Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Screenwise Verdict

Paddington 2 is that unicorn of family cinema: a sequel that's somehow better than the original, universally beloved, and genuinely deserving of the hype. It's not just 'fine for kids'—it's a legitimately excellent film that adults will enjoy just as much.

The story of a wrongly accused bear who transforms a prison through kindness sounds saccharine on paper, but in execution it's magical. Hugh Grant's villain performance is chef's-kiss levels of theatrical villainy, the visual storytelling is gorgeous, and the emotional beats land without manipulation. This is the kind of movie that makes you want to be a better person without making you feel lectured.

From a WISE perspective, it's nearly flawless. The wholesome factor is off the charts—Paddington's persistent politeness and empathy model emotional intelligence in ways that feel authentic rather than preachy. The themes of community, justice, and redemption are enriching without being heavy-handed. Safety-wise, there's mild peril but nothing that should cause nightmares, and the 'scary' moments are clearly signaled and resolved quickly.

The only reason it's not a perfect 100 is that very young kids (under 4) might find the wrongful imprisonment concept a bit confusing or need some hand-holding during those scenes. But for kindergarten and up? This is as close to a perfect family film as you're going to find. It's engaging for modern kids, doesn't feel dated despite being from 2017, and has genuine rewatch value.

If you're building a family movie library, this belongs in it.

Age Fit

Perfect for ages 4-12, with the sweet spot around 5-10. Preschoolers will love Paddington's antics but might need reassurance during the prison storyline. Tweens will appreciate the sophisticated humor and won't feel it's babyish—this is one of those rare films that truly works for the whole family without anyone rolling their eyes.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

98

Paddington 2 is a masterclass in wholesome storytelling. The film centers on kindness, empathy, forgiveness, and community. Paddington's unwavering politeness and genuine care for others—even those who wrong him—models exceptional emotional intelligence. The Brown family demonstrates healthy relationships, and the film's resolution emphasizes redemption and second chances. Pacing is gentle without being slow, and humor is clever rather than chaotic or mean-spirited.

Imaginative

88

The film features creative visual storytelling, including a memorable pop-up book sequence that brings London to life in whimsical ways. The plot involves problem-solving through odd jobs (window washing, barbering) that showcase ingenuity. While not interactive, it inspires curiosity about London, community, and creative gift-giving. The villain's theatrical prison transformation adds playful imagination, though the core story follows a more traditional narrative arc rather than breaking new ground.

Safe

92

Extremely safe for family viewing. The film contains mild peril (Paddington is wrongly imprisoned, there's a train sequence climax) but nothing graphic or traumatic. The villain is comedic rather than genuinely frightening. No violence beyond slapstick, no inappropriate content, and emotional beats are handled with care. The only minor caution is brief tension around wrongful imprisonment and courtroom scenes, which might confuse very young viewers but aren't scary. No surprise deaths, gore, or inappropriate content.

Enriching

90

The film offers rich themes about justice, prejudice, community, and the power of kindness to transform people. It shows consequences of actions, the importance of standing up for what's right, and how treating others with respect can change hearts. The wrongful imprisonment storyline introduces concepts of fairness and the legal system in an age-appropriate way. Character development is meaningful—even the villain gets a redemptive arc. It's also genuinely entertaining with clever humor that works for all ages, making the enrichment feel natural rather than preachy.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely one of the best family films of the past decade—critics and audiences universally adore it, and for good reason
Models exceptional kindness, empathy, and community values without being preachy; Paddington's unwavering politeness transforms everyone around him
Clever humor that works for adults and kids simultaneously—witty without relying on potty jokes or pop culture references that age poorly
Tackles themes of justice, prejudice, and redemption in age-appropriate ways that spark meaningful conversations
Visually creative with gorgeous cinematography and a memorable pop-up book sequence that's pure movie magic

⚠

What to Watch For

Brief tension around wrongful imprisonment and a courtroom scene—very young kids (under 5) might find the 'Paddington goes to jail' concept confusing or mildly upsetting, though it's handled gently
Mild peril in the climactic train sequence, but nothing nightmare-inducing
The villain (Hugh Grant having the time of his life) is comedic and vain rather than scary, but there are a few moments of him being sneaky that might require context for littles

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think the other prisoners started to like Paddington? What did he do differently?"
"Have you ever been blamed for something you didn't do? How did that feel?"
"Paddington is always polite, even to people who are mean to him. Is that always the right thing to do? When might it be hard?"
"What was your favorite odd job Paddington tried? If you could do any job to earn money for a special gift, what would it be?"
"How did Phoenix Buchanan change by the end? Can people who do bad things become better?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic