Paddington in Peru review: ‘Everything you want is there but it doesn’t reach the lofty standards of Paddington 2’

The latest installment in the Paddington franchise, Paddington in Peru, offers a vibrant and wholesome adventure, but it struggles to capture the enchanting essence of its beloved predecessor, Paddington 2. While the new film has its charms, it can’t quite reach the heights that have made the earlier movie a modern classic.

Following the phenomenal success of Paddington 2, which received acclaim even surpassing that of cinematic masterpieces like Citizen Kane, expectations for the third film were incredibly high. Directed by Dougal Wilson and featuring a screenplay that differs from the original creators, the challenge was significant. Paul King, the director of the first two films, did not return, and Sally Hawkins has been replaced by Emily Mortimer as Mrs. Brown. Despite these changes, Mortimer and Wilson deliver commendable performances, albeit without the distinct flair that characterized earlier entries.

The storyline takes Paddington, voiced with warmth by Ben Whishaw, from the familiar streets of London to the vibrant landscapes of Peru, where his Aunt Lucy resides in a bear retirement home. The film opens with Paddington receiving a heartfelt letter from the Reverend Mother, played by the delightful Olivia Colman, who informs him that Aunt Lucy has been feeling lonely. This news prompts the Brown family—Mr. Brown (Hugh Bonneville), Mrs. Brown, and their children, Judy (Madeleine Harris) and Jonathan (Samuel Joslin)—to embark on a family trip to South America. Their journey offers an opportunity for bonding before Judy leaves for university.

As they navigate the lush Amazon, the Browns discover that Aunt Lucy has gone missing from the retirement home. Their quest to find her leads them to a charming riverboat captain (Antonio Banderas) and his daughter (Carla Tous), who assist in their search. The film introduces a variety of colorful characters and humorous scenarios, though the overarching plot sometimes feels contrived, with too many backstories that distract rather than enhance the narrative.

One notable strength of Paddington in Peru is its embrace of adventure and humor. The film features whimsical sequences, animated interludes, and catchy musical numbers that remain true to the spirit of the Paddington series. Banderas shines as a conflicted antagonist, providing depth to the villainous role while ensuring the story retains a lighthearted tone. The resolution to the plot is clever and satisfying, but the film doesn’t quite achieve the emotional resonance that marked Paddington 2.

Comparisons to the earlier film are unavoidable. While Paddington in Peru is enjoyable and ranks above many children’s films, it lacks the emotional weight and unyielding celebration of kindness that made its predecessor so impactful. Themes such as the immigrant experience and the significance of family time are touched upon but not explored with the same depth or sincerity. Aunt Lucy’s new motto, “When skies are grey / hope is the way,” falls short of the memorable wisdom conveyed in Paddington 2, which resonated more profoundly with audiences.

Despite its shortcomings, Paddington in Peru still offers a fun and lively cinematic experience. Clocking in at just over an hour and a half, it serves as an entertaining addition to the Paddington saga rather than a groundbreaking cultural phenomenon. The movie features all the elements fans expect—heartwarming moments, humor, and adventure—yet it doesn’t quite capture the unique charm that made the previous films standout successes.

Looking ahead, news of a sequel and a television series may excite some fans, but there’s a growing sentiment that some beloved franchises should conclude while they’re still fresh and delightful. Like a well-loved marmalade sandwich, perhaps it’s best to savor the Paddington films and allow the series to end on a high note before it risks becoming stale.

In summary, while Paddington in Peru is a delightful watch with plenty of colorful escapades and heartwarming themes, it ultimately falls short of the lofty standards set by Paddington 2. Fans of the franchise will likely enjoy the adventure, but it’s clear that the magical spark of the earlier films is hard to replicate.