Paddington in Peru delivers exactly what you want from a Paddington movie

As a seasoned gamer of movies, especially those with talking bears, I must say that Paddington in Peru was a cinematic adventure I’ve been eagerly anticipating since the credits rolled on its predecessor. With a new director at the helm and a few notable changes in the cast, my curiosity was piqued, to say the least.

In Peru, Paddington found himself facing a challenging assignment: surpassing the heartwarming success of the legendary film, “Paddington 2.

With some significant changes taking place – Dougal Wilson stepping in for Paul King as director, and Emily Mortimer replacing Sally Hawkins as Mrs Brown after the latter decided not to return – coupled with a seven-year gap since the last film, one might wonder if Paddington 3 could meet the high expectations set.

Although it might appear critical to draw a contrast between the latest film and its sequel, numerous viewers are bound to do so, and there’s no denying that it represents a decline in quality. However, a decrease in quality within such an exceptional series is still an excellent movie that fans of all ages can enjoy as much as they would a delightful marmalade sandwich, featuring everyone’s favorite bear, Paddington.

In Peru, Paddington eventually gets acclimated, providing the heartwarming experiences with Paddington’s charm that you were anticipating.

In the movie “Paddington in Peru,” one problem lies in its initial choice to revisit familiar themes. The story begins with an unexpected scene featuring baby Paddington, which serves as an extension of the opening from “Paddington 2.” This new scene includes another memorable quote from Aunt Lucy (played by Imelda Staunton), a line that turns out to be significant later in the film.

Later on, we find ourselves transported to Windsor Gardens, where Paddington (Ben Whishaw) continues to reside contentedly with the Brown family. He’s now preparing to receive his first passport, a step towards becoming an official British citizen – a theme this series has consistently addressed – and it arrives at a crucial moment.

As a devoted admirer, I’d rephrase it like this: I received a heartfelt letter from Sister Olivia, the kind-hearted caretaker of the Retired Bear Home in Peru. Aunt Lucy, our dear bear, has been yearning for Paddington’s companionship – a feeling shared by many. Moved by her plea, Sister Olivia urges Paddington to pay a visit and lift her spirits. With some hesitation, Mr. Brown consents, arranging a family excursion.

Upon their arrival, Aunt Lucy appears to have disappeared, signaling that Paddington’s journey has only just begun. Accompanied by the dashing and captivating riverboat captain Hunter Cabot (played by Antonio Banderas), Paddington and the Brown family venture into the Amazon rainforest in search of answers regarding Aunt Lucy’s whereabouts.

The opening scene of “Paddington in Peru” isn’t bad per se, but it doesn’t have the novelty that characterized the first two films. While the necessary components are present – such as an enchanting animated sequence – it seems somewhat uninspired due to its strong resemblance to a previous “Paddington” movie rather than a true sequel.

Starting with a strong foundation is wise after being away for so long, but it’s when the film establishes its own character that things significantly get better. Shifting the narrative almost entirely to Peru gives it an immediately distinctive feel, and a musical performance by the Reverend Mother serves as a clear turning point.

From here, Paddington in Peru manages to blend the familiar and the fresh. There’s a more fantastical element to the story, but still with scope for Paddington’s usual adorable pratfalls, inspirational Aunt Lucy sayings (“when skies are grey, hope is the only way”) and very silly visual gags.

Just like the last two films, this one offers something for everyone – kids and grown-ups alike. Young spectators might crave even more humor, but they’ll definitely chuckle at a scene where a character gets hit in slow motion, while adults will find resonance in the storylines about children growing up and moving away (emotionally and physically).

In the South American setting of “Paddington” (the movie), Antonio Banderas and Olivia Colman have proven to be secret assets, significantly enhancing the series. Although we won’t disclose who the antagonist might be in this installment, both actors delivered captivating performances tailored to their respective roles, keeping us guessing about the plot twists.

As a gamer, I found myself right at home with The Reverend Mother, a character who radiates positivity and carefreeness, despite her frequent use of the word “suspicious.” Just like Paddington Bear himself, Colman seemed to be an ideal fit for this world. However, her role might not appear as flashy or dramatic as her impressive musical number would lead one to believe.

In this production, Antonio Banderas takes on a more substantial part, and once again, he delivers an immediately lovable performance reminiscent of his work in Puss in Boots. Similarly to Hugh Grant, Banderas fully embraces the character of Hunter Cabot, where his alluring persona conceals haunting memories from his past. It’s evident that Banderas enjoyed playing this role, and that joy is palpable, enhancing the overall quality of the film.

Certainly, it could be argued that neither of them made the most striking debut in this production. Much like the film itself, Emily Mortimer found herself facing a challenging task, attempting to match the enchantment that Sally Hawkins infused into Mrs. Brown. However, her efforts didn’t quite capture the same magic.

As Mortimer takes ownership of the role and makes it uniquely hers instead of simply repeating what was done before, she truly shines. Her powerful portrayal ensures that the emotional climax resonates deeply, prompting the tears that are characteristic of a Paddington movie.

Her performance mirrors the essence of “Paddington in Peru”. Initially, it seems a bit messy, but as it progresses, it gets its bearings and offers an array of creative, humorous scenes, clever visuals, amusing jokes, and ultimately, a touching emotional message.

Absolutely, the movie “Paddington in Peru” may not be quite as great as “Paddington 2,” but if you pass on it based solely on that comparison, you might find yourself staring back at us rather sternly.

Paddington in Peru is released in UK cinemas on November 8 and in US cinemas on January 17, 2025.

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2024-11-04 13:19