Paddington in Peru has finally premiered in theaters across the United States, marking another delightful addition to the beloved Paddington franchise produced by Studio Canal. This installment is helmed by director Dougal Wilson, who takes over the directorial duties from Paul King, the creative mind behind the first two films. While King remains involved with a story credit, the screenplay has been co-written by James Lamont and Jon Foster, the talented duo responsible for Paddington’s recent animated series. This new film sticks closely to the well-loved formula established in previous entries, though some might argue it follows the blueprint a bit too rigidly.

Returning to voice the iconic character of Paddington Bear is Ben Whishaw, who embarks on an adventurous quest to Peru in search of Aunt Lucy (voiced by Imelda Staunton). After receiving troubling news from the Reverend Mother of her retirement home, portrayed by Olivia Colman, Paddington learns that Aunt Lucy has mysteriously wandered off into the depths of the Amazon rainforest. Accompanying him on this thrilling journey is the Brown family, who are eager for one last family outing before the children fly the nest. The original cast members reprise their roles, including Hugh Bonneville as Mr. Brown, Madeline Harris as Judy, Samuel Joslin as Jonathan, and Julie Walters as Mrs. Bird, while Emily Mortimer takes over the role of Mrs. Brown from Sally Hawkins.

Emily Mortimer brings a fresh perspective to the character of Mrs. Brown, offering a portrayal that feels like an intriguing alternate timeline for the family. Her nurturing and wholesome nature is dialed down, which significantly alters the family dynamic and narrative. This new interpretation allows Mrs. Brown to contend with the reality of her children growing up and preparing to leave for college, a storyline that might not align with Hawkins’ more adventurous and independent portrayal. This change does, however, facilitate a smoother transition between the actresses, aided by flashbacks and a new rendition of Paddington’s first meeting with Mrs. Brown. While this shift may take some time for fans to adjust to, it provides depth and a fresh angle on the Brown family’s journey.

© Sony Pictures

Despite taking the storyline away from its familiar London setting, Paddington in Peru largely plays it safe. The film introduces Antonio Banderas as Hunter Cabot, a charismatic guide who assists the Browns in their search for Aunt Lucy along the Amazon River. His character, along with his daughter Gina (played by Carla Tous), becomes pivotal in the quest, although Cabot is tempted by the allure of hunting for the mythical gold of El Dorado—an element that ties back to Paddington’s origin story. Initially, the El Dorado subplot seems like a generic trope that may not resonate well with audiences. Additionally, the film’s first two acts are filled with familiar setups that echo the plots of the earlier films, with villains that evoke memories of those played by Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant. As the adventure unfolds, the quest for El Dorado takes on a slapstick tone that elicits some laughs, but also suffers from uneven pacing.

The signature whimsy and chaos that fans have come to expect from Paul King’s previous Paddington films are notably absent until the final act, where the themes of this somewhat chaotic film begin to crystallize, and Peru finally earns its rightful place in the franchise. The narrative explores Mrs. Brown’s challenges as she faces an empty nest, alongside the Cabots who are breaking free from generational cycles, subtly addressing the roles of exploration and religion in the context of colonization. Most importantly, this film captures Paddington’s overarching journey—his struggle for acceptance in London and the quest to reconnect with his roots in Peru. Paddington in Peru thoughtfully addresses the often-ignored xenophobic prejudices directed at marginalized communities, offering a narrative that is both affirming and resonant. While the film may not be flawless, it leaves audiences eagerly anticipating Paddington’s future adventures.

Paddington in Peru opens on February 14.

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