Top critic
Indian Express
Film review ·
Ben Whishaw's Paddington is a creature of just the right amount of vulnerability and grit. But it is Hugh Grant who is a find here, mocking himself, showing his age, and rocking a neat number in a pink outfit.


Weighted from a 7.5 average · Why?
Warmer and more charming than the first, with Hugh Grant a witty highlight.
Verdict tier Recommended, most critics liked it, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
Critic consensus
Critical reception for Paddington 2 is largely positive, with most reviewers agreeing it surpasses its predecessor in charm, warmth, and quality. Critics frequently praised the film's visual detail, its spirit of community and kindness, and Hugh Grant's self-mocking performance as a standout. Several reviewers noted the film transcends standard children's fare, offering emotional and thematic substance for adult audiences as well. The sole notable dissent comes from FullyHyd, whose sarcastically framed review is the only one to gesture at unspecified issues, though no critic offers a substantive or specific criticism.
1 not-rated review isn't plotted
The Monk Score is weighted from a plain average of 7.5 · how scores work
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 7 critic reviews · may contain errors
Report inaccuracyFrom the papers
Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Top critic
Film review ·
Ben Whishaw's Paddington is a creature of just the right amount of vulnerability and grit. But it is Hugh Grant who is a find here, mocking himself, showing his age, and rocking a neat number in a pink outfit.
Film review ·
I could go on and on about all the issues plaguing this film and the subsequent plagues it just might unleash on the world. But I'll simply end it by paraphrasing what one of your own, Kate Beckinsale, said in the movie Serendipity. The English got bad teeth, bad hair and good children's movies. You got the short end of the stick lads, you just don't know it.
Film review ·
Paddington 2 has done what many franchises couldn't: make a sequel about a brave bear brilliant, beautiful and better than the original. For that, it just may deserve the BAFTAs nominations after all.
Film review ·
While the kids are sure to learn a thing or two about good behaviour, it's the spirit of community living gently conveyed in scenes of Paddington's selfless involvement around his neighbourhood that make the film a lot more timely than expected from standard children's fare
Film review ·
This sequel is funnier, more charming and heartwarming than the original; one you'll enjoy tremendously, with or without kids in tow. Make sure you stay behind for the credits!
Film review ·
Visually, every frame is like an intricate-scaled diorama, a work of art built up from thousands of tiny, thoughtful details that would enthral you over several viewings.
Film review ·
Paddington 2 might just be the film a brittle, bothered world needs right now. Full of warmth, compassion, and kindness, this well-mannered bear is an ideal reflection of an ideal world.
Credits
Ben WhishawPaddington (voice)
Sally HawkinsMary Brown
Hugh BonnevilleHenry Brown
Julie WaltersMrs Bird
Hugh GrantPhoenix Buchanan
Imelda StauntonAunt Lucy (voice)
Brendan Gleeson'Knuckles' McGinty
Jim BroadbentMr Gruber
Peter CapaldiMr Curry
Ben MillerCol. Lancaster
Jessica HynesMiss Kitts
Michael GambonUncle Pastuzo (voice)
Noah TaylorPhipps
Tom DavisT-Bone
Sanjeev BhaskarDr Jafri
Joanna LumleyFelicity Fanshaw
Simon FarnabyBarry the Security Guard
Eileen AtkinsMadame Kozlova
Meera SyalProsecutor
Justin EdwardsDozy PolicemanEnglish films like Paddington 2