When Paddington (Ben Whishaw) discovers his beloved aunt has gone missing from the Home for Retired Bears, he and the Brown family head to the jungles of Peru to find her. Determined to solve the mystery, they soon stumble across a legendary treasure as they make their way through the rainforests of the Amazon.
Paddington in Peru delights with all the warmth, humour, and heart often associated with the beloved franchise. Delivering the right mix of humour and heartfelt moments, the latest Paddington entry is a whimsical adventure that’s effortlessly entertaining. In this threequel, we see the eponymous bear go on a journey that delivers a fun adventure for audiences of all ages.
Embarking on an Indiana Jones-esque escapade, the latest entry in the Paddington franchise switches things up for a change. With a remarkable handling in handling narrative threads, Paddington in Peru ensures that the setups and payoffs stick the landing. Providing a sense of well-earned closure, the story is wrapped neatly like a jar of marmalade by the end of the movie. On a thematic level, it also succeeds in delivering a message that is relevant to today’s times, albeit a little heavy-handed.
While the main cast is as charming as ever, both Olivia Colman and Antonio Banderas clocked in performances that elevated the film’s comedic material. Making good use of the former’s ability to convey with her eyes, Colman’s Reverend Mother steals every scene that she’s in, especially in a musical number a la The Sound of Music. On the other hand, Banderas’ charisma is on full display as Hunter Cabot, undergoing significant character development, relatively speaking.
While never reaching the quality of its predecessors, Paddington in Peru is a welcome addition to the beloved franchise. An endearing story of returning home and finding where you truly belong, the latest Paddington movie delights with endless charm, memorable characters, and a lively sense of humour.
