"Paddington in Peru", the third installment to the much loved Paddington franchise, delivers a charming children's story with spectacular scenery and a diverse cast featuring the talented Olivia Colman. However, it falls short in light of its nearly perfect predecessors, "Paddington" (2014) and "Paddington 2" (2017).
The first two films revitalized Michael Bond's 1958 character Paddington bear, honouring its quintessentially British essence, while also bringing the character into the modern era. A wave of inevitable disappointment accompanies this latest entry, due to the departure of director Paul King. The helm was handed to British adverts director Dougal Wilson, known for his iconic holiday ads for John Lewis.
Despite lacking the unique humour and edge that made the first two films exceptional, "Paddington in Peru" delivers a fair enough job under the circumstances. Serving up a diversion from the original formula, the film requires Paddington to leave Windsor Gardens and return to his home, Peru. The journey drags his adopted family, the Browns, into a new and unfamiliar environment, diverting from the typical British scenarios, but potentially widening the film's global appeal.
The story evolves around Paddington's journey back to Peru, which is spurred by a mysterious letter from the Reverend Mother who runs the retirement home for aged bears in Peru. The Brown family, concerned of the growing individuality among the children, decide to accompany Paddington on his trip. Their adventure becomes a search for Aunt Lucy who has inexplicably left the retirement home, leading them to hire a boat helmed by Hunter Cabot (Antonio Banderas) and his daughter Gina (Carla Tous). The adventure that ensues encounters everything from abandoned Inca cities to falling masonry.
While "Paddington in Peru" serves up less originality than its predecessors, its appeal might lay with younger audiences, paving the way for the future of the franchise. The title character's detailed animation, combined with Ben Whishaw's voice over, stands out as the most memorable performance from the film. We can see it as a potential testament for including visual effects-generated performances in awards' consideration.
Nonetheless, the charm that makes Paddington a distinctive franchise is carried through in "Paddington in Peru", making for a pleasing viewing experience. The quirks and charm of the character, along with the physical comedy and commendable performances, may not outdo its predecessors, but certainly uphold the brand.
