How Paddington Succeeded When It Absolutely Should Have Failed 

Watched them recently with my fiancée and we loved them both. She described them as “if a big, warm hug was a movie,” and I think that’s the best description of Paddington 1 and 2 that one could give

Paddington and Paddington 2 are just excellent and hilarious and the jokes are just so smart at times. The first movie honestly has probably one of my favourite meta jokes in all of film about films. When near the beginning after meeting Paddington, they get a taxi home and you get the stereotypical sightseeing tour of London that you see in almost every film set their (Double as much if it's an non british film), driving past every single landmark even though they are miles away from each other. But then they get home and Mr Brown then gets angry with the taxi driver for taking such an absurdly long route with the taxi driver clearly doing it in order to get a bigger fair. Genius

One of my favorite bits in Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent is when Pedro Pascal tells Nick Cage Paddington 2 is the best movie of all time, then makes him watch it to prove it, and Nick in the end, agrees. The best part is that I do as well.

As an autistic girl, Paddingtons message of acceptance and kindness really warms me. Growing up of course I’ve had difficulties making friends, fitting in and having to deal with people constantly taking advantage of me. These movies are truly an escape from all that, and most importantly hope.

I think a big part of it is that Paddington is not an annoying or unlikable character. Unlike in films like Alvin and the Chipmunks, all the chaos he causes is not through carelessness or selfishness, but rather through trying his best and trying to do what is right. That difference makes him much more endearing.

So I had no intention to see this film because of the trailers. But then my Grandma said she wanted to go because she LOVED Paddington as a child 70 years ago. So I went with her my mum and a family friend. We all loved it!

I think the key to making anything for children is not talking down, patronizing or dumbing down your art just really make sure they understand

This lovely video made me realize something. He's not a "fish out of water". He is himself - he has principles he learned from his aunt, and he sticks to them no matter what. Yes, he does have some adjustment, but really, he enters environments (his new family, community, prison, neighborhood, workforce) and through kindness, honesty, and optimism, makes their world a better place, and they love him for it. I know I do. 😊

I don't remember much about Paddington, but what stuck with me is that everyone had organic character growth. Paddington's presense is infectious but in a slow methodical way. Nothing looked overly contrived.

I love these movies. Just as the video says, they're the right amount serious and heartfelt and the right amount artistic and silly, and (again, as the video says) that's not easy to do in a family-/children-oriented movie like this. I was very captivated through each movie not only by the narratives but by the creative visual style, and the characterization and acting just come across as so natural and relatable that it's hard _not_ to be invested in the characters, in what they're saying and doing. I sincerely laughed out loud at several of the visual gags and humorous scenarios, and the movie's more serious moments genuinely left me touched and, at their most poignant, teary-eyed. These movies are surprisingly top-shelf-not because they shouldn't be, but because we shouldn't expect them to be. It's a wonder how wonderful they are.

I truly enjoyed both movies. They are very sincere and just so endearing to both kids and adults. I especially enjoyed their clever little puns sprinkled into the movies throughout, like when Pad was on the escalator in the tube station, he saw the sign "please stand on your right" and he just started standing on his right leg. They really put a smile on my face.

The actors in this are so charming and perfectly cast. The slapstick humor of Paddington getting into silly oopsies is just SO perfect for kids, mine laugh so hard. We love Paddington!

Paddington really have a special place in my heart. It's so wholesome and well written.

If Britain had a National film, there’s no contest. It’s just so quintessentially British, and encompasses our values of diversity, acceptance and politeness

I saw Paddington in theaters on opening day with my mom when I was 13. It was the first film I saw in the theater since my grandmother died. I've been going through a very hard time, and this is one of my biggest comfort movies. The sequel is great, too, but nothing tops the first Paddington for me.

The Paddington movies were very heart warming and make you really care for the titular character.

These are just the sweetest, lovliest 2 films. ❤️❤️❤️

When Paddington said "it's paddin' time," the entire cinema burst into uproar and we all morbed uncontrollably! It truly was an experience.

The enemies of movie creativity: a) interference of producers b) marketing department and their trailers c) unfair expectations by media

A couple of movies everyone should watch!!! Thanx!!!

