Review: Paddington In Peru
A Little Bear Goes A Long Way
INTRODUCTION
This is a quick review of the newly released film Paddington In Peru. Please note that this is just one of the many movies I will have watched each year, and my initial grade for this film may change over time, for better or worse. To stay up to date on my thoughts about other movies and any potential changes in my opinion on this one, follow me on Letterboxd.
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PLOT
Via Letterboxd: Paddington travels to Peru to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, who now resides at the “Home for Retired Bears”. With the Brown Family in tow, a thrilling adventure ensues when a mystery plunges them into an unexpected journey through the Amazon rainforest and up to the mountain peaks of Peru.
REVIEW
Over the last decade, the first two Paddington live-action films have solidified themselves as modern family classics. Heartwarming, endlessly charming, and crafted with such wit and sincerity that even full-grown adults (myself included) regard them as some of the best films of the 2010s. They aren’t just great family movies; they’re great movies, period. So when news broke that a third installment was on the way, it was met with well-deserved excitement by all. However, that excitement quickly turned into cautious concern when it was revealed that Paul King, who so masterfully helmed the first two films, would only be contributing a story credit this time around, as his attention was focused on his new Wonka series of films.
And, unfortunately, as much as I wish I could say otherwise, Paddington in Peru (which honestly might as well have just been called Paddington 3) doesn’t come close to reaching the heights of its predecessors. It becomes apparent early on that the magic touch King brought to the previous films, his meticulous pacing and story structure, the rich world-building, and impeccable comedic timing, is sorely missing. There are moments throughout where the storytelling feels more like your run-of-the-mill, generic family film rather than the clever, heartfelt craftsmanship that made the first two entries so special. Certain montages and narrative beats lack the same seamless cohesion, occasionally falling into predictable or rushed territory. And there is a tad of bloat in the plot to this film compared to the last two.
One of the more glaring issues is the absence of Sally Hawkins as Mrs. Brown. Emily Mortimer steps into the role, and to her credit, she wisely avoids trying to replicate Hawkins’ performance, instead opting to make the character her own. But no matter how well she does, there’s simply no getting around the fact that this recast is jarring. The chemistry that made the Brown family feel so effortlessly warm and lived-in doesn’t quite click in the same way, and from the get-go, it feels like something is missing.
But let’s be clear: Paddington in Peru isn’t a bad movie - far from it. In fact, I think some critics have been harsher on it than it truly deserves. Yes, it lacks the special sauce that elevated the first two films to near perfection, but it still retains much of the franchise’s signature aesthetic and whimsical charm. There’s a timelessness to it that keeps it from ever feeling disposable or hollow, something many other well-intentioned family films featuring CGI IP characters often struggle to achieve. While the writing is undeniably clunkier and the structure more uneven, there are still glimmers of brilliance that remind you why these films are so beloved in the first place.
What ultimately carries Paddington in Peru is, of course, Paddington himself. Ben Whishaw once again delivers a phenomenal vocal performance, bringing the same gentle warmth and sincerity that has made the character so universally adored. Even when the story falters, Paddington’s boundless kindness and impeccable comedic timing (both in Whishaw’s delivery and the film’s physical gags) keep you engaged. Simply put, the little bear remains as delightful as ever.
The Paddington films have always had standout villains, and while Antonio Banderas isn’t quite on the same level as Nicole Kidman in part one or Hugh Grant in part two, he’s still a joy to watch. His portrayal of a gold-hungry, ghost-haunted boat captain is undeniably entertaining, and he fully leans into the role with just the right amount of camp and charisma. Olivia Colman is another highlight as a shifty, suspicious nun, and it’s clear that both she and Banderas are having an absolute blast playing these eccentric characters.
So no, Paddington in Peru doesn’t hold a candle to the first two films, and it’s easily the weakest of the trilogy. But despite its flaws, I can’t deny that it still gave me that same sense of warmth and comfort that this series is known for. It may not be an instant classic like the last two, but it’s a worthy enough addition to the Paddington canon, one that I’d happily revisit when rewatching the trilogy. With that in mind, and taking into account the impossibly high bar set by its predecessors, I’m giving Paddington in Peru a very soft A-. It may not be perfect, but in a sea of a bleak start to the year in family programming, it remains one of the best options for families of all ages this Valentine’s weekend.
GRADING
