New Paddington film charming but slow, critics say

The much-anticipated Paddington in Peru has received mixed reviews from critics following its release on November 8, with some praising its charm, while others feel it falls short of the high standards set by its predecessors. The third installment in the beloved live-action franchise sees the marmalade-loving bear travel to Peru to visit his Aunt Lucy, marking a new chapter in Paddington’s adventures.

Despite the film’s warm reception for its heartwarming qualities and familiar cast, many critics agree that it doesn’t quite capture the same magic as the earlier films. The film sees the return of much-loved actors such as Ben Whishaw (Paddington), Emily Mortimer, and Hugh Bonneville, along with new additions, including Hollywood stars Olivia Colman and Antonio Banderas.

Peter Bradshaw, writing for The Guardian, described the film as “just as jolly as the previous two films, but not really as funny.” He likened it to a “special episode of a TV sitcom that takes the cast to the Costa del Sol,” suggesting that while the film retains the series’ charm, it struggles to match the same level of wit and humor.

Leslie Felperin of The Hollywood Reporter noted that while Paddington in Peru was “serviceable enough given its limitations,” it lacked the “absurdist wit and decidedly dark edge” that made the first two films stand out. This sentiment was echoed by Nick Curtis in The Evening Standard, who gave the film a two-star review. Curtis felt the movie “misses the easy charm” of the earlier installments, as well as the “icy sliver of jeopardy” that helped make Paddington 2 so universally appealing. He also criticized the film’s pacing, describing it as “ponderous and slow.”

On a more positive note, The Telegraph’s Tim Robey gave the film a three-star rating, praising the addition of Colman and Banderas as new characters. Robey called them “assets” to the film, but noted that they didn’t quite match the memorable “scene-stealing” performance by Hugh Grant, who appeared in Paddington 2. Empire’s Nick de Semlyen also highlighted Colman’s performance, describing her as “perfect casting” as the sinister Reverend Mother, who runs a Home for Retired Bears. While Colman’s character was fun, de Semlyen noted that she was somewhat underused. Antonio Banderas, on the other hand, plays a boat captain with a hidden agenda, delivering a performance reminiscent of his earlier roles in classic British comedies.

Ben Whishaw, who has voiced Paddington in all three films, expressed pride in the franchise during a recent interview with BBC Radio 1. “I think they are beautiful films made with such care and love,” he said. “A good film is a good film and they are hard to make, so I feel very proud of them and very proud to be associated in this way with this character.” Whishaw’s sentiments reflect the affection shared by many fans of the series, who have embraced the bear from Darkest Peru as a beloved national treasure.

While the film maintains its heartwarming qualities, it faces challenges in terms of storytelling and cultural representation. Clarisse Loughrey of The Independent gave the film three stars, calling it “the worst in the franchise,” but praised the production design. The film’s setting in Peru allowed for visually striking locations, with every interior designed to look like an “untouched escape room with secrets hidden under every trinket.” However, Loughrey also pointed out that while the setting was meant to evoke the spirit of Peru, the movie “feels distinctly un-Peruvian,” with very few Peruvian characters and minimal representation of the country’s culture.

Leila Latif from Total Film gave the movie four stars, but shared similar concerns regarding the lack of Peruvian characters. She noted that while the film briefly alluded to the brutal history of Spanish colonization in a montage, the overall portrayal of Peru felt superficial. She remarked that there is more onscreen representation of people of color in London than in the South American setting of the film.

In addition to the film, the Paddington franchise continues to expand, with a new musical adaptation in development for the stage. McFly’s Tom Fletcher is set to write the music and lyrics for the production. On November 7, the cast of Paddington in Peru unveiled a special livery on a Great Western Railway (GWR) train, which will travel through Devon and Cornwall, further cementing Paddington’s place in British pop culture.

As the Paddington franchise continues to grow, Paddington in Peru may not have reached the same heights as its predecessors, but it still delivers the heart and warmth that fans have come to expect from the marmalade-loving bear. Despite its slow pacing and occasional lack of cultural depth, it remains an enjoyable experience for families and fans of the series.