The third installment in the beloved Paddington series, Paddington in Peru, delivers a colorful and wholesome adventure that takes Paddington and the Browns far from the familiar streets of London to the lush Amazon. But while it has everything fans love, it doesn’t quite capture the “blissful magic” of Paddington 2.
Following up what many critics hailed as a near-perfect family film was always going to be tough. Paddington 2, released in 2017, had so many positive reviews that it famously surpassed even Citizen Kane on Rotten Tomatoes, sparking conversations about it being one of the greatest family films of all time. Expectations were high, but Paddington in Peru faces the additional challenge of new leadership behind the scenes. Paul King, the director and co-writer of the first two films, has stepped back, with Dougal Wilson now directing and Emily Mortimer replacing Sally Hawkins as Mrs. Brown. Both Wilson and Mortimer handle their roles well, though there’s a sense they were brought in to mirror the originals rather than bring their own spin.
Still, the movie has an inventive setting. Paddington (voiced by Ben Whishaw) receives a letter from the Reverend Mother, a guitar-strumming nun played with delightful energy by Olivia Colman, who informs him that Aunt Lucy, his beloved relative, has been missing him dearly. This news prompts the Browns to take a family trip to Peru, hoping to reconnect before daughter Judy heads off to university. They soon discover that Aunt Lucy has disappeared, setting off a quest deep into the Amazon.
There, the Browns encounter a mysterious riverboat captain (Antonio Banderas) and his daughter (Carla Tous), who guide them downriver in search of clues. As they journey through the jungle, decorated with waterfalls, ancient ruins, and the occasional encounter with piranhas, it becomes clear that not everyone has honest intentions. The film doesn’t try to disguise its villains’ schemes too heavily, which only adds to the fun, as audiences are in on the joke while the Browns remain oblivious.
Despite being a satisfying and well-crafted adventure, Paddington in Peru lacks the effortless charm and emotional depth of Paddington 2. While the series’ trademark eccentricity and charm remain, the plot feels more contrived, with overly complex backstories and an action style that’s at times more cartoonish than tense. Banderas shines as a conflicted villain, and the film offers a delightful visual experience, but the laughs don’t quite come as easily. The screenplay touches on themes of family and belonging, but without the same resonance or sincerity that made Paddington 2 so special.
Paddington in Peru is ultimately a solid addition to the franchise, delivering enjoyable family-friendly fun. However, it lacks the freshness of its predecessors, feeling more like a well-executed installment than a groundbreaking entry. As plans for further sequels and a TV series are announced, it’s a reminder that some stories, like Paddington’s favorite marmalade sandwiches, are best savored before they start to lose their sweetness.
