The highly anticipated Paddington in Peru, the third film in the beloved Paddington series, delivers a colorful and wholesome adventure, though it can’t quite recapture the “blissful magic” that made Paddington 2 an unexpected classic.
Following the critical success of the 2017 film—hailed by some as even more positively reviewed than Citizen Kane—the third installment faced the challenge of living up to towering expectations.
Paddington in Peru sees a new creative team at the helm.
Dougal Wilson replaces Paul King as director, and Emily Mortimer steps into the role of Mrs. Brown, taking over from Sally Hawkins.
Though both new additions perform admirably, it’s evident they were chosen to maintain continuity rather than inject distinct originality.
The film as a whole feels like a faithful but cautious successor, striving hard to echo the charm of its predecessor.
One of the most notable changes is in location: the title signals that Paddington (voiced by Ben Whishaw) and the Brown family leave London behind, swapping the familiar streets of Windsor Gardens for the vibrant jungles of Peru, the bear’s birthplace.
This shift in scenery is a clever way of honoring Paddington’s origins while giving the story fresh energy.
The plot kicks off when Paddington receives a letter from the Reverend Mother, a lively, guitar-playing nun played by Olivia Colman, who runs a retirement home for bears where Paddington’s Aunt Lucy now resides.
However, the news is unsettling: Aunt Lucy has been acting strangely, missing Paddington terribly.
The Browns see this as an ideal opportunity to bond as a family before daughter Judy heads to university, and they set off on a journey to South America.
Upon arrival, they discover Aunt Lucy has vanished.
The adventure that ensues sees them journey down the Amazon, led by a mysterious explorer (Antonio Banderas) and his daughter (Carla Tous), on a quest filled with clues, unexpected dangers, and suspicious motives.
The explorers’ intentions and the Reverend Mother’s exaggerated assurances are humorously transparent, giving the audience a lighthearted sense of intrigue that adds to the film’s appeal.
True to the franchise, Paddington in Peru is visually delightful, with richly colored scenes that transport viewers through lush landscapes and quaint jungle villages.
Banderas shines as the conflicted antagonist, and the film’s conclusion brings satisfying twists and resolutions.
As a family adventure, the film succeeds—its vibrant visuals, playful interludes, and musical numbers provide enough heart and charm to keep young audiences and long-time fans entertained.
However, when stacked against Paddington 2, this sequel falls short.
The mystery is more convoluted, packed with layered backstories that detract from the story’s simplicity.
The humor is charming but gentler, with fewer laugh-out-loud moments, while the sense of danger feels more cartoonish and less genuine.
Themes of family and identity are present but lack the emotional depth that made Paddington 2 resonate with audiences of all ages.
Aunt Lucy’s new motto, “When skies are grey, hope is the way,” lacks the staying power of her timeless “When we’re kind and polite, the world will be right.”
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