Cast: Ben Whishaw, Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer, Antonio Banderas, Olivia Colman, Julie Walters, Madeleine Harris, Samuel Joslin, Jim Broadbent, Imelda Staunton, Carla Tous
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Family, Mystery
Director: Dougal Wilson
In Irish Cinemas: 8th November 2024
Paddington in Peru faced the daunting, almost impossible, challenge of living up to Paddington 2, one of the most cherished family films in recent memory. This challenge was only heightened by some significant changes behind the scenes: Dougal Wilson took over the directorial reins from Paul King, while Emily Mortimer stepped into the role of Mrs Brown, replacing Sally Hawkins, who chose not to return. Adding to these shifts was the lengthy seven-year gap since the last film, leaving fans wondering if Paddington 3 could meet their high expectations.
Though it might seem unfair to hold the new film up against its beloved predecessor, the comparison is inevitable. While Paddington in Peru doesn’t quite reach the rarefied heights of Paddington 2, it’s still a charming and well-crafted movie that more than holds its own. Even a slight dip in quality within this franchise still results in a delightful film that viewers of all ages can enjoy with the same warmth as Paddington’s beloved marmalade sandwiches.
Initially, Paddington in Peru takes a little time to find its rhythm, adjusting to the shifts in tone and style brought by the new creative team. But once it does, the movie delivers the heartwarming moments and gentle humour that fans expect. It’s a film filled with the endearing optimism and kindness that have become Paddington’s signature, and it ultimately captures the beloved bear’s spirit in a way that will satisfy audiences seeking that nostalgic, feel-good magic.
The main challenge in Paddington in Peru is its initial approach, which revisits some familiar territory rather than breaking new ground. The film opens with a flashback to baby Paddington, revisiting and expanding on the opening scenes from Paddington 2. This sequence doesn’t add much beyond another heartfelt piece of wisdom from Aunt Lucy (voiced by Imelda Staunton)—a line that, as expected, will carry meaning later in the story.
We are then brought to the present-day setting of Windsor Gardens, where Paddington (voiced by Ben Whishaw) continues his joyful life with the Brown family. Paddington’s storyline takes a timely twist as he prepares to receive his first passport, a milestone officially recognising him as “British.” This detail subtly yet purposefully nods to the series’ underlying theme of immigration and belonging, a topic it has explored thoughtfully from the start. The timing of Paddington’s new “official” status hints that his journey will soon lead him beyond the comforts of Windsor Gardens, setting the stage for his latest adventure.
Paddington receives a heartfelt letter from the Reverend Mother, played by Olivia Colman, who oversees the Home for Retired Bears in Peru. In the letter, she shares that Aunt Lucy has been feeling incredibly lonely and deeply misses Paddington—just as everyone has missed her presence. The Reverend Mother gently urges Paddington to journey to Peru to lift Aunt Lucy’s spirits. After some hesitation, Mr. Brown (Hugh Bonneville) agrees to take the entire family to visit Aunt Lucy.
However, when the Browns finally arrive, they are met with an unsettling surprise—Aunt Lucy is nowhere to be found. Concerned and puzzled, Paddington quickly realises there’s more to this trip than a simple family reunion; his adventure has just begun. Determined to uncover Aunt Lucy’s whereabouts, Paddington and the Browns enlist the help of a dashing and charismatic riverboat captain, Hunter Cabot (Antonio Banderas). Together, they set off into the depths of the Amazon rainforest, navigating wild rivers and unknown terrain, hoping to unravel the mystery of Aunt Lucy’s disappearance and discover what led her away from the Home for Retired Bears.
While Paddington in Peru opens pleasantly enough, it doesn’t quite capture the sense of novelty that made the first two films so charming. The elements fans expect are all present, from endearing characters to a beautifully animated painting sequence, yet something feels slightly stale, as though it’s revisiting old ground rather than breaking new. This familiarity makes the beginning feel more like a polished rehash of previous Paddington adventures than a true progression of the story.
Given the years since the last film, it’s understandable that the filmmakers would start with familiar territory. But as soon as the story begins to embrace a fresh direction and assert its own identity, the movie becomes far more engaging. Shifting most of the action to Peru adds a refreshing new atmosphere, and a lively musical number performed by the Reverend Mother signals this change in tone with energy and humor.
From this point on, Paddington in Peru finds a balance between honoring the series’ beloved elements and introducing something new. The film leans into a more whimsical, almost fantastical storyline, while still leaving plenty of room for Paddington’s classic antics—his slapstick clumsiness, Aunt Lucy’s heartfelt advice (“when skies are grey, hope is the only way”), and the kind of visual humor that’s both silly and clever.
Just like its predecessors, Paddington in Peru caters to viewers of all ages. Young children will be entertained by the physical comedy (including a slow-motion scene involving a character being hit in the crotch, which is bound to get laughs), while adults will appreciate the film’s more tender themes of family and separation, reflecting on the bittersweet emotions of watching children grow up and distance themselves, both emotionally and physically.
In Paddington in Peru, two major additions light up the screen: Antonio Banderas and Olivia Colman, both seamlessly stepping into the charming world of Paddington. Marketing has kept quiet about whether there’s a villain in this adventure, and we’ll follow suit, but rest assured that both actors hit just the right notes in their roles.
Olivia Colman plays the Reverend Mother, a perpetually upbeat and carefree character who delights in the word “suspicious.” Her performance is so well-suited to the Paddington universe that it feels as if she’s always belonged there. While her role isn’t as flashy as her memorable musical number might imply, Colman’s natural charisma and warmth are unmistakable, making her a delightful fit.
Antonio Banderas, however, gets the more substantial part. He plays Hunter Cabot, a character whose magnetic charm conceals a shadowy past. In a similar vein to Hugh Grant’s memorable role in Paddington 2, Banderas throws himself into the part with palpable enthusiasm, creating a character who’s instantly likable yet intriguingly complex. His performance is full of energy, and you can see just how much he enjoyed the role, adding a fresh spark to the movie.
Yet it’s not Banderas or Colman who take on the biggest challenge here—that falls to Emily Mortimer, who steps into the role of Mrs. Brown, previously played by Sally Hawkins. Mortimer initially tries to capture the whimsical spirit Hawkins brought to the role, but the fit isn’t immediate. Once she starts to bring her own voice and flair to Mrs. Brown, she finds her rhythm, delivering an emotionally resonant performance that brings depth and heart to the film’s closing scenes. Her portrayal beautifully captures the essence of Paddington’s world, and it’s Mortimer’s nuanced touch that brings the audience to tears in a way only a Paddington movie can.
In many ways, Mortimer’s journey mirrors that of Paddington in Peru itself: after a bit of a shaky start, the film finds its footing, delivering all the charm, inventive visuals, witty humor, and warmth fans have come to expect.
No, Paddington in Peru might not reach the iconic heights of Paddington 2, but dismissing it on that basis alone would be missing out on a delightful new chapter in the bear’s story. And if you do, well, Paddington might just have a hard stare waiting for you.
Overall: 6.5/10
Movie Reviewer
