Paddington Bear is back, and this time he’s venturing out of his beloved London and into the vibrant lands of Peru, where the iconic bear's roots are firmly planted. After the roaring success of the first two films, Paddington in Peru had big boots—or perhaps marmalade-filled sandwiches—to fill. While this latest installment provides charm, humor, and an undeniable warmth, it struggles to fully capture the magic that made the first two movies so universally cherished. Let's dive into what worked, what didn’t, and why Paddington in Peru remains an enjoyable, if slightly underwhelming, conclusion to the trilogy.
The Plot: A Journey Back Home
Paddington in Peru takes our favorite bear (voiced by the always delightful Ben Whishaw) on an adventure to reconnect with his roots in Peru. The story picks up with Paddington happily settled with the Brown family in London, spreading joy and kindness in his usual way. But a mysterious postcard from Aunt Lucy—his beloved aunt who raised him—sets Paddington on a path to rediscover his heritage. The adventure is filled with classic Paddington humor and heartfelt moments as he reconnects with distant family, learns about Peruvian culture, and makes new friends (and a few quirky enemies) along the way.
The narrative structure, however, feels somewhat more formulaic than its predecessors. Unlike Paddington and Paddington 2, which brought in fresh, dynamic storytelling, this third movie leans into familiar plot devices and predictable moments, making the journey feel slightly repetitive for seasoned fans. Despite these drawbacks, the charming storyline holds enough intrigue and excitement to keep younger viewers and nostalgic adults entertained.
Visuals and Cinematography: Peru's Splendor Captured Beautifully
One of the film's most significant achievements is its stunning visuals. Director Dougal Wilson, stepping in after Paul King, has done a commendable job bringing Peru's landscapes to life. The vibrant colors, lush rainforests, and bustling markets of Peru are captured in mesmerizing detail, and the cinematography alone is worth the price of admission. Each frame is a treat, painting an inviting and magical picture of Peru that adds depth to Paddington’s background and heritage.
While the London scenes in the first two movies had a whimsical charm, Paddington in Peru shifts towards a more vibrant and earthy color palette. The result is a movie that looks and feels different, in line with the storyline’s new cultural context. While visually captivating, some may find this shift loses a bit of the cozy, “storybook” charm that defined Paddington's London adventures. Still, the visuals provide a refreshing, atmospheric experience that perfectly complements Paddington's journey.
A Warm Cast of Characters, but Familiar Faces Take a Backseat
The Browns, Paddington’s adoptive family, are the heart and soul of the first two films, offering both humor and emotional depth. In Paddington in Peru, however, the Browns are noticeably less involved, playing more of a supporting role as Paddington embarks on his solo adventure. While it’s understandable that the film wanted to focus on Paddington’s cultural exploration, the absence of a strong Brown family presence does feel like a missing puzzle piece, especially for fans who loved their dynamic.
Instead, we’re introduced to a host of new characters, each bringing a unique flair to the story. Among them is Aunt Lucy, whose character takes on a much larger role. Her presence and backstory are both touching and add layers to Paddington’s heritage, but new characters don’t quite carry the same charm as the beloved Browns. While the fresh faces bring intrigue and humor, the emotional connection with them is weaker, leaving the audience yearning for more of the familiar relationships that anchored the first two films.
Humor and Heart: Classic Paddington Moments, but Not Enough Laughs
The first two Paddington films were lauded for their unique blend of slapstick humor, dry British wit, and poignant life lessons that appealed to all ages. Paddington in Peru certainly tries to replicate this winning formula, but it occasionally falls short of the mark. Paddington’s misadventures—often involving his trademark clumsiness and unwavering optimism—are still delightful, but the jokes don't always hit the same high notes.
Perhaps it's the absence of Hugh Grant's hilariously flamboyant villain from Paddington 2 or Nicole Kidman's chilling yet comedic taxidermist from the first film, but Paddington in Peru struggles to find an antagonist that matches the quirky villainy that defined the previous movies. The humor feels slightly safer and, at times, less inspired, which may leave older audiences a bit underwhelmed. Younger viewers, however, are likely to find these moments just as delightful as ever, with Paddington's lovable antics providing enough giggles and warmth to keep them entertained.
Themes: Embracing Identity and Heritage
Paddington in Peru dives deeper into themes of identity, heritage, and belonging. While the previous films explored Paddington’s journey of finding a family and adjusting to a new life in London, this installment brings him full circle, encouraging him to reflect on where he came from and what makes him unique. The film does a commendable job of addressing these themes, subtly weaving in cultural appreciation and the importance of understanding one’s roots.
The deeper themes add richness to the story, yet they don’t quite pack the emotional punch that the first two films delivered. The exploration of heritage is handled with sensitivity and respect, but it lacks the same impact as the previous films' themes of kindness and acceptance. While it’s still heartwarming, it doesn’t quite leave audiences with the same sense of lingering warmth and introspection that made the first two movies feel so timeless.
Music and Soundtrack: Lively Yet Lacking the Signature Touch
The soundtrack of Paddington in Peru brings a Latin American flair, with traditional Peruvian instruments and upbeat rhythms setting the tone for Paddington’s journey. Composer Dario Marianelli does an admirable job capturing the spirit of Peru, blending these elements with Paddington’s familiar themes. However, much like other aspects of the film, the music lacks the distinctiveness that made the soundtracks of the first two films so memorable.
While the score is certainly pleasant and complements the movie's visuals, it doesn’t feel as iconic or recognizable as the themes we associate with Paddington’s life in London. Some familiar tunes make brief appearances, but they’re fleeting, leaving fans yearning for a stronger musical connection to the first two films.
Final Thoughts: A Heartfelt But Imperfect Goodbye
Paddington in Peru is a beautiful, heartfelt film that brings new cultural insights and expands upon Paddington’s journey in a thoughtful way. It's a charming adventure filled with beautiful landscapes, delightful new characters, and Paddington's trademark optimism. However, it falls short of the magic and spark that made the first two films so universally beloved.
While it may not fully satisfy fans of the first two installments, it’s still a heartwarming, visually captivating film with enough endearing moments to make it worth the watch. For audiences who fell in love with Paddington's kindness and quirky charm, Paddington in Peru provides a satisfying, if slightly subdued, conclusion to his journey.
The film ultimately leaves us with a bittersweet reminder of the importance of family, heritage, and kindness—a message that feels as timely and universal as ever.