Fans of the Paddington franchise may experience a bittersweet sensation as the beloved bear with a penchant for marmalade returns to the big screen. While “Paddington in Peru” delivers the same whimsical charm and family-friendly adventure audiences have come to expect, it struggles to recapture the blissful magic of its predecessors.
Directed by Dougal Wilson, this third installment in the series sends Paddington (once again voiced by the peerless Ben Whishaw) back to his South American homeland after receiving a worrying letter about his Aunt Lucy’s wellbeing. Joined by the endearing Brown family, Paddington sets out on a journey through the Amazon, hiring a riverboat under the captainship of the roguish and gold-hungry Hunter Cabot (Antonio Banderas).
The film’s setting shift from the cozy streets of London to the sun-dappled jungles of Peru provides a refreshing change of pace. The lush, visually stunning backdrops offer a cinematic upgrade, with the animation team seamlessly blending Paddington’s CGI form with the live-action surroundings. However, this geographical relocation also results in the beloved supporting cast from the previous films, including Mr. Curry and Mr. Gruber, taking a secondary role.
Olivia Colman plays the guitar-strumming Reverend Mother with delightful zeal. Banderas, too, brings his charismatic flair to the role of the conflicted antagonist, Hunter Cabot. But despite these capable performances, the film’s villains and their motivations seem a tad more conventional compared to the delightfully eccentric antagonists of the past.
Where “Paddington in Peru” truly shines is in its adherence to the series’ core values of kindness, inclusivity, and the importance of family. The Browns’ attempt to reconnect and prevent their household from drifting apart provides a heartwarming emotional throughline, and Paddington’s unwavering loyalty to his Aunt Lucy is a touching testament to the bear’s enduring virtue.
The film’s physical comedy and visual gags are as inventive as ever, with Paddington’s mishaps and misadventures delivering plenty of laughs. However, the gag density and sheer comedic brilliance of “Paddington 2″—a film that many hailed as the best-reviewed movie of all time—remain elusive. It appears that the filmmakers have taken a more conservative approach this time, aiming to create a solid and enjoyable sequel without necessarily pushing the limits of the franchise.
Ultimately, “Paddington in Peru” is a thoroughly charming and wholesome family adventure that will delight younger audiences and longtime fans alike. However, for those who have experienced the blissful magic of the previous two films, this latest chapter may leave them yearning for the series’ former heights. As the announcement of further Paddington sequels and a TV series looms, one can’t help but wonder if the bear’s cinematic adventures may start to feel a bit more routine rather than exceptional.
Still, Paddington’s enduring spirit of kindness and resilience shines through, and there’s no denying the sheer joy of watching this beloved character embark on new adventures, even if they don’t quite reach the lofty standards set by his past exploits. For now, “Paddington in Peru” stands as a worthy addition to the franchise, a delightful family-friendly romp that will leave audiences hungry for more of the bear’s heartwarming antics.