Paddington in Peru Movie Review
Paddington in Peru offers a heartfelt, feel-good journey that blends adventure with warmth and charm, my full review.
Growing up, the tales of Paddington Bear were a big part of my childhood. I fondly remember the books and cartoons following along with the adventures of the polite bear from "Darkest Peru," who eventually joined British life. As a parent, it's a joy to share these same stories with my 10-year-old son. The next chapter of Paddington has come in films that beautifully capture the essence of the stories. With the release of Paddington in Peru, the little bear’s journey continues, blending adventure with the warmth and charm of its predecessors.
"With the release of Paddington in Peru, the little bear’s journey continues, blending adventure with the warmth and charm of its predecessors."
This latest installment not only continues Paddington's story but also connects the themes of family, belonging, and the power of kindness—values that are as relevant today as they were when I first met that lovable bear all those years ago. Let’s pack our bags and head to Peru to see how Paddington’s latest adventure unfolds.
Paddington in Peru Details
Release Date: February 14th, 2025 (North America) Director: Dougal Wilson Cast: Ben Whishaw (voice of Paddington), Hugh Bonneville (Henry Brown), Emily Mortimer (Mary Brown), Julie Walters (Mrs. Bird), Jim Broadbent (Mr. Gruber), Olivia Colman (Reverend Mother), Antonio Banderas (Hunter Cabot) Run Time: 106 minutes Genre: Family Adventure Content Rating: PG
Paddington’s Latest Globe Trotting Adventure
In this third installment in the film franchise, Paddington discovers that his beloved Aunt Lucy has gone missing from the “Home for Retired Bears” in Peru. Determined to find her, he embarks on a journey back to his homeland, accompanied by the ever-supportive Brown family.
Their adventure leads them deep into the Amazon rainforest, guided by an oddball riverboat captain and his daughter. They follow a map (the only clue left behind) that hints at Aunt Lucy's whereabouts and possibly a legendary treasure. Along the way, they encounter challenges and colourful characters while following the trail to Aunt Lucy, and other surprises arise.
Paddington in Peru’s Direction and Writing
Paddington in Peru sees Dougal Wilson, takes the directorial helm for his feature film debut. Dougal brings a fresh perspective to the franchise, packed with adventure. While he maintains the series' signature charm and humour, the narrative doesn't quite reach the comedic heights of its predecessors. It has funny moments, but certain scenes, like dance numbers, feel a little forced. Even with these instances, my family and I still absolutely loved this movie.
"While he maintains the series' signature charm and humour, the narrative doesn't quite reach the comedic heights of its predecessors."
The screenplay, crafted by Mark Burton, Jon Foster, and James Lamont, offers a mix of heartfelt moments and adventurous escapades. The dialogue retains Paddington's polite humour and earnestness, delivering messages about kindness, family, and the importance of home.
The film subtly addresses themes of identity and belonging as Paddington navigates his connection to his Peruvian roots and adopted London family. While the script conveys these themes well, some lines feel more on-the-nose than earlier installments' nuanced writing. Nevertheless, the film's heart is in the right place, and its messages are sincerely conveyed. However, some plot elements feel more rushed, lacking the organic wit that the previous films were able to pull off a little more effortlessly. With that said, the conclusion of the movie has a great payoff with some feel-good moments along with laughs and tears.
Fun Characters and Performances
Ben Whishaw continues to endear as the voice of Paddington, bringing the bear to life with innocence and sincerity. Hugh Bonneville and Emily Mortimer (taking over the role of Mary Brown) portray the Brown parents with warmth and authenticity, reflecting a family dynamic that evolves amidst the unfolding adventure. Julie Walters returns as the ever-watchful Mrs. Bird, providing moments of levity. New additions to the cast include Olivia Colman as the Reverend Mother, whose portrayal adds depth and nuance, and Antonio Banderas as Hunter Cabot, a riverboat captain whose intentions add intrigue to the narrative. While the ensemble delivers commendable performances, some characters could have benefited from further development to enhance their impact on the story.
Cinematography and Visual Effects
The film's visual journey from the familiar streets of London to the lush landscapes of Peru is captured beautifully by cinematographer Erik Wilson. The vibrant depiction of the Amazon rainforest serves as a stunning backdrop, contributing to the narrative's adventurous spirit. Framestore's visual effects seamlessly blend CGI with live-action, bringing Paddington and his surroundings to life in a believable and enchanting manner. I still can’t get over how adorable and expressive Paddington looks in every film frame. The attention to detail in the visual effects offers plenty of whimsical elements of the story, which are both immersive and delightful.
Paddington in Peru Score and Soundtrack
Dario Marianelli returns to compose the film's score, delivering a musical accompaniment that enhances the emotional and narrative beats. The score weaves traditional Peruvian musical elements with the familiar motifs of the Paddington series. This creates a fun blend that underscores the film's themes of discovery and belonging. The music elevates key moments, adding depth to the storytelling.
Final Thoughts on Paddington in Peru
Paddington in Peru continues the beloved bear's adventures with its signature blend of humour and heartwarming moments. While it may not surpass the magic of its predecessors, it remains a delightful addition to the series. The film's exploration of new settings and characters brings fresh elements to the narrative, even if some aspects could have been more fully developed.
Verdict: Paddington in Peru is a heartwarming continuation of the beloved bear’s adventures, blending humour, charm, and adventure in a way that fans of the series will appreciate. While it may not surpass its predecessors, it’s a delightful journey that captures the magic of Paddington’s world.
Thanks to Sony Pictures Canada for the early screening of Paddington in Peru.
About the Author - Matthew "Dapper Tux" Rondina
Matthew has been involved in all things gaming since the 8-bit era. He is a video game and tech industry veteran who has been passionate about technology and gaming for over 20 years. In addition to being the Managing Editor of dappertux.com, he has bylines with Best Buy, Cineplex Entertainment, Mobile Syrup and Walmart. Follow Matthew’s gaming + tech adventures on multiple social platforms with the handle @dapper_tux via X, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and join in on the fun!
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