Everyone's favorite marmalade loving bear is back in Paddington in Peru and this adventure is just as sweet as you’d expect. Once again he is getting into some jams but with the right attitude and the Browns by his side he can conquer anything.
Paddington in Peru Review
When you think about perfect movies, or at the very least recent ones that defied the odds to become something truly memorable, Paddington 2 is 100% on both of those lists. It is one of the most charming, lovable films out there and not just in the family market. Everything about it was 10/10 from the story to Hugh Grant‘s iconic role of Phoenix Buchanan. I know you're picturing his dance right now. With the marmalade bar set that high, it would be impossible to top it. But that's okay, because the new Paddington threequel carves its own path, putting Paddington in his element while taking the Browns out of theirs. The result is something that still delivers the harmless fun, heartwarming moments, and of course a healthy dose of slapstick humor these films are known for.
Paddington in Peru is just as sweet of an adventure as we have come to expect with this plucky little bear. The antics are taken to new heights (figuratively and literally) as Paddington must face new villains on his mission to find Aunt Lucy in “deepest, darkest Peru.” It reminds me of TV shows where they take everyone out of their normal location for a grand holiday in some far off place. So, essentially this is the franchise's special episode. Naturally, he gets into a bind here and there but as long as he has his family and a handy quote from his Aunt ready, Paddington can conquer anything. That big location shift also calls for not one but two foes. Although they don't quite live up to Grant's shenanigans, Olivia Colman and Antonio Banderas offer up their own over-the-top caricatures to be cemented within the Paddington universe.
Paddington (Ben Whishaw) receives a letter from the nun who runs the Home for Retired Bears where his Aunt Lucy is currently living. The Reverend Mother (Colman), urges Paddington to visit saying that something is wrong with his Aunt. Mr. and Mrs. Brown (Hugh Bonneville and Emily Mortimer) along with Jonathan (Samuel Joslin), Judy (Madeline Harris), and Mrs. Bird (Julie Walters) agree to travel with Paddington to Peru. When they arrive they learn that Aunt Lucy is missing. Enlisting the help of river boat captain Hunter Cabot (Banderas), the Browns head into the jungle to search for the missing bear. But it's not just the piranhas and the spiky red ones (plants) to watch out for, some friends turn out to be foes.
This time around, the story is more complex and not only because there are two villains to keep track of. The plot centers on “what happens next” as families grow and time goes on. Everyone from the Browns to the bears are adjusting to their lives looking different than they have before. Like The Wild Robot, Paddington in Peru also gently looks at what it feels like as a parent when your children are ready to leave the nest. The film also touches on, as Mr. Gruber (Jim Broadbent) calls them, “mixed feelings” about being an immigrant and what that means for your identity. Neither goes to the depths of Paddington 2's heartfelt championing of inclusivity and respect but the heartwarming notes still hit in just the right moments. As for the more elaborate storylines involving the Reverend Mother and Hunter Cabot, it takes awhile for everything to come together but the twists are worth the wait.
Whishaw is once again amazing with his quizzical, sincere, and soft delivery as Paddington. The script doesn't give Whishaw anything new to bring to the character and that's okay. Our steadfast, sweet Paddington is what we need at this moment. Listening to him encourage those around him and push on with his unwavering faith, well it feels like when you get a big hug from an old friend. Bonneville's Mr. Brown gets to have his own big moments, one even crazier than the splits, in an effort to “take more risks.” Mortimer, stepping in for Sally Hawkins, makes for a suitable Mrs. Brown replacement. Walter's Mrs. Bird is just as sharp as ever, while the Browns' children are given their own moments to shine by the end.
However, just like with Paddington 2, the scene stealing truly belongs to the villains. Colman and Banderas both are clearly enjoying chewing scenery and going all in. Colman's iconic knack for insane line delivery accompanied by her big grin seems even more perfectly outlandish considering she is dressed in a Catholic habit. You never quite know what she is thinking or what she is up to, which makes her moments all the more fun. Not only that but she gets her own Sound of Music number that would make Julie Andrews proud. Banderas meanwhile hams it up for the camera, playing multiple characters but not in the same way Buchanan did before him. (Marketing has spoiled this but I won't go into too many details here in case you're avoiding trailers.) He can be suave or he can be a mustache twirling villain, either way Banderas is clearly enjoying the bit.
Verdict
Paddington in Peru is just as sweet as you’d expect, full of humor, heart, and harmless fun. Beyond the discussions about families changing and being an immigrant, the film also takes the opportunity to explore Paddington's past, including a bear-y adorable explanation for his love of marmalade. Whishaw, Colman, and Banderas all give incredible performances, befitting the universe Paul King and Simon Farnaby brought to the screen in 2015. It's not Paddington 2 but it doesn't need to be. Because what it is, is a delightful watch and that is just what the world needs right now.
Paddington in Peru opens in US theaters February 14, 2024. It is rated PG for action, mild rude humor and some thematic elements with a runtime of 1 hour 46 minutes.
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