Paddington in Peru review: passport to El Dorado
We're off on an adventure with Paddington Bear. Following the success of two charming films set in London, this lovable yet somewhat repetitive series has opted for the classic appeal of an exotic setting. Since we can't avoid it, we must navigate through the journey. Now the proud holder of a blue British passport (his humorous photo-booth antics are the film’s standout moment), Paddington is headed to Peru with the Brown family to support his Aunt Lucy at the Home for Elderly Bears.
The bear hunt that plays into various Peruvian stereotypes kicks off when Olivia Colman's ever-cheerful Reverend Mother sends the Browns on a journey down the Amazon to search for Aunt Lucy, who has gone missing during her jungle adventure. However, what's also lacking in this film installment is the series' unique, British perspective on the lessons an immigrant bear might impart to the people of the UK. Watching the Browns struggle in the Amazon, like fish out of water or battling their fears of tarantulas while trying to land a plane, doesn't feel particularly fresh anymore. Introducing Hunter Cabot, a quirky riverboat captain played by Antonio Banderas, who is secretly using Paddington's skills to search for treasure, pushes the narrative into familiar territory reminiscent of "Jungle Cruise" (2021) and "Dora and the Lost City of Gold" (2019). The film involves a lot of hiking but lacks genuine laughter, as Paddington inevitably loses track of the Browns during their seemingly endless journey through the overly polished CGI jungle.
Even though it abandons its distinctive charm, Paddington in Peru closely mimics the visual style of its earlier, beloved films. First-time director Dougal Wilson, known for his touching John Lewis Christmas commercials, sticks to the established aesthetic created by Paul King. As a result, the movie maintains its delightful, somewhat nostalgic appearance, but it features a predictable nod to Steamboat Bill Jr. and a chase reminiscent of Indiana Jones and the giant rolling stone, which lack King’s clever visual humor. Emily Mortimer steps in for Sally Hawkins as the loving, family-oriented Mary Brown, but she doesn’t get the opportunity to showcase anything new in her performance.
What’s lacking in this installment is the sense of looming danger (menacing foes, life-threatening situations) that previously gave Paddington films an exhilarating edge, which is missing from the drawn-out comedic chases and the sweet resolutions. The two comedic villains here elicit laughs rather than fear. The Rev Mother exudes a quirky sincerity, while Cabot swings between his greed and his commitment to his overlooked daughter, Gina. Pressured by the avaricious spirit of his Conquistador ancestor (playfully portrayed by Banderas), Cabot’s burden of family expectations contributes to the moral lesson that’s as essential to a Paddington film as his signature Hard Stare.
Paddington’s journey of learning reflects the experience of immigrants trying to balance two cultures. However, it lacks the emotional depth required to match the warmth of the previous films.
Paddington's adventure in Peru will hit UK theaters on November 8th.
