This perception (which is, as so many pieces of entertainment from decades past can attest, is far from new) that films or tv shows aimed at children must be as loud, grating and hip as possible to attract their attention is a thoroughly insulting concept, especially in regards to children themselves. Yes, there are programs that fit such a bill that kids like but it’s not the only way to create pieces of pop culture that youngsters enjoy. The first Paddington movie, about a small bear from Peru who goes to London to live with a human family, from three years ago threw off the shackles of default family entertainment and embraced with, charm and an infectious sense of sweetness instead. The result was something shockingly enjoyable that succeeded as much as a comedy as it did as a family movie.

Paddington 2 is, amazingly, even better than it’s predecessor, which is especially shocking given how live-action family movie sequels tend to be, at best, merely reheated leftovers of their predecessors (even the overall diverting Muppets Most Wanted felt lacking in some key respects). Not here though, as Paddington 2 keeps the tone and spirit of its predecessor intact while embarking on a brand new plot that is able to keep the endearingly kindly nature of its lead character fully in place. Just how kindly is Paddington? He’s so kindly that the entire story of Paddington 2 is kicked into motion because he just wants to buy his Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton) a birthday present, which happens to be an antique pop-up book of London.

That book costs a lot of money so Paddington is looking to get a job and earn up enough money to buy it. Just when he’s oh so close to securing enough money for the book though, tragedy strikes as someone robs the book and Paddington is thought of as the culprit behind the thievery. His human family, the Browns, vow to find the real thief, who turns out to be eccentric actor Phoenix Buchanan (Hugh Grant) while Paddington serves out a prison sentence that leads him to strike up a partnership with the prison’s cook, Nuckles (Brendan Gleeson, and no, I didn’t misspell that name). What transpires is a bunch of jolly good fun that has Paddington sticking to his optimistic kind-hearted ideals in a world that’s frequently cold and cruel.

Thankfully, Paddington 2 doesn’t just carry over the cast and tone of its predecessor, it also continues the first movie’s subtext of having Paddington be a stand-in for the immigrant experience of assimilating to a new society. This subtext takes on more explicit terms in the form of Paddington’s neighbor Mr. Curry (Peter Cipaldi), whose highly untrustworthy of the bear to the point that he finds no surprise in him being accused of a crime like robbery and declares newspapers asserting Paddington’s innocence to be “propaganda”. It’s all kinds of awesome to see a family movie that could have just been shallow pop culture references instead devote screentime to fleshing out this particular theme that lends substance to the rollicking and joyous proceedings.

Writers Paul King and Simon Farnaby also make sure to have the script for Paddington 2 emphasize the importance of both kindness and unity without ever feeling preachy. These themes work so well in Paddington 2 because it’s so thoroughly sincere in it’s championing for people of all shapes and sizes to work together to help others. It’s also interesting how it manages to weave these ideas into the characters themselves, including in how one of Phoenix’s most notable traits is how he refuses to act with other actors, a refutation of that aforementioned word unity. Handling it’s primary themes in such an emotionally effective and sweet manner means Paddington 2 is a movie that wears it’s heart on its sleeve and also all over the rest of its clothes and it can’t help but be emotionally resonant as a result, especially in a heartfelt ending that’s as effective as onions in getting the waterworks going.

If you’re starting to get concerned Paddington 2 has traded out the clever gags of the first one for an overly contemplative storyline, fret not! The wit of its predecessor is fully intact here, with the writing of King and Farnaby offering up plenty of chances for a number of clever lines and a whole bunch of wonderful visual gags. Paul King’s assured direction is helpful in making so many of these jokes, especially the well-orchestrated visual gags, land but the wholly committed performances from the cast can’t be underestimated either. Sally Hawkins is tons of fun in portraying her characters yearning for adventure (her reaction to discover a potentially important attic is hysterical) and Hugh Bonneville plays off her well.

As our baddie, Hugh Grant is absolutely exceptional, giving his best performance in years as this heavily conceited actor who is a total riot to watch. The always reliable Brendan Gleeson is also doing super work as Nuckles and as for the voice actor behind Paddington himself, Ben Whishaw has just the right amount of youthful energy and heartfelt spirit in his vocal turn here to make him a perfect match for the character. Paddington 2 has an excellent cast at its disposal and that feels appropriate given the high-quality of writing and directing they’re working with. All of these elements combine into something I found to be as enjoyable to experience as a marmalade sandwich is for Paddington Brown. 2018 has only just begun yet Paddington 2 sets the bar high for all the comedies and family movies to come!