Studiocanal presents Paddington in Peru in UK cinemas now and will be released worldwide in January 2025.
Synopsis
Paddington and his adopted family, the Browns, decide to visit his aunt Lucy in Peru, but circumstances lead them towards misadventures in the Amazon rainforest and mountains of Peru.
Review
The first two Paddington films became instant hits with audiences and critics alike, garnering a level of praise and respect few modern family films are able to achieve. Now, seven years after the masterpiece that is Paddington 2, we have the highly anticipated Paddington in Peru which sees the the Brown family leaving London for the first time to venture into the depths of Peru’s rainforests.
For the most part, Paddington in Peru carries on the same loveable antics as before with an added hint of adventure to the proceedings which helps make this instalment standout from its predecessors. It is this new ingredient of adventure that gives the series a new lease of life. It opens up many comedic and story opportunities that wouldn’t have been possible if the film chose to stay in London again, and that is something the film makes the most of especially when it moves into its final act.
The cast here are all superb as well. Hugh Bonneville, Ben Whishaw and Julie Walters are brilliant as Mr. Brown, Paddington and Mrs. Bird respectively but the true standouts are in new additions Olivia Colman and Antonio Banderas. Colman is joyfully chaotic as The Reverend Mother delivering one of the highlight moments of the film in the form of an over the top musical number whereas Banderas seems to be having a lot of fun playing the slightly deranged Hunter Cabot.
This third film, in many ways, attempts to mix things up whilst retaining the fundamental elements that make this series so beloved in the first place. Most notably, there is a new director at the helm. The previous two films were directed by Wonka’s Paul King who gave the series a distinctly colourful and joyous feel that was unique to his style. Paddington in Peru sees music video director Dougal Wilson taking over and for the most part he does a really good job of sticking to the established template he was given. However, King’s playful direction is missed here and at times it can feel more obvious than one would care to admit. Wilson injects his own energy into the film, which works wonders during certain set pieces but it still doesn’t hide King’s absence.
Thankfully, any doubts or issues people may have going into this film will be squandered very quickly. It reassures you from the start and maintains a momentum that will keep Paddington fans old and new thoroughly entertained. Plus, the way this film decides to wrap up its story is both incredibly satisfying and heartfelt in the best of ways, leaving it open for possible future outings with the lovable marmalade obsessed bear.
Verdict
Despite falling a bit short compared to the films that came before, Paddington in Peru still delivers a fun adventure with all the heart and humour you’ve come to expect from this franchise.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
