“Paddington Bear 2” was as surprising and enjoyable as the recent snowfall in Starkville.
I had not expected to genuinely enjoy the movie. Instead, I assumed I would spend most of my time making fun of the plot holes in the film. However, after 15 minutes, I found the movie drawing me in, as it was layered both with humor, and a deeper meaning everyone can relate to.
One reason this film succeeded was because of the excellent blending of animation with reality. Typically, films with animation lack the cinematography and graphic depth many serious films capture. However, this movie offered a wide range of layouts and perspectives, both visually engaging and beautiful to look at. In many ways, this film provided the artsy style of a Wes Anderson film with the childlike elements of a Disney classic. 
The animation is fine-tuned, and an excellent example of how far graphics have come. Even a children’s movie is able to create a talking bear which blends in perfectly with the rest of the human cast. The complexity and variety of expression Paddington used, added to his “human’ nature” and ability to connect with the audience.
Overall, “Paddington Bear 2” was exceptionally filmed and visually engaging on all fronts.
The film also left me amazed by the depth and quality of the story.
Children’s movies, even when adorable, usually fail to capture my attention and engage my mind. These types of movies usually follow easily predictable and cliché plots which can be guessed from the very beginning of the story.
While the very end of “Paddington Bear 2” had a cliché rescue scene, the rest of the movie was far from cliché.
Ultimately, “Paddington Bear 2” encapsulated how life is a combination of tragedy, hilarity and emotion.
The essential elements of this movie are present from the first scene of the film.
In a “Mission Impossible” style rescue scene, Paddington is saved from danger by an older bear couple who resolve to raise him. The moment is sweet, adorable and completely improbable, which is the film in a nutshell. 
The character of Paddington Bear embodies everything wonderful and pure about human nature, despite the fact he is not human.
This film picks up from the first film and follows his new life in London. His days are devoted to making the lives of those around him better in every way possible. He helps his neighbors and cares for everyone in such a genuine and selfless way to warm even the coldest of hearts, in both the audience and the film.
A central plot point in the movie is Paddington trying to save money to buy a vintage pop-up book of London to send to his dear Aunt Lucy, one of the bears who raised him, for her 100th birthday. 
His primary flaw is his unfortunate habit of making a mess of things. Whether accidentally shaving the back of a man’s head, or dying the entire prison’s uniforms pink, he makes mistakes regularly, but he is always willing and ready to do what he can to amend these problems. 
In a world of film where most of the focus is on the dark side of life, Paddington is a breath of fresh air and can be an inspiration to both children and adults.
Everywhere Paddington goes, he makes the world a better place and changes the lives of those he encounters. His street in London cannot function without his daily help, and the prison he is sent to thrives with his presence. Paddington takes hardened criminals and helps them embrace their loving side.
Living by his Aunt Lucy’s words, Paddington believes, “if we are kind and polite, the world will be right.” This mantra shared multiple times in the film embodies an idea simple and often overlooked.
This film is an inspiration to children and adults. It highlights the positive side of life and the importance of being kind and helpful for others because it is the right thing to do for the greater good of humanity.
This theme rarely rears its head into major modern films. Most films released are focused on self-gratification, fighting evil or winning in some way, shape or form. Few films remind the world life is about more than success and is, instead, about making the world better with each day we are given. 
The final engaging theme of the movie is about the nature of people. Paddington quotes Aunt Lucy once more saying, “If you look for the good in people, you’ll find it.”
2017 was a year of the cynics. Everything and everyone were looked upon with a negative lens. The reality is, people are multifaceted and even the people you despise have redeemable qualities.
It may be hard to admit or adjust to this idea, but few people in this world are entirely evil and are unable to feel and express any form of empathy, compassion or kindness to others.
Paddington lives his life looking for the good in people, and even when he may be disappointed, he is content knowing he did what was right by looking for the good.
These qualities Paddington embraces are beyond admirable and inspirational.
“Paddington Bear 2” was not just another cliché children’s film. Instead, this movie exceeded expectations and is a classic for generations to come.