Review by Jon Donnis
Paddington in Peru, the third installment in the Paddington film series, continues the heartwarming adventures of everyone's favourite marmalade-loving bear. Directed by Dougal Wilson in his feature directorial debut, this 2024 live-action animated adventure comedy brings back beloved characters while introducing new ones and setting the stage for a fresh, exciting chapter in Paddington's journey.
The plot kicks off with Paddington receiving a concerning letter from the Home for Retired Bears in Peru, where his Aunt Lucy has gone missing. Determined to find her, Paddington and the Brown family travel to Peru, where they learn that Aunt Lucy's disappearance is linked to the legendary lost city of El Dorado. What follows is a captivating quest through the Amazonian jungle, filled with danger, treasure hunters, and a fair share of comical mishaps.
The film retains the warmth and charm of its predecessors, blending humour with heartfelt moments and a strong sense of family. While Paddington in Peru may not reach the same heights as the previous two films in terms of absurdity and fun, it is still an engaging watch, offering plenty of adventure and laughs for audiences of all ages.
The cast shines, with Hugh Bonneville and Emily Mortimer reprising their roles as Mr. and Mrs. Brown, alongside Ben Whishaw voicing Paddington. Antonio Banderas makes a memorable appearance as the treasure-hunting Hunter Cabot, while Carla Tous adds depth as his daughter, Gina. Olivia Colman delivers a suitably mysterious performance as the Reverend Mother, adding to the intrigue. The voice cast also includes Imelda Staunton, bringing warmth and wisdom to Aunt Lucy's character. The animation, as always, is visually stunning, with vibrant depictions of the lush Peruvian jungles and the exhilarating action sequences that unfold throughout the film.
At its core, Paddington in Peru is an adventure about perseverance and love, with the Brown family coming together to find Paddington's aunt, while Paddington himself embarks on a personal journey to trace his roots. The film touches on themes of family, loyalty, and sacrifice, offering valuable messages for both young viewers and adults. The treasure hunt aspect provides exciting, high-stakes drama, while Paddington's innocent optimism and endearing nature continue to shine through.
That being said, the film does have a few minor drawbacks. It feels a tad longer than it needs to be, with a runtime of 100 minutes that may lose the attention of younger viewers. In comparison to the earlier films, some of the magic that made Paddington and Paddington 2 so universally beloved seems to have been diluted, leaving this third instalment feeling less fresh. While the film still captures the heart of the Paddington franchise, some fans may feel it's not quite as tight or inventive as its predecessors.
Paddington in Peru is a charming and enjoyable adventure, though not quite as exhilarating or memorable as the first two films. It's still a lovely watch for Paddington fans, offering plenty of heart, humour, and the iconic marmalade-loving bear's trademark misadventures.
Paddington in Peru gets a solid 8 out of 10. It's a decent film that retains the spirit of the series, even if it falls short of the high bar set by the earlier instalments.
In cinemas now and on digital at https://apple.co/4iEvMhF
