Paddington in Peru: A Charming, Yet Imperfect Return
Genre: Family, Adventure, Comedy
Directed by: Dougal Wilson
Starring: Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer, Antonio Banders, Olivia Colman
Release Date: February 14, 2025
Platform: Theater
Rating: 4/5
By Crystal Justine
“The moments of humor, love, and family are what make these films so endearing.”
PADDINGTON IN PERU is the third installment of the beloved live-action Paddington franchise, bringing our favorite marmalade-loving bear on another wild yet heartwarming adventure. This time, Paddington and the Brown family journey to Peru to help find Paddington’s missing Aunt Lucy. As they venture through the vast Amazon rainforest and the towering mountains of Peru, they encounter many interesting (and at times suspicious) characters, making for an exciting ride amongst beautiful scenery. With such high expectations set by its predecessors, does PADDINGTON IN PERU live up to the incredible legacy of Paddington (2014) and Paddington 2 (2017)?
While PADDINGTON IN PERU is still a delightful family film, it doesn’t quite reach the same emotional heights or perfect charm that made the first two films so special. Paddington himself is as lovable and delightful as ever with his impeccable manners and innocent curiosity continuing to shine through. However, there are a few bumps along the way that prevent this third release from achieving the same perfection.
The film introduces two notable new characters played by Antonio Banderas and Olivia Colman. Banderas brings his signature charm and humor, portraying a variety of roles throughout. While his performance is undeniably engaging, the character’s script feels a little overdone at times, leading to moments that frustrate rather than amuse. Academy Award-nominated actress, Olivia Colman, typically delivers exceptional performances, but her character is so outlandish and over-exaggerated that it becomes annoying very quickly. Additionally, a lengthy, overly theatrical musical number featuring Colman stands out as one of the film’s awkward moments with a song that will get stuck in your head that you ultimately want out.
The pacing of PADDINGTON IN PERU is mostly steady, though there are a few moments that drag on a bit too long, particularly during certain character arcs that could have been trimmed for a more seamless experience. However, what remains undeniable is the gorgeous setting of Peru, which is brought to life with good cinematography. The rich landscapes provide a stunning backdrop for Paddington’s adventures, adding an extra layer of wonder to the film.
At its core, PADDINGTON IN PERU succeeds because of the heartwarming relationship between Paddington and the Brown family. Their bond continues to grow, and it’s a joy to watch them navigate their way through the trials and tribulations of their journey together. The moments of humor, love, and family are what make these films so endearing. Paddington’s interactions with the Browns remain as tender as ever, especially as they reflect on how far they’ve come as a family.
One of the hallmarks of the Paddington franchise is its ability to deliver a satisfying and meaningful ending, and PADDINGTON IN PERU is no exception. Despite the bumps in the road, the film offers a beautiful, uplifting resolution that will leave tears trailing and a smile on your face. The lessons learned about family, kindness, and perseverance are as poignant as ever, making the film a perfect ending to Paddington’s journey.
While PADDINGTON IN PERU may not surpass the near-perfect quality of the previous two films, it is still a wonderful addition to the franchise. It is a delightful watch for fans of the series, offering a perfect blend of adventure, humor, and heart. Paddington may have lost a little bit of his magical touch this time around, but his charm and loveable nature still make this film a joy to watch for audiences of all ages.
