Small Peruvian floppy-hatted bear Paddington, now comfortably and lovingly ensconced with the Brown family, is looking to send a book to his Aunt Lucy. Unfortunately it contains clues to a treasure and Paddington ends up in prison, framed for a crime he didn't commit, while the real criminal is on the treasure trail. Can the Browns (and Paddington's fellow prisoners) obtain justice for the loveable little fellow?

Well, no prizes for guessing the answer, but the journey to get to it is sheer delight from start to finish. The story, if improbable, is beautifully textured and works perfectly. The visuals are carried off peerlessly and the editing, particularly transitions between scenes, are imaginative and cleverly executed. The script, as well as telling the story well, is warm, witty, very funny (both verbally and sight gags), full of jeopardy and memorable characters: it is an object lesson in what a script should be.

The cast are excellent. Ben Whishaw's voice acting is superb (there is an almost inaudible sigh at one point, touchingly subtle). And Hugh Grant is a revelation in an hilarious performance where he manages to spoof himself as well as demonstrating unsuspected versatility. His song and dance routine over the closing titles is hysterical.

This is not only a wonderful family film, it is a wonderful film full stop, and I recommend it highly.

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.

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.