Paddington in Peru
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2 (out of 5)
Paddington Bear (Ben Whishaw) lives in a world of imaginative and naive marvels that has helped him to become an icon for generations of children. Michael Bond’s Amazonian bear has charmed fans in children's books for years in his red hat and blue coat. As the talking bear has made his way onto the big screen, his unique franchise is a mix of animation and live-action that has won the hearts of audiences over the years as he heads back to the jungles of Peru.
Upon receiving his British citizenship and first passport, Paddington receives a concerning letter from the Home for Retired Bears in Peru. His beloved Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton) has gone missing, and the home’s headmistress, Reverend Mother (Olivia Colman), requests that Paddington help search for the elderly bear. The Browns are all going through various stages of change. Despite being a bit risk-averse at times, they all decide to join him on this adventure to the jungles of Peru. As they arrive and investigate Aunt Lucy’s disappearance, they determine they must go to Rumi Rock, a remote location in the wilderness. They must hire Hunter Cabot (Antonio Banderas) and his daughter, Gina (Carla Tous), to take them down the Amazon River. Still, not all is as it seems on this misguided adventure.
Paul King has directed the first instalments of this celebrated film series, and the second film is still designated to be one of the best-reviewed films of all time. Yet, this chapter has been handed to Dougal Wilson, who has big shoes to fill as he attempts to capture the franchise’s magic and following. Most familiar faces and voices help transition directors, Ben Whishaw, Hugh Bonneville, and Julie Walters, but a significant cast change of Mrs Brown from Sally Hawkins to Emily Mortimer. Thankfully, she made this move easy with her endearing and heartfelt performance. This can be said of Wilson’s work behind the camera as the director, as he keeps cutting the line between bizarre shenanigans and charming fun.
Paddington in Peru capitalises on the winning performances of Olivia Coleman and Antonio Banderas, who embrace the feel of this film. Still, the film's heart belongs to Paddington and his charming innocence as he leaves his London home and returns to his past life in South America. This instalment will capture the hearts of children and adults in the same marvellous manner as the first two chapters. Families would benefit from rewatching these films to remind themselves of the characters and capture this journey's nuances. Yet, this story will have everyone laughing, crying and seeing the value of family like few films this year. A tale that everyone in the family will enjoy and fall in love with the little marmalade-loving brown bear once again.
What should parents know about Paddington in Peru?
Dougal Wilson has delivered one of the year's best family films for all of the fans of Michael Bond’s children's books and for the generations who love these films. Parents will be able to chat with their children about the value of family, following their dreams and the importance of engaging with life after seeing this film. There is little to warn families about with this film, except to be ready with a few tissues in hand and to potentially yearn for marmalade sandwiches upon leaving the cinema.
Let all that you do be done in love. - 1 Corinthians 16:14
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