PADDINGTON IN PERU
Starring Ben Whishaw, Emily Mortimer, Madeleine Harris, Olivia Colman, Carla Tous, Samuel Joslin, Antonio Banderas, Hugh Bonneville, Julie Walters, Imelda Staunton, and Hayley Atwell
Director: Dougal Wilson
KATIE
Paddington (Ben Whishaw) returns, but this time, he leaves London for the deep jungle of Peru. Paddington in Peru carries its predecessor's irresistible charm, light-hearted humour, and themes of kindness and acceptance, but feels more straightforward in terms of the story, focusing on action set pieces and impressive visuals. Olivia Colman is perfect as the saintly Reverend Mother, and she made me laugh whenever she was on screen. Antonio Banderas seems to revel his role as the roguish captain Cabot, as well. It may not be the strongest in the trilogy, but Paddington in Peru is still one of the best family films I’ve seen in years.
ADRIANO
Devastatingly, Paddington In Peru is a massive step down from the previous installments. The film still boasts the charm you can come to expect from the marmalade-loving bear; he's still an easy protagonist to root for. However, previous director Paul King’s absence is sorely felt. It's visually lacking, the storytelling is a lot more disjointed, and emotionally, even at its most heartwarming, none of it felt earned. There's a moment where a character tells Paddington (Ben Whishaw) that he "found himself" and I asked myself "when?" Following up the last two films was always a high task, but this doesn't come close.
ROBERT
Paddington (Ben Whishaw) on a jungle adventure? How could you not love it? If you expect the same level of craftsmanship and storytelling in Paddington in Peru as the first two films, you will be disappointed. However, it is still a worthy third entry despite how much it made me think of Jungle Cruise as I watched it. Olivia Colman continues to parlay her post-Oscar career into playing a quirky and dry-witted character with hidden intentions, and Antonio Banderas chews up scenery as “Captain Cabot” a.k.a. Puss in Boots in human form. Even with its shortcomings, Paddington in Peru finds ways to ooze irresistible charm.
AMARÚ
I love myself a good, cheeky, family film, and adding masters-in-cheek Olivia Colman and Antonio Banderas to Paddington in Peru’s delightful returning cast provides childlike shenanigans and adult-like themes for the whole family to enjoy. Watching Colman and Julie Walters chew scenery together is just one of the many perks of having a dedicated ensemble that delivers comforting warmth, beautiful ridiculousness, and ear-to-ear grins. They guide you through a foreseeable adventure, saying, “we know you know what’s coming, but watch how much you love getting there.” But, man, does that not sum up the warm hug this franchise continues to deliver.
BODE
I went into Paddington in Peru nervous, but still open to what a third movie in this franchise would be like without previous director Paul King at the helm. While King’s absence is - for the most part - felt, the new creative team (led by first-time feature director Dougal Wilson) do enough to retain the innate charm and sweetness that has defined the series, even with a wobblier story. Olivia Colman and Antonio Banderas are fun new additions alongside its great returning cast (sans Sally Hawkins, though Emily Mortimer proves she’s a worthy replacement). This third entry may be flawed, but it’s still an endearing time.
