Paddington in Peru (2024)
Paddington’s back, and this time he’s trading marmalade sandwiches for a jungle adventure! In Paddington in Peru, our favourite bear and the Brown family jet off to the Amazon rainforest to visit Aunt Lucy at the Home for Retired Bears. But when they arrive, Aunt Lucy’s gone missing, and the gang must embark on a wild quest through the Peruvian wilderness to find her.
I had high expectations for this movie, but it didn’t live up to them. Don’t misunderstand; it’s still a decent film, but it’s akin to ordering your usual latte and receiving a slightly diluted version. You’ll drink it, but you’ll miss that extra kick.
The transition from London to Peru offers a refreshing change of scenery. The lush jungles and ancient Incan ruins are a feast for the eyes, and the cinematography does an excellent job of showcasing the natural beauty of Peru. But while the visuals are stunning, the plot feels a bit like it’s treading water.
Ben Whishaw’s voice work as Paddington is still spot-on, capturing that perfect mix of innocence and determination that makes the bear so darn lovable. And Olivia Colman as the singing nun? Pure gold. She lights up the screen every time she appears, delivering her lines with a deadpan humour that had me chuckling.
The problem lies in the villain plot, which lacks the impact of previous films. It seems as though the formula that made Paddington 2 so successful was omitted, leaving out a few crucial elements. The twists are about as surprising as finding out water is wet, and the Brown children feel like they’ve been shoved to the sidelines.
The slapstick humour that made the first two movies such a riot feels a bit forced this time around. It’s akin to witnessing your father attempt to replicate a TikTok dance—the effort is present, yet it falls short.
Despite this, the film maintains its core values. It tackles themes of family, belonging, and embracing your roots with the warmth of a bear hug. There’s a particularly touching subplot about parents facing their kids growing up and flying the nest that might just bring a tear to your eye.
The pacing is a bit off, though. The story begins slowly, and by the time it begins to come together, you might find yourself checking your watch. It’s similar to the process of waiting for a kettle to boil; you know it will eventually arrive, but it certainly takes its time.
Antonio Banderas as the boat captain with “Gold Madness” is an interesting addition, but his character feels a tad underdeveloped. It’s like they had this great idea but didn’t quite know what to do with it.
In the end, Paddington in Peru is a perfectly pleasant way to spend a couple of hours, especially if you’ve got kids in tow. Listening to the kids’ reactions in the cinema was some of the best part of watching the movie. It’s got enough charm and whimsy to keep the little ones entertained, and a few clever jokes thrown in for the adults. But if you’re expecting it to reach the dizzying heights of Paddington 2, you might want to adjust your expectations.
So, should you see it? If you’re a devoted fan of Paddington or seeking family-friendly entertainment, I recommend giving it a try. It’s like comfort food—not the most exciting meal you’ll ever have, but it’ll leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. However, don’t anticipate a spectacular experience.