Vithanage Erandi Kawshalya Madhushani, Jade Times Staff
V.E.K. Madhushani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Culture.
Paddington Goes Back to His Roots in Peru – But Can It Live Up to Paddington 2?
Paddington in Peru Review: A Colorful Adventure, but Lacks the Magic of Paddington 2
The third installment in the Paddington franchise, Paddington in Peru, brings back the beloved bear in a colorful adventure filled with the warmth and whimsy fans expect. However, while the film offers plenty of charm, it doesn’t quite reach the iconic status of its acclaimed predecessor, Paddington 2.
Following the high bar set by Paddington 2, which even garnered comparisons to Citizen Kane for its positive reception, this third movie faces steep expectations. With a new director, Dougal Wilson, replacing Paul King, and Emily Mortimer stepping in for Sally Hawkins as Mrs. Brown, Paddington in Peru faces the challenge of maintaining the series’ magic with a fresh team. Both Wilson and Mortimer deliver competent performances, but it’s clear they’ve been asked to replicate, rather than reinvent, the series' signature charm.
New Setting, Familiar Themes
As the title suggests, this time Paddington trades London’s rain soaked streets for the vibrant jungles of Peru, his country of birth. After receiving a heartfelt letter from the Reverend Mother, a spirited nun (played with infectious energy by Olivia Colman) at the Home for Retired Bears, Paddington decides to embark on a journey with the Brown family to visit his Aunt Lucy. This new setting not only brings visual novelty but serves as a nod to Paddington’s origins, introducing lush Amazonian landscapes as the family sets off on a quest to find Aunt Lucy, who has mysteriously gone missing.
This change of scenery allows Paddington in Peru to explore fresh territory while preserving the series’ established lore. The Brown family Mrs. Brown (Mortimer), Mr. Brown (Hugh Bonneville), and their children, Judy (Madeleine Harris) and Jonathan (Samuel Joslin) are looking for a bonding experience before Judy leaves for university. Joining them is the ever-faithful Mrs. Bird (Julie Walters), whose wit and resourcefulness shine as the family navigates piranha-filled rivers and towering waterfalls.
Villains and Visuals That Stand Out
Antonio Banderas, as a dashing yet dubious riverboat captain, and Colman as the Reverend Mother add depth to the roster of villains. The plot doesn’t try to hide the intentions of its antagonists, playing instead on the humor of the Browns’ obliviousness. Banderas is terrific as a conflicted rogue, and the playful tension between his character and the family adds an entertaining layer to the film.
Visually, Paddington in Peru is stunning, with richly colored jungle scenes and inventive animated sequences. The film’s palette and set design do an excellent job of bringing the Amazon to life, capturing its beauty and danger while maintaining a tone suitable for younger audiences.
Falling Short of Paddington 2’s Magic
Despite its strengths, Paddington in Peru can’t quite capture the “blissful magic” of Paddington 2. The story feels more contrived, relying on a series of complex backstories and outlandish situations that occasionally cross into cartoonish territory, losing some of the previous films' emotional weight. The humor, while amusing, doesn’t reach the laugh out loud heights that made the second film so beloved. This installment’s moral themes of family, connection, and heritage also feel somewhat underdeveloped, touching on issues like immigration and familial ties without the depth and warmth Paddington 2 offered.
Notably, Aunt Lucy’s new motto, “When skies are grey, hope is the way,” lacks the universal resonance of her previous advice, “When we’re kind and polite, the world will be right.” These small differences reflect the film’s shift in tone; it’s sweet and sincere, but it falls short of the uplifting impact of Paddington 2’s earnest celebration of kindness and community.
A Charming Yet Modest Entry in the Franchise
Paddington in Peru succeeds as a lively and enjoyable family film. It offers an hour and three quarters of entertainment with beautiful visuals, heartfelt performances, and a dash of suspense. However, it doesn’t quite match the lasting impression of its predecessor. Rather than feeling like a groundbreaking cinematic event, Paddington in Peru comes across as a solid third entry in the series a pleasant adventure for fans but without the spark that made Paddington 2 a cultural phenomenon.
With sequels and a television series on the horizon, the future of the Paddington franchise looks bright, but one hopes it won’t rely too heavily on familiar formulas. Some stories, like marmalade sandwiches, are best when they’re fresh and original.
