Written by: Mark Burton, Jon Foster, James Lamont
Starring: Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent
Rating: [3.5/5]
With the first two Paddington films, we received two of the most charming films ever made as we follow the tales of this lovable little bear and his connection with this British family. This sets up these massive expectations for the third film, especially considering a new director is stepping in to replace the one who crafted the prior two exceptional entries. Paddington in Peru does not reach the heights of what came before it but still delivers on what we love about this bear.
After receiving a letter from his Aunt Lucy, Paddington (Ben Whishaw) decides he wants to pay her a visit but upon his arrival, the Reverend Mother (Olivia Colman) running the Home for Retire Bears informs him she has gone missing in the jungle. With plenty of danger on the horizon in this jungle, Paddington and his family set out to try and find Aunt Lucy.
Much of the comedy derived from the first two Paddington films comes from the bear acclimating to the human world, specifically the one in London. He acts in ways that take others by surprise and has the genuine impact he does in all the lovely ways. Changing the setting by returning to South America, therefore, alters the dynamic where the Brown family need to adjust to this new surrounding. We now see a completely different set of characters enter the fray as both allies and foils for the Paddington and the Brown family.
One of my personal favorite elements of the Paddington films is the way they bring in genuinely great actors in to play over the top villains. From Nicole Kidman in the first film, Hugh Grant in the second, and now Olivia Colman. It should not be seen as a spoiler to acknowledge that the Reverend Mother is not squeaky clean, given the pattern of these films. Colman being given this role is apt and pitch-perfect casting given she knows how to deliver comedically, especially with a bit of an edge to her. She fits right in with the way she portrays the Reverend Mother, especially in the way the story plays out. Additionally, the addition of Antonio Banderas brought along something different to the story as this sprawling adventure into the jungle allows for him to bring his natural charm and comedic flare.
This film has plenty of fun but in the eyes of myself and many others always had a large uphill battle to take on. Dougal Wilson, while doing a good job in directing this feature, just does not have the magic of Paul King, who continually demonstrates to have the secret sauce in making these films. Another impactful element that originally surprised me was Sally Hawkins not returning as Mary Brown where Emily Mortimer stepped in to replace her. Mortimer does a splendid job, but there’s something special Hawkins had in this character that goes back to the very first film, where Mary initially interacts with Paddington. An interaction so pure that made her the best of all the human characters, and not having Hawkins return limited some of the magic in the dynamic that tugged at the heart strings the most.
You would think the way I’m writing about this film my final conclusion would be negative but it speaks to the adoration I have for the previous two films where something as solidly made as this one has me mostly stating is comparative inferiority. However, this feature has so much to enjoy with the aforementioned discussion about Paddington operating in his natural environment and the further solidification of what it means for the bear to find love from family, both human and animal. As Paddington strives to reunite with his Aunt, he confronts the possibility of what it would look like for him to remain in this natural environment for him as opposed to the one back in London. It makes for a beautifully touching moment that defines what makes all, not just the first two, films so magnificent and why I freaking love this bear.
Yes, although a downgrade from what came before, Paddington in Peru justifies its existence even with it missing some of the key ingredients that made it soar in the previous installments. We get to witness all the hijinks we adore with this bear but have it all play out in the jungle where the stakes continually get higher. All the human cast members deliver once again, including Hugh Bonneville, who always does a great job in portraying the uptight but pliable Henry Brown. Olivia Colman and Antonio Banderas are welcomed additions as well but we’re all here for the bear and thanks to Ben Whishaw continuing to provide his angelic voice in gives us another reason to love him.
Films with Josh 
