MIKE WARD’S SMALL SCREEN
On paper, this sounds like another adventure for Neeson’s ex-CIA man Bryan Mills. PADDINGTON 2 (PG) ALL he wants to do is buy his dear Aunt Lucy a nice birthday present. Namely, an enchanting pop-up book of London town.
But it’s a quest that’s set to land Britain’s best-loved Peruvian import in all kinds of trouble in this hilarious sequel, mostly thanks to the dastardly actions of Hugh Grant’s splendidly caddish Phoenix Buchanan.
Every ingredient that made the original Paddington film such a treat remain in place. As indeed does the top-notch cast (Brendan Gleeson also turns up, alongside reliable regulars such as Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Julie Walters and bear-voiced Ben Whishaw). A follow-up that maybe even outfunnies the first film? It’s a close call. THE FLORIDA PROJECT (15) LITTLE more than a stone’s throw from Walt Disney World we find a community that looks anything but magical: one where shabby former tourist motels are now home to Orlando’s dispossessed. In one, run by the good natured Bobby (Willem Dafoe), we find Halley (Bria Vinaite) and her six-year-old tearaway daughter Moonee (Brooklynn Kimberly Prince). In one summer, the mischievous Moonee and her friends are seen weaving an un-Disney-like magic of their own around this place, a reminder that joy can be found where we’re least expecting it. RICKY GERVAIS: HUMANITY
RICKY says this stand-up special has something for everyone – to take offence at, that is. “There’s 20 things I talk about,” he says. “and there’ll be 20 different groups that will pick up on their ‘thing’ in that 20.You’ve just got to keep fighting the good fight.” SNEAKY PETE: SEASON TWO (15) ON release from jail in season one, Marius (Giovanni Ribisi) stole cellmate Pete’s identity to save his own skin. Now thugs demand he find his estranged mum (she’s really Pete’s) after she ripped off their boss.