Paddington 2

Story

Paddington (voiced by Ben Whishaw) wants to buy his Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton) a birthday present. He works hard and does odd jobs for neighbours to save enough money to buy a special pop-up book of London. But when the birthday present is stolen by a mysterious thief, Phoenix Buchanan (Hugh Grant), Paddington is framed for the crime. Paddington and the Brown family must find the mystery thief and the missing present to save Paddington before Aunt Lucy’s birthday.

Themes

Separation from family; crime/prison

Violence

Paddington 2 has some violence. For example:

There is some slapstick comedy violence. For example, Paddington shaves off a man’s hair with an electric razor.
A prisoner threatens Paddington, saying ‘How would you like to be buried in a deep hole?’
A flashback scene shows a magician cutting a rope, which makes a woman fall from a roof and die. The dead body is shown, but there’s no blood.
Henry Brown almost runs over Phoenix with his car.
Phoenix and the Browns have a sword fight, and Phoenix handcuffs the Browns to a pole. Phoenix also shoots a plastic dart gun.
Henry Brown throws a ball at Phoenix’s head and knocks him out.

Sexual references

Paddington 2 has some sexual references. For example:

Paddington asks one of his neighbours how her date went.
Two neighbours look at each other fondly and then move in together.
Judy is upset because her boyfriend dumped her.
A security guard says that a nun (Phoenix dressed as a woman) is the most attractive and beautiful women he has ever seen.
A female character says ‘nice buns’. She’s talking about bread rolls, but Phoenix thinks she means his bottom.

Alcohol, drugs and other substances

Nothing of concern

Nudity and sexual activity

Paddington 2 has some suggested nudity. For example, Paddington cleans windows with his bottom.

Product placement

There’s no product placement of concern in this movie, but it’s part of the Paddington Bear franchise. There’s plenty of merchandise associated with this franchise marketed to children.

Coarse language

Paddington 2 has some insults and name-calling.

Ideas to discuss with your children

Paddington 2 is a comic mystery adventure that’s sure to delight adults and children. This humorous movie reminds us to be kind and try to see the best in people.

Because the movie has some scary and violent scenes, it isn’t recommended for children under 5 years, and we recommend parental guidance for children aged 5-8 years.

Values in this movie that you could reinforce with your children include kindness, bravery, optimism and teamwork.

This movie could also give you the chance to talk with your children about what happens when you use violence to solve problems.