Paddington 2 (PG)

The first Paddington was such an unexpectedly brilliant delight that you could be forgiven for fearing the worst with this sequel.

But any worries are quickly dispelled in a fiercely fun follow-up that matches its predecessor.

The Ben Whishaw-voiced titular bear is one of the sweetest, endearing non-human leads ever committed to film.

A returning Sally Hawkins and Hugh Bonneville have a ball and Hugh Grant, replacing Nicole Kidman on villainous duties, delivers an over-thetop turn that rates as his best in years.

Clever visual gags abound and the physical comedy is worthy of comparison with trendsetters of both a vintage and modern persuasion.