In a world where it seems a lot of family films are often forgettable, the "Paddington films reassure audiences that there is always a chance to make something that touches the hearts of many people with the right direction and script.
Although it is technically a 2024 release, “Paddington in Peru” premiered Feb. 14 in the U.S. The film completes a trilogy following two well-received entries: “Paddington” (2014) and “Paddington 2” (2017).
“Paddington in Peru” follows the titular Paddington (Ben Whishaw) and the Brown family as they take a getaway trip to Peru in order for Paddington to reconnect with his Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton) at The Home for Retired Bears.
Upon arrival, they find that Aunt Lucy has mysteriously vanished, and the Reverend Mother (Olivia Colman) has no idea where she could have gone off to. With the help of a sailor named Hunter Cabot (Antonio Banderas) and his daughter Gina (Carla Tous), Paddington and the Browns embark on a quest to find Aunt Lucy and bring her home.
Each of the “Paddington” films incorporates relatable main themes for children and adults. The first film’s theme is about displacement and finding a new home. The second film focuses on the value of small acts of kindness toward others. Finally, the third explores family bonds and searching for one’s roots.
Every aspect of “Paddington in Peru” centers on the topic of family. It focuses on Paddington’s human family, the Browns, and his relationship with Aunt Lucy. The Browns, particularly the Mr. and Mrs. (Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer), are at an odd time in their lives. The only thing they forgot to include was Dominic Torreto (Vin Diesel).
Their children, Judy (Madeleine Harris) and Jonathan (Samuel Joslin) have grown apart from their parents and spend most or all of their time alone in their rooms. Jonathan spends his time playing video games while Judy is getting prepared to go off to university. Mary’s (Mrs. Brown) worst fear is becoming a reality: her children are no longer little anymore.
However, it feels like the Browns’ dynamics with each other are not fully developed. For a film with a runtime of 1 hour 46 minutes, maybe an extra 10 or 15 minutes could have been added to flesh out what every Brown family member is going through and how they feel about each other.
Paddington’s true heritage is also explored, coming at the cost of those who are trying to steal a supposed stash of gold hidden in a place called El Dorado deep in the Peruvian jungle. Banderas’ Hunter Cabot serves as one of the film’s main antagonists, and he does a superb job playing the role.
Ghosts of his ancestry act like the devil on his shoulder by telling him he should abandon his daughter and the Browns and use Paddington to get what he wants. However, greed is what drives Hunter Cabot. Not only him, but Colman’s Reverend Mother secretly wants the gold all for herself. She expertly deceives the Browns and Paddington into believing she is a good nun, and almost fulfills her plan until the very end.
All films in the trilogy star famous British and English actors like Nicole Kidman, Peter Capaldi, Brendan Gleeson, Sally Hawkins, Hugh Grant and Colin Firth. It’s nice to see a performer of Olivia Colman’s status have a role in “Paddington in Peru.” Although not British or English, the addition of Banderas is a good touch as well.
One of the many things that makes the “Paddington” trilogy golden is how much everyone involved cares about the material. No one feels like they are half-assing it in all three films.
Whishaw’s performance is, of course, a standout. He’s amazing at bringing Paddington to life and just how kind and compassionate he is toward everyone, even those who want to bring him harm. Paddington is the best role model for people of all ages to aspire to.
“Paddington in Peru” may not echo the excellence of the first two films, but for what it is it’s a nice story about the power of family and recognizing it as the true treasure anyone in this world has.
Rating: 3.5/5
