Paddington 2015

As Paddington (Ben Whishaw) has settled into his new life with the Brown family - Henry Brown (Hugh Bonneville), Mary Brown (Sally Hawkins), Judy Brown (Madeleine Harris), and Jonathan Brown (Samuel Joslin) - in Windsor Gardens, he’s become a beloved fixture in the community. The Browns have grown accustomed to Paddington’s unique brand of emotional support, which he offers with his signature blend of kindness and humor. In a bid to acquire a one-of-a-kind pop-up book of London from Samuel Gruber’s (Jim Broadbent) esteemed antique shop for Aunt Lucy’s (Imelda Staunton) milestone 100th birthday, Paddington takes on various odd jobs and carefully saves his earnings. However, just as he’s about to complete his goal, the precious book is pilfered from the shop.

Determined to get to the bottom of the theft, Paddington gives chase to the burglar, only to be framed and arrested for the crime. Despite the Browns’ vociferous protests of Paddington’s innocence, the authorities are stumped by a lack of evidence implicating any other suspect. Meanwhile, the real thief - the egotistical actor Phoenix Buchanan (Hugh Grant) - returns home, his interest in the book driven by its connection to a treasure hidden within London’s iconic landmarks.

As Paddington languishes in prison, he forms an unlikely bond with Nuckles (Brendan Gleeson), a short-tempered chef who’s impressed by Paddington’s marmalade sandwich recipe. The Browns, meanwhile, are determined to clear their beloved adoptive son’s name and set out to identify the true thief. Their efforts culminate in a series of encounters with a mysterious fortune teller, who reveals that the stolen book holds the key to uncovering the hidden treasure of its original author - a famous circus artist showered with precious baubles everywhere she went.

According to legend, this treasure was coveted by the artist’s magician husband, who murdered her in his pursuit. But when he opened her trunk, only the pop-up book remained, and all that was left of the treasure was a trail of tantalizing clues leading to its location. As the Browns dig deeper into the mystery, they begin to unravel the complex web of connections between the stolen book, the treasure, and the enigmatic Phoenix Buchanan - who just happens to be the grandson of the magician responsible for the artist’s demise.

As Paddington’s presence brings a spark of vitality to the drab prison walls, his spirits begin to sag when the Browns’ efforts to clear his name fall short. Convinced that cunning Buchanan is behind the theft, they set out to uncover evidence in his home, stumbling upon a hidden attic where his eclectic array of costumes and the pilfered book lie in wait. Their investigation is cut short by Buchanan’s untimely return, prompting them to re-examine their leads.

Meanwhile, Paddington’s frustration grows as the Browns fail to appear for their scheduled visit, leading him to believe they’ve forgotten about him altogether. Feeling abandoned, he joins a group of fellow inmates in a daring prison break, with Nuckles promising to help prove his innocence - only to abandon that notion and instead opt for a life of freedom abroad, inviting Paddington to join him on the lam. Refusing to be swayed, Paddington uses a public phone to reconnect with the Browns, who remain convinced of Buchanan’s guilt.

Determined to catch their nemesis in the act, they agree to meet at Paddington Station, where a goods train carrying the circus’s prized organ is about to depart - and, according to clues hidden within a pop-up book, contains a treasure trove of secrets waiting to be unearthed. With the Browns hot on his heels, Paddington manages to board the train just as it pulls out of the station, while they give chase in another steam engine at the opposite platform.

As the two trains converge, Henry Brown and Mrs. Bird (Julie Walters) board the pursuing locomotive and confront Buchanan, who uses his cunning to evade capture once more. Paddington, meanwhile, finds himself stranded on the rear carriage of the goods train, which Buchanan deliberately disconnects from the rest of the train, sending it careening into a nearby river. Mary Brown attempts to rescue Paddington but is stymied by the locked carriage door - until Nuckles and his former prison companions come to their senses and decide to make good on their earlier promise to help Paddington.

In a thrilling climax, Henry Brown manages to subdue Buchanan just as he’s about to claim the treasure, and the would-be thief is finally taken into custody. With justice served, Paddington can finally begin to rebuild his life - and the Browns can rest easy knowing that their beloved friend has been exonerated at last.

As the fog of suspicion lifts from his shoulders, Paddington’s world is turned upside down when he falls gravely ill, succumbing to a brief three-day coma. But, much like the optimistic outlook that defines him, Paddington makes a remarkable recovery on Aunt Lucy’s birthday, a day marked by joy and celebration rather than sorrow.

The book, now a crucial piece of evidence in the case against Buchanan, is taken into police custody, leaving Paddington feeling bereft and regretful about his failure to keep his promise to Lucy. However, the Browns and their community rally around him, working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that Aunt Lucy can travel to London and behold the book for herself. As she arrives at the doorstep, Paddington’s eyes light up with excitement as he rushes to greet her, showering her with hugs and birthday wishes.

Meanwhile, Buchanan is meted out a stern punishment, sentenced to ten years in prison for his transgressions. Yet, even in the depths of confinement, the former performer finds a way to channel his talents, hosting lively shows for his fellow inmates and bringing much-needed entertainment to the bleak corridors of the prison. Six months later, Buchanan’s irrepressible spirit continues to shine through, a testament to the indomitable human spirit.