Paddington 2", I also watched the first Paddington film....and throroughly enjoyed both...especially "Paddington 2". Why? Well, unlike the first, "Paddington 2" tried much harder to be cuter, sweeter and, most importantly, made the villain a LOT less menacing and awful than the villain in the first movie. Overall, a delightful family film which is pretty much impossible to dislike.

Paddington is living happily with the Browns (Sally Hawkins, Hugh Bonneville) in Windsor Gardens. He is beloved by most of his neighbors. Antique shop owner Samuel Gruber shows him a beautiful pop-up book of London and he has the idea to gift it to his beloved Aunt Lucy. Villain former actor Phoenix Buchanan (Hugh Grant) steals the book and Paddington is falsely imprisoned for the theft. Prison cook Knuckles McGinty (Brendan Gleeson) is taken with Paddington's marmalade sandwich and the bear is befriended by many of the prisoners. With the prisoners and the Browns' help, Paddington escapes and attempts to retrieve the book.

The bear is adorable. It's just a joy to watch him. He has an undeniable sweetness that is sweeter than the amount of sugar in his marmalade. His quirky adventures are fun. There is a delightful visual touch. The live actors are terrific. It's fun for the whole family.

I didn't see the first one, but was brought into the fold with the family at Christmas time. I wasn't expecting much. What I saw was a children's film that didn't insult one's intelligence. I remember Paddington from when I sold the books at a bookstore and the little bears (at exorbitant prices). The principle character is kind and believable. The supporting cast carries on in the world of Paddington. The scenes in the prison are hilarious, but he is always directing his efforts at being cleared of the crime for which he is accused. The plot is sophisticated without being maudlin or predictable. I will take an opportunity to watch the first one.