Paddington is back! After taking a seven-year break Paddington Bear is once again causing mayhem and laughs on the big screen. It is always a risky move to bring out a sequel after two or more successes, but it is even more of a risk when the previous film was named the highest rated film of all time (at least until that one review was added). Then add on the risk that is Paddington bear himself - a character that has become beloved by all, is as synonymous with the UK as the Royal Family and you have rather large expectations to live up too. But there is no need to worry however, Paddington in Peru is a charming triumph, worthy of its predecessors - even exceeding them in entertainment value. Read on for my full review, there will be minor spoilers.
Taking the reins from director Paul King who delivered Paddington (2014) and Paddington 2 (2017) is Douglas Wilson, who understood the beloved status of everyone's favourite marmalade eating bear. We saw Paddington (Voiced by Ben Whishaw) travel from Peru to London, battling displacement in the first film, now it is time for the Brown family to be displaced. The family is on the cusp of huge change, Judy (Madeleine Harris) is off to university, Henry (Hugh Bonneville) is experiencing a midlife crisis, Jonathan (Samuel Joslin) has become a typical teenager and Mary (Emily Mortimer) is facing having an empty nest - which prompts her to take the whole family along with Mrs. Bird (Julie Walters) to Peru to see Paddington's Aunt Lucy (Voiced by Imelda Staunton). Taking them on an epic adventure filled with challenges, calamity, villains and misdirection. This is as much an adventure for the characters as it is for audiences. If this film doesn't have you laughing for over an hour straight, then I am not sure what will. Paddington in Peru offers an engaging narrative full of heartfelt sentiment, endless laughs and dramatic moments. Prepare yourself to believe anything and everything is plausible and enjoy the ride through darkest Peru.
The Paddington films have stayed incredibly consistent with casting considering the seven-year break, but there is one major change, Emily Mortimer marvellously steps into the role of Mary Brown, perfectly portraying Marys' warmth, creativity and positive energy. Joining the cast we have Antonio Banderas as Hunter Cabot - an Amazonian River captain and his daughter Gina played by Carla Tous. Banderas delivers a wonderfully haunted, charismatic performance. I simply loved his cameos as his ancestors, you can tell he had a wonderful time bringing so many roles to life. Olivia Colman also joins the team as the hilarious Reverend Mother who runs the Home for Retired Bears, the moment she got out her guitar and sang a number that is highly reminiscent of the Sound of Music I just knew she would make me laugh every time she was on screen. With a cast as accomplished and well known as this one, Paddington in Peru is packed with faultless, convincing performances from start to end.
Paddington in Peru follows the same creative formula that was so effective and successful in the first two films. Which is a combination of: British humour, heightened style, Warmth and themes of love, belonging and family. Paddington is as wonderful as ever as he continues to get into endless calamities that make him all the more endearing. Visually, it is evident that a combination of on location, set and CGI was used throughout, the authenticity of the jungle achieved due to weeks of on location filming in Peru and Columbia and Machu Picchu. Such extensive background shooting took place, that it's hard to believe that many scenes were shot in woods outside London where the jungle had been recreated by production designer Andrew Kelly. Whilst the bulk of the film is set in Peru the adventure is bookended with scenes on the familiar setting of 32 Windsor Gardens, London, offering grounding and nostalgia to the narrative, ensuring the film remains close to its roots. Throughout, the film features lush, vivid visuals ensuring it is an engaging watch whilst taking inspiration from Peruvian culture in the colour palette throughout. I also loved the nods to other films, including moments that are reminiscent of: Mary Poppins, James Bond and Indiana Jones.
Overall, Paddington in Peru is a rich cinematic experience. Even in some of my most highly rated films I can always find a moment that I could pick at, but that is not the case with this film, every moment is perfect - I would not change a thing. Not only is Paddington in Peru an adventure of laughs, and a few tears, it is a story of identity and home, masterfully brought to life in an authentic and beautiful way. An undeniable five star film.
Fun fact: Paddington Bear now has an official UK passport and it was used in the film!
Thank you for reading xx
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