“Paddington 2 is incredible,” declares Nick Cage in 2022’s The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, to which Pedro Pascal’s Javi Gutiérrez replies with, “I f–ing told you!”.
The challenge of following up the 2017 cinematic gem is a daunting one, particularly when its predecessor set the bar sky-high. Paddington Bear, the unassuming bear from Michael Bond’s books with a penchant for marmalade, captured hearts in the first film. Three years later, Paddington 2 not only exceeded its predecessor but also cemented its place as a modern classic, beloved for its humour, heart, and Hugh Grant’s (Notting Hill) delightfully villainous turn. A seven-year gap has only intensified anticipation for the bear’s return, with the audience eager to see how his next adventure would unfold.

Stepping into the spotlight, Paddington in Peru comes with big shoes (or paws) to fill. Directorial duties have passed from Paul King (Wonka), who masterfully helmed the first two films, to Dougal Wilson, known for his visually inventive commercials, including the famous John Lewis holiday adverts.
Wilson’s direction in his first feature film brings a new sensibility to Paddington in Peru, but the story leans heavily on familiar tropes: a treasure hunt, a glamorous villain, and Paddington’s penchant for inadvertently causing chaos. Trading London’s bustling charm for the rugged landscapes of the Andes and the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu provides a dramatic shift in setting, sacrificing some of the tea-and-crumpet warmth and absurdist wit that defined the first two films. Wilson, with his background in advertising, ensures the film stays true to the brand while taking creative liberties, though the result feels more like a serviceable Indiana Jones-like adventure than an inspired continuation.

Opening with a flashback to Paddington’s childhood, Paddington in Peru reveals how his love for marmalade oranges led to his separation from his family and his adoption by Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix) and the late Uncle Pastuzo (Michael Gambon, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban). Fast forward to the present day, Paddington receives a mysterious letter from the Reverend Mother (Olivia Colman, The Crown), who oversees a retirement home for aged bears in Peru. Aunt Lucy, it seems, has ventured into the jungle on her own, searching for the fabled Inca treasure of El Dorado, sparking a heartfelt yet briskly paced quest by Paddington to find her.
The Browns, ever devoted to their adopted bear, rally around Paddington. Mr. Brown (Hugh Bonneville, Downton Abbey), feeling pressured at work to be more adventurous, agrees to the journey. Mary Brown (Emily Mortimer, stepping in for Sally Hawkins) sees the trip as a way to reunite a family that has begun to drift apart as the children grow older. While Mortimer’s (The Pink Panther) grounded, maternal energy differs from Hawkins’ (The Shape of Water) flightier portrayal of Mrs. Brown, she blends seamlessly into the family dynamic, so much so that her casting change is hardly noticeable. Julie Walters’ (Mamma Mia!) ever-dependable Mrs. Bird rounds up the expedition, bringing her no-nonsense demeanour to balance the whimsy. Together, they navigate piranha-infested waters, face tarantulas, and confront other jungle hazards as they follow Aunt Lucy’s trail.

To aid their river journey, the Browns enlist the help of Hunter Cabot, a Spanish boat captain played by Antonio Banderas (The Mask of Zorro), and his daughter Gina (Carla Tous, Through My Window: Across the Sea). Cabot appears harmless at first but reveals a peculiar habit of conversing with the ghosts of his gold-obsessed ancestors (from a conquistador to an aviatrix), all portrayed by Banderas in a slightly unhinged twist. Despite a fun concept reminiscent of Grant’s multiple disguises in Paddington 2, Banderas doesn’t quite strike the right chord. His portrayal oscillates between Werner Herzog’s Aguirre, the Wrath of God (1972) and a pantomime villain, but it lacks the absurd charm that made Grant’s Phoenix Buchanan so memorable. It’s an unfortunate misstep for an actor who has proven his comedic flair in other franchises like Puss in Boots (2011).
Fortunately, Colman’s Reverend Mother injects that much-needed spark of playfulness into the film. As a singing nun with a guitar in hand, Colman dances and leads a musical number that channels Julie Andrews’ Maria from The Sound of Music (1965), albeit with a mischievous twist. It’s no secret that her character harbours some less-than-holy intentions, but Colman’s charm and comedic timing make the Reverend Mother one of the most memorable and delightful additions to Paddington’s world.

And speaking of delightful, if there’s one thing Paddington in Peru makes clear, it’s the unparalleled achievement of bringing its title character to life. Animation director Pablo Grillo (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them) and the visual effects team work in harmony with Ben Whishaw’s (the James Bond films) voice performance to ensure Paddington remains irresistibly adorable. Whishaw’s spirited delivery, combined with meticulous attention to detail in Paddington’s animated expressions – particularly those heart-melting close-ups of his golden-brown eyes – creates a character who effortlessly holds the screen. His signature hard stare, of course, makes a triumphant return, deployed with the same comic precision fans have come to adore.
This charm carries through even as the film leans toward a more conventional structure. Moments of physical comedy and inventive mishaps compensate for the familiarity, keeping the energy light and engaging. An early sequence with Paddington navigating a photo booth to secure a passport is a standout, blending tight editing with slapstick humour. Director Wilson escalates the chaos in larger set pieces, including Paddington sinking a boat and a thrilling chase through an ancient Incan city. These moments of physical comedy, while not quite reaching the heights of King’s direction, provide a welcome dose of laughter and remind us of Paddington’s unique ability to find himself in the most unexpected predicaments.

It’s precisely this knack for finding trouble that leads to the most heartwarming aspect of the film – Paddington’s enduring bond with the Brown family. Despite the geographical distance and the new challenges he faces in Peru, Paddington’s connection to his adopted family remains a constant source of warmth and support. When Mrs. Brown laments wanting more time together, it feels like a sentiment directed at the audience, breaking the fourth wall in spirit if not in execution. Here’s hoping it won’t be another seven years before their next adventure.
Though a little marmalade zest may be missing, Paddington’s world is still a place where kindness prevails, and that’s always worth revisiting.
GEEK REVIEW SCORE
Summary
Paddington in Peru’s heart remains in the right place, offering a warm, family-friendly adventure that honours the bear’s heritage, even if it stumbles in delivering the zest of its predecessors.
Overall
7/10-
Story - 6.5/10
6.5/10
-
Direction - 7/10
7/10
-
Characterisation - 7.5/10
7.5/10
-
Geek Satisfaction - 7/10
7/10