The 2014 film established Paddington’s sticky-sweet marmalade formula — but lacked a little flavor. The 2017 film found that missing ingredient by asking itself What Would Wes Anderson Do? The third film takes that recipe on the road.
Paddington in Peru — as the name suggests — takes us out of London. The beloved bear heads to the Amazon to search for his missing aunt. As the mystery unravels, he (and we) discover where he came from — and where he belongs.
The film keeps you engaged thanks to its little moments. The cut-away gags. The camera shot reveals. The foreshadowing payoffs. They all work, and if you blink, you’ll miss some of the fun.
Paddington in Peru builds to several big payoffs. The story takes you on a journey. Everyone gets a character arc — even Paddington’s lore. There are emotional themes about family and identity. The sweetness gets a little too sticky at times, but it works because the actors sell it.
The emotional anchor of the first two movies, Sally Hawkins, is not present. But Emily Mortimer admirably subs for her. Antonio Banderas and Olivia Colman join the cast — and they don’t hold back. Colman is clearly having a blast, dancing and singing and being extra weird, which is fantastic. Banderas is maniacal but charming.
The anchor for these movies, however, is always Paddington. If Ben Wishaw’s voice doesn’t warm you, it doesn’t work. If the FX team can’t make Paddington’s eyes hold you, it doesn’t work. Instead, their collaboration makes you care for this little animated bear — and you cheer for him along his journey of self-discovery.
This review is a little late for the theater. So, while at home on a Saturday, pour yourself a pisco sour, sit back, and enjoy a story that’s tense yet positive, sticky-sweet yet still funny.
Theaters or streaming: On Netflix and in some theaters (we saw in theater)
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Where to watch
Rating: PG (Me: 4+)
Director: Dougal Wilson
Starring: Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer, Antonio Banderas, Olivia Colman
Run time: 1h 46m
Post-credits scenes: Two — midway and after full credits.
Bathroom breaks: According to RunPee…
- 14:30 when the song and travel montage begins.
- 44:05 when Judy records in her travel-log.
Sequel? Studio Canal is working on a fourth film and a series.
If you liked Paddington in Peru, check out these films:
- Paddington (2014) (4+)
- Paddington 2 (2017) (5+)
- Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019) (5+)
- The Wild Thornberrys Movie (2002) (4+)
- Rio 2 (2014) (5+)
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