Cut to the chase: Third time’s another charmer for Paddington Bear, whose adventures and hijinks are just too adorable to pass up. Though writer-director Paul King does not return for this jaunt through the Amazon, “Paddington in Peru” retains the warmth and magic of its predecessors with a heartfelt entry that will have young viewers eager to explore the many wonders of our world, both in person and through the magic of storytelling.
Synopsis
Paddington (Ben Whishaw) has settled into life with the Browns, just as Mary (Emily Mortimer) and Henry (Hugh Bonneville) prepare for an empty nest. Now a UK citizen, Paddington is thrilled to get his passport — just in time for an urgent trip to South America.
His Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton) has vanished from her retirement home, leaving behind clues pointing to El Dorado. The Browns join Paddington on a jungle adventure, enlisting a riverboat captain (Antonio Banderas) and his daughter (Carla Tous) to help. But not everyone is who they seem, and the search for treasure turns into a heartwarming journey of family and discovery.
(Image courtesy Studio Canal / Columbia Pictures)
A threequel for the books
For decades, Paddington has been an iconic figure for readers, filmgoers, and followers of pop culture in the United Kingdom and around the world. The character decked out in his quickly identifiable blue duffel coat and red hat, was created by Michael Bond, who first wrote about the lost bear from Peru in 1958. Bond went on to write 29 books about Paddington’s adventures.
Writer-director Paul King took on the heavy task of making a modern adaptation, and “Paddington” was released in 2014 to rave reviews, including a BAFTA nomination. “Paddington 2”, released in 2017, held a perfect rating on Rotten Tomatoes until 2021 and is very much considered a cult classic.
With mild trepidation and immense hesitancy, my family and I walked into the theater to see what lay in store for Paddington and the Brown family. Though King is no longer at the helm, the Paddington ship does not sink metaphorically, and “Paddington in Peru” offers enough new material and a continuation of the characters to warrant a recommendation.
(Image courtesy Studio Canal / Columbia Pictures)
A commendable paragon
Though “Paddington in Peru” has some fleeting moments that could upset or confuse young viewers, this franchise is a delightful choice for families because Paddington is a wonderful role model for viewers of all ages. He has perfect manners, which he encourages those around him to employ. He is soft-spoken, though firm in his beliefs. He is kind to everyone and judges no one. His compassion and concern for others lead him on this quest to find his Aunt Lucy and ensure her safety and well-being. This is not an easy trip, but he demonstrates that perseverance and dedication are the only answers to completing a goal.
Most importantly, Paddington champions others and sees the best in those around him, even if others are not making the best decisions. He is endlessly loyal. At the end of the film, presented with the option to remain in Peru with the tribe of bears he lost many years ago, Paddington chooses to go home to London with the Browns. This big decision presents impressionable viewers with the idea of autonomy in their own lives. It demonstrates that sometimes, “chosen family” is just as important as any family born into.
(Image courtesy Studio Canal / Columbia Pictures)
Know before you go
- MPAA Rating: PG for action, mild rude humor and some thematic elements
- Recommended Age: 6+
- Runtime: 106 minutes
Nightmare Inducers: Though this “Paddington is Peru” is all in good fun, there are moments of peril that may frighten sensitive viewers. In the opening sequence, young Paddington falls from a great height into rushing waters, barely escaping with his life and being separated from his tribe. There are quite a few scary moments on the river, where, at one point, the boat is missing its captain and capsizes. Several references to death and sequences show how various people had perished. The film features weaponry like a large machete blade, spiky plants that cause Paddington pain, a musket, and even an umbrella used in defense.
Complex Concepts or Emotions: A few more complicated aspects of the script may confuse young viewers. The riverboat captain has hallucinations involving his dead ancestors, who haunt him and seemingly come to life. The distinction between what is real and what is not may be difficult for some. Though Paddington has found a loving home with the Browns, the fact that he was ripped away from the tribe of Peruvian bears who, it’s revealed in the film, have a wholesome and very tight-knit community, might be an emotional revelation and eventual reunion for some viewers. Finally, Colman’s nun character, who is a religious figure and a person of authority at the retirement home, takes advantage of her position and uses her stature for nefarious personal gain and self-interest, a point that may be confusing or upsetting for some.
