I was never a Paddington fan. I had no interest in watching a CGI British bear roam the streets of London. But in preparation for the third installment, directed by Dougal Wilson, it was a must that I watched the first two. Alas, I was not moved. The movies were cute, but I have seen the plot a million times before and done much better, so my expectations were low for Paddington’s third adventure, Paddington in Peru.
Boy was I wrong… so, so, SO wrong.
The threequel, if you may, touched my heart so much and made the first two films feel special for me. At its core, this franchise has always been about found family and finding the courage to be better people. But this installment was about the complexity of identity and discovering where you belong when all the parts of yourself began in wildly different places.
Paddington In Peru takes this marmalade-addicted bear and his adoptive family, the Browns, to the vibrant and curious jungles of Peru in search of Paddington’s Aunt Lucy. He is beside himself that she has gone missing and is haunted by the fact that he has been away so long. Paddington has also received his British passport, but he is not entirely comfortable with that, he is stuck between two versions of himself, both unsure of where he belongs or where he is truly welcome.
Paddington’s desire to reconnect with his roots and save Aunt Lucy returns him to his homeland- a scene that prompted my ugly tears but also enriched his personal story and illuminated the importance and magic of themes that explored the universal longing for home and identity since the first film. The other element that stood out to me was the signature blend of humour and heart – the American stereotype, played by British actress Haley Atwell, was particularly funny. The transition from London’s stiff and hyper-polite environment to Peru’s exotic, high-stakes environment felt both natural and exciting. The Browns as fish out of water heightened the charm of their British humour, and it was endearing.
I was a bit surprised to see the change in actress for Mrs. Brown; Emily Mortimer replaced Sally Hawkins which was jarring but she did a good job. Both carry that dainty gentleness so it worked but switching a principal actress in the third film is odd. However, the addition of Olivia Coleman and Antonio Banderas was an exciting distraction from the switch as both gave new life to Paddington’s new adventure. At one point, Coleman breaks out into song. It was so charmingly stupid that I couldn’t stop laughing at how adorable this film was.
Banderas’s portrayal as Hunter Cabot is multifaceted, embodying not only Cabot but also his diverse ancestors—a Spanish conquistador, a missionary, an early 20th-century pilot, an Edwardian explorer, and a prospector. This layered performance adds depth and humour, as Banderas seamlessly transitions between characters, each influencing Cabot’s motivations and actions. His commitment to these roles, enhanced by elaborate costumes and makeup, showcases his versatility and dedication to the craft. Coleman brings her exceptional talent to the role of the Reverend Mother, infusing the character with wit and mischief. Her interactions with Paddington and the Browns add a delightful dynamic, blending authority with a playful spirit that enriches the film’s comedic elements.
Ultimately, this film is a 10/10 and left me humbled about my initial judgements of the trilogy. This was a perfect ending to a universal story about kindness, family, and the need to belong. Paddington’s unwavering belief in the goodness of others serves as a reminder of the impact of compassion and understanding. The film delicately balances humour with poignant moments, offering a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. As the characters face unforeseen challenges, their collective journey underscores the importance of unity and the enduring strength found in familial bonds.
Paddington In Peru is in theatres now.
