10/33
Paddington returns to Peru to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, who now lives at the Retired Bears Home. Join the Brown family on an exciting adventure as a mystery takes them on an unexpected journey. Paul King, director of the previous two films, has decided not to direct this installment. However, he came up with the idea for this third film and was involved as an executive producer. Appeared on The Graham Norton Show: Billy Crystal/Emily Mortimer/Hugh Bonneville/Pharrell Williams/Michael Kiwanuka (2024). ‘Paddington in Peru (2024)’ It’s not as good as Paddington 2 (2017), but it’s not as big a step back as some early reactions led me to believe. For the most part, it’s still an entertaining and delightfully polite experience that’s as enjoyable as it is energetic. While the more conventional adventure narrative is less original than the vignette approach of the first two pictures, it still works pretty well in this context, allowing its beloved characters to continue their charm even if they end up in a classic sequel. They are taken from their natural habitat to investigate the protagonist’s still-unknown origins. There are plenty of funny moments, and the film is good-natured from the first frame. It’s a really nice film, and sometimes that’s all you need. What it lacks compared to its predecessors is a strong emotional core. While some of its moments are touching, the work isn’t particularly moving and won’t get your tear ducts working. Also, some of its character work is pretty shallow and, as my brother pointed out, almost feels like a forced afterthought. The narrative is overall pretty conventional and follows a certain pattern almost to the letter. It’s pretty predictable and feels relatively generic, almost as if it was adapted to Paddington after its basic parts had already been introduced. Despite some issues, there’s still more than enough to like about this feature. Its adorable cast is as strong as ever, with some charming newcomers (Antonio Banderas and Olivia Coleman) chewing the scenery with glee when needed. The special effects are consistently good, bringing the eponymous bear to life in such a way that it’s strange to think she’s never in the same space as the other characters. When she’s not, naturally, appearing on the red carpet, it feels like someone’s missing. The film is light and lively; it really does fly by and is often very funny. It’s jam-packed with both sight gags and dialogue-based ones, and slapstick action scenes that will knock your socks off. It’s a very good time. In the end, this is a perfectly respectable addition to the series, which is well-made and enjoyable throughout. It’s a shame that it follows Paddington 2 (2017), which has a case for being the best – or at least the most universally appealing – picture of all time, because it’s a really great family film. If you’re expecting the best movie of all time (again) or even the second best movie of all time, you’re bound to be disappointed. Still, it’s a solid effort that’s charming and entertaining in almost every scene. It’s a lot better than a lot of similar fare. If you’re not expecting a miracle, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.