Movie