I planned to watch both Paddington films on Netflix. Unfortunately, the sequel came off of Netflix before I got the chance. I mainly watched it to get used to Paul King's directing before seeing Wonka. Paddington didn't disappoint. It was a hug in the form of a movie.

I love these movies. Please Paddington 3, don't break our hearts!

I never liked Paddington as a kid, but when I was in my 20s and my friend said the movie was really good, I figured I'd check it out and I'm so glad I did. When I got married, my wife wrote it off too but when we sat down and watched it with our kids, everyone loved it.

He is so kind and good, that I want to believe in humanity

Thank you! I now want to watch a Paddington movie. I never read Paddington books as a child, but one of my fondest memories is of my son telling me a Paddington story as we walked home through the country in the dark after my car broke down. (He was 40, I was 60).

Watching these will make you will all warm and fuzzy inside.

2 of the most genuinely delightful movies of all time

One of my most favorite films ever. It is a perfect film series that appeals to all audiences.

I remember when Paddington 2 came out and we thought we should go watch it as the first one was charming. I never thought it would be as good as what it was. It truly is one of the best movies ever made. It touches on so many things and has so many story arcs and callbacks as well as the physical comedy scenes with Paddington. And he goes through a real struggle as well.

Respecting the intelligence of the audience and not shying away from more serious topics even though it’s made for kids probably helped a lot

The ending of paddington 2 had me choked up more than any other movie I’ve ever seen 😂 I need a trilogy such a lovable character

i watch the movie because of this review. he's so lovable.

I was so happy it was great to know these films were great.

the real reason is IT'S just *THE* movie. Best of the century.

The fact that Paddington 2 was dedicated a whole scene in a film with Nick Cage and Pedro Pascal goes to show just how beloved that film really is

My family & I are big Paddington admirers, so we were all really scared when we saw the initial trailers for the first one, but luckily they were an _atrocious_ representation of the *wonderful* film it turned out to be, & we thought the sequel was even better.

My ex worked on Paddington, she helped make the practical Bear

I haven't seen Paddington 2, but Citizen Kane's big weakness, for all its achievements in terms of cinematography/lighting/camerawork/sound/etc. is that it comes off as cold and distant even to people who appreciate it for what it is. That in part might be by design, as the very nature of Charles Foster Kane as a character is that he is cold, unfeeling, and ruthless (the film even skips over the death of his wife and kid like its nothing). There continues to be complaints about How Green Was My Valley beating it out for Best Picture, and while CK may aesthetically be the better film, HGWMV was all heart and was basically a love letter to John Ford's childhood and it shows. Its a warm, sweet, family film that has also stood the test of time. Citizen Kane is a masterpiece, there's no question, but I think it leaves many others cold just because it is unable to connect with many audience members emotionally

Just to add to this, one of the key reasons these two films work so well is the undeniable influence of two of the best comedic directors of all time, Jacques Tati and Jerry Lewis. No slight meant, here. King was smart to take influence, like any great director does.

Paddington 2 had no business being as good as it was.

Paddington 3 is on the way, at this rate the Paddington series is on the way to becoming my favourite trilogy of all time ❤. Marmalade sandwich anyone 😋?

Amazing film. A breath of fresh air

If these two would crossover, things could become crazy. Anyone agree? Or am I just bear-ly making myself heard?

Both films unplugged tear ducts. And that poignant vignette which aired at this year's Platinum Party at the Palace with the late Queen Elizabeth II was epic. Am sure that I wasn't the only one emotional in that outdoor concert. Still a fan. Still re-watch both film adaptations. A classic. No debate. Looking forward to Paddington 3 🐻 🇺🇸❣️🇬🇧

I love the Paddington films. Sometimes you just need a nice fun family movie with a big heart.

I remember i dreamt about this film but it wasn't this film if that makes sense. It was Paddington if i can remember but i knew it had a horrible ending where Paddington got killed. He was at the top of the landing with Mr Brown and talking about his dreams and hopes for the future but occasionally, they would do a funny little dance with a tissue going " nanana, na na na" which i felt me, mum and dad had loved over the years as I felt i know it forever. Then they went downstairs but i got worried about the horrible ending of the film but they were in a kitchen. It was really funny.

This definitely made me put Paddington 1 & 2 on my list of movies to watch soon.

Never seen them, but now need to go and watch them.

Every actor, in Paddington 2 especially, seems to be having the best time of their lives. Hugh Grant, in particular does a spectacular job. For those who don't know, Paddington 2 was co-written by Simon Farnaby (one of the Horrible Histories crew).

How good are the Paddington films? So good that i couldnt find a negative comment on youtube!

Paddington’s face when someone has forgotten their manners: :| ):| >:| Uhhhh why are you looking like me like that? My its quite hot here. I might have just left the heater on. Paddington: Its called a HARD STARE. Aunt Lucy taught me that to remind people if they have forgotten their manners.

You did The Rocky and Bullwinkle Movie dirty.

Queen Elizabeth invited him to tea. He must have been a really important person.

I just love the paddington movies, it just makes me feel like a kid again, it is heartwarming. And that is coming from a Mexican, I didn’t grow with it at all

I usually don't watch these kinds of movies, not because they're bad, but because I do not possess the maturity required to deal with the cute creatures being wronged. If someone as much as looks weird to Paddingtom I will indeed get unreasonably mad or sad, and that really affects me. So I prefer not to watch it, even if I know at the end everything will be alright.

Paddington is the satire Britain needed, the film to say everything that Britons thought but couldn't work out how to say. It's a film that feels like it's on your side against the ravages of sin, the world & the devil. It embodies everything the British nation wishes it was, & feels like an injection of sprightliness into our oftentimes ailing culture. Sometimes, Paddington can be a bit scary, but it is impossible to be traumatised by it because its mirth provides instant stress relief, like soldiers after a battle returning to camp & jesting the evening away. Mr. Curry is a parody of the hated British low-level bureaucrat who lacks any humility. Part of the joke is that he behaves in a way that to us is considered to be effeminate (but most of us wouldn't dare say that out loud for fear of coming across as sexist).

Loved both Paddington films😍😍

Paddington 3 soon

I've heard so much good about them, but I've never seen them.

i need to rewatch both movies

The films are so fantastic!

I feel like Paddington never had a bad adaption, I honestly love all of the cartoons (especially nickelodeons) and both of the movies are great. Paddington seems to be one of the very few franchises that's always interesting and done well.

This is definetely cinema, I love Paddington so much.

The reason why it's succesful because it's just a simple story about a bear who lost in London with good messages and charming performance. Also, it's good for children and adult.

You forget the fact that Paddington found the perfect tone between danger and humor. Yes, the first was there. But it concluded mostly with an for everyone acceptabele joke moment. But not only then. Take the moment in 2 when Mr Brown goes critical about the guild of Paddington, saying he might be guilty. And then sighs and saying he is ging to hang some posters to prove Paddington is not a thieve. It's not dangerous, but a little sharp tone which make these movies not to happy. Well, till the end of Paddington 2. But that's not important. What is important, is that these movies found the right ballance in almost everything.

OI- The Lorax was awesome.

I love just how plain nice these films are. They're just pleasant to watch and I'd love to live in the world they do (I'm aware Britain is real, but it's not the same).

For an adult movie director did really his abosulte best in this movie

Paddington movies are a children movies done perfectly in my opinion

The Nic Cage and Pedro Pascal movie made me look up Paddington to see what it was all about. It seems to have a Wes Anderson style to it. Need to watch soon.

Who couldve thought respecting the source material and its fans would make a succesful movie?

The films were so funny and wholesome.

I hope they make a 3rd and 4th movie the first 2 where good

I found myself irrationally furious at the two fusty idiot “critics” whom, THREE YEARS AFTER THE FILM WAS RELEASED (!!) decided to ROB Paddington 2 of its rare “Perfect” 100% on Rotten Tomatoes by belatedly trashing it as “childish” and “charmless”….but more, I was annoyed at Rotten Tomatoes for allowing such latecoming cranky trolls to ruin this distinction that this lovely film so richly earned (Yeah, it Still annoys me to quite an irrational degree!)

I really like both Paddington movies, because they appeal to both children and adults, aren't entirely complex to follow, and feature charming, likable characters.

The amount of critical acclaim Paddington 2 got is the most joyous thing in the world for me. Truly a masterpiece not only within its genre or franchise but also in general. And yes, Hugh Grant IS the best part of it, one of his finest acting jobs ever.

Fun fact: My country of Peru actually received a statue of Paddington from the daughter of the original writer to honor the character’s place of origin.

I watched it with my nephews, completely expecting it to be broad and puerile. I was astonished and charmed by how sincere and warm it is.

Paddington 2 is a master class in film. No scene is wasted and if something is referenced or mentioned it is brought back later in the movie meaning solutions don’t feel like deux machina. It’s the best example of chekhov's gun in cinema. Also Hugh Grant has also gone on record saying it’s the best movie he’s even been in.

Me seeing Paddington for the first time while in college: I've only had Paddington for 5 minutes, but if anything were to happen to him, I'd kill everyone in this room and then myself.

The wonderful part of Paddington is that he's written for the "odd kids". Most children feel like fish out of water most of the time, so Paddington is the perfect vehicle for that. I watched the movies in my late 20's and I have no shame in saying that this little rascal was, is and always will be my spirit animal 🐻🥪

The only way I could ever describe these films to people is pure charm. They have a similar timelessness and warmth akin to something like Mary Poppins (especially the 1st with it's sincere albeit unrealistic adoration of all things London). Visually they're amazing and just incredibly well acted family films that don't over rely on silly gags or toilet humour. By no means should they have worked, but I'm so glad they do as I love rewatching both of them at least once a year.

Paddington and Paddington 2 did what very, very few things have done in the past decade: it made me proud to be British.

As a person living in another country and missing my family terribly, Paddington makes me cry ugly tears whenever I watch it. A well crafted, funny and very touching masterpiece.

Ah yes. The film that, as we all know, is better than Citizen Kane.

I think Ben Whishaw (Paddington’s VA) deserves way more credit, HIS VOICE FITTED THE CHARACTER SO WELL!!

Paddington 2 is one of the very few movies that will make me cry every single time I watch it, it had no business being that wholesome

As a grown adult, I’ve never seen a kids movie I love as unapologetically as Paddington. I was finding myself constantly surprised by how the humor was so wholesome but still made me genuinely laugh. I can’t pin down what exactly made me love the humor so much, when my sense of humor is usually far from wholesome, but it just hit that funny bone perfectly.

Don’t forget, for the previous Queen’s platinum jubilee they made it to show her talking to Paddington.

I love Paddington and adore how everyone agrees with how great the movies are. So many films, even for kids and families, have gotten crude and cynical. Paddington however is gentle and proves there is value in just being kind.

The moment my 80+ age Indian grandmother said she loved this movie is when I knew what 'global appeal' truly meant. A gem of a movie

As much as I like Colin Firth as an actor, I’m so so glad he didn’t end up being the voice for Paddington. It really is that soft voice of Ben Whishaw that completes the character for me.

I am a little worried for part 3 with the new director. I hope it would be a satisfying ending and make this one of the best trilogies.

I find it fascinating that the Paddington movies have more believable CGI than most modern Disney movies.

It worked because it told a simple, charming story. Simple as that.

I saw this movie in a childrens hospital when I was a teen. Not something I would’ve watched at that time but I’m glad I did, it was a feel good movie with a charming story and helped me feel better

I was always a paddington girl growing up, so when the first movie came out I was so excited! It gave me the same feeling that the Christopher Robin movie gave me; it was surprisingly heart warming even as an adult💛💛

my favourite thing about these movies is their belief that “yes we know the world doesn’t work like this - but wouldn’t it be nice if it did?”

0:07 And yet that same Movie Going Public gave "Alvin and the Chipmunks", "Scooby Doo", "The Grinch", "The Cat In the Hat", "The Smurfs" and "Yogi Bear" easy success under the exact same circumstances!!

It's really mean to say "It shouldn't have worked". Nowdays we're plagued with bad faith criticism and cynic reviewers who seem to WANT things to fail. If you're expecting something to fail just to prove you're right, there is something wrong with you as a critic. That is my stance, I will not change it.