The Curious Case of Paddington 2's Rotten Tomatoes Score

The Heartwarming Adventures of Paddington 2

Paddington 2, the sequel to the 2014 film, continued the heartwarming adventures of the marmalade-loving bear, voiced by Ben Whishaw. The film featured an all-star British cast, including Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Brendan Gleeson, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Peter Capaldi, and Hugh Grant in live-action roles. Released in 2017, the sequel garnered massive critical acclaim and achieved a rare 100% Rotten Tomatoes score, joining the ranks of Orson Welles' Citizen Kane. However, the perfect score did not last long, as a single negative review caused Paddington 2 to lose its pristine rating.

Citizen Kane and Paddington 2

Paul King, the director of Paddington 2 and the upcoming Wonka, recently addressed the film's loss of its 100% Rotten Tomatoes score in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. The cast of Wonka, including Timothée Chalamet and Hugh Grant, playfully discussed the impact of the negative review, joking about the near-perfection of the beloved film. King's reaction to the loss of the perfect score sparked a lively debate about the nature of movie ratings and the influence of detractors.

In a humorous exchange with the cast of Wonka, King reflected on the absurdity of the situation, highlighting the human impulse to criticize and the peculiar metrics of Rotten Tomatoes. The discussion not only shed light on the unique position of Paddington 2 in film history but also raised questions about the significance of movie ratings in the age of online reviews and social media.

The Saga of Perfect Scores and Negative Reviews

The saga of perfect scores and negative reviews is not limited to Paddington 2. Citizen Kane, often hailed as the greatest film ever made, maintained a flawless 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes for many years. However, in 2021, an 80-year-old negative review from the Chicago Tribune surfaced, causing the film's rating to drop to 99%. This unexpected turn of events allowed Paddington 2 to surpass Citizen Kane, albeit briefly, as one of the rare films with a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score.

The connection between Paddington 2 and Citizen Kane deepened when a negative review of the former emerged in 2021, knocking its score down to 99%. The scathing critique labeled the sequel as contrived and ridiculous, and portrayed the beloved bear as over-confident, snide, and sullen. The outrageous nature of the review sparked controversy and led to further discussions about the impact of negative reviews on a film's reputation.

Despite the negative review and subsequent criticisms, Paddington 2 maintains a 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, highlighting the enduring charm and appeal of the lovable bear's escapades. The film's journey from a perfect score to a near-perfect rating underscores the reality that detractors will always exist, regardless of a movie's quality and universal acclaim.

The Enduring Legacy of Paddington 2

The enduring legacy of Paddington 2 extends beyond its Rotten Tomatoes score. The film's ability to resonate with audiences and critics alike speaks to its timeless charm and universal themes. Despite the loss of its perfect score, Paddington 2 continues to enchant viewers with its heartwarming narrative, delightful characters, and poignant messages about kindness and acceptance.

As the lovable bear's adventures continue to captivate audiences, the debate surrounding its Rotten Tomatoes score serves as a reminder of the subjective nature of film criticism and the enduring impact of beloved characters. Whether streaming on Hulu or Max, Paddington 2 remains a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring legacy of a bear who has captured the hearts of audiences around the world.