Movies

Review: ‘Paddington in Peru’ isn’t hard to bear, but it shows the franchise coasting

BBG News

Just as a marmalade sandwich may seem delightful, consuming too many can become excessive, especially when the jam isn’t spread evenly. In terms of marmalade sandwiches, or “Paddington” movies for that matter, my grandfather’s wisdom about martinis applies: One is not enough, but three is certainly too many.

Two movies from the trilogy based on Michael Bond’s cherished books about a Peruvian British bear in a blue coat and red hat reach an optimal balance. “Paddington 2” (released in 2017) was praised by many as a peak achievement, while the third installment, titled “Paddington in Peru,” was expected to be somewhat less impressive due to changes in the crew. Director Paul King, who had previously worked on the series, has been replaced by Dougal Wilson for his first feature film, though King still contributes to the screen story. Additionally, Sally Hawkins, a former cast member, has been replaced by Emily Mortimer as Mary, the head of Paddington’s English family, the Browns.

The movie “Paddington in Peru” continues to enchant audiences with its emotional depth and stunning visual design, setting a high bar for children’s entertainment by emphasizing themes of family and amusement. In this installment, Paddington Bear embarks on an adventure in the Amazon that could be named “Paddington: The Wrath of God” or “The Raiders of the Lost Marmalade Jar,” drawing inspiration from iconic films like those featuring Indiana Jones and river journeys led by Werner Herzog.

A notable characteristic of this trilogy is featuring a highly recognized actor as the antagonist (Nicole Kidman in “Paddington,” Hugh Grant in “Paddington 2”), and in “Peru,” Antonio Banderas steps into that role, with Olivia Colman lending a hand. Paddington, as always voiced by Ben Whishaw, receives an urgent letter from the Reverend Mother (Colman) at the Retired Bear Home where his Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton) lives, prompting concern for her welfare. Eager to ensure Aunt Lucy’s safety, Paddington hastens to Peru accompanied by the Brown family, who view this trip as a chance for some quality family time.

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As Aunt Lucy vanishes from her home, I, along with the Brown family, enlist the help of riverboat captain Hunter Cabot (Banderas) and his daughter, Gina (Carla Tous), to navigate the heart of the Amazon in our quest to find her. Little do we know about Hunter’s hidden intentions – he’s obsessed with finding gold as a family tradition. Ignorant of this secret agenda, we embark on our journey downriver and quickly find ourselves in quite a perilous situation.

In “Paddington in Peru,” the storyline adheres perfectly to its intended structure. The creative art direction by Andy Kelly gives it a nostalgic feel, while Whishaw maintains Paddington’s endearing demeanor flawlessly. A multitude of British actors complete the ensemble cast. Salma Hayek-Banderas brings humor by portraying not only her character but also all of Cabot’s ancestors who haunt her subconscious, including a priest, an aviator, a prospector, and a conquistador. There’s even a catchy musical sequence featuring nuns.

However, “Paddington in Peru” seems to lack a specific charm; it’s deficient in the playful spirit, the witty sparkle that Simon Farnaby as Phoenix Buchanan embodied in the second movie. Although Sally Hawkins captures that tone, she appears insufficiently in the film.

The emotional tale of “Paddington in Peru” continues to tug at heartstrings, showcasing acceptance from both adopted and biological families. It remains playful and entertaining, maintaining an innocent charm that captivates children and adults alike. A nod to film history is still present, making it a delight for cinephiles. However, after reaching the peak of “Paddington 2,” this third edition experiences a slight decline.

Katie Walsh is a Tribune News Service film critic.

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2025-02-14 02:31

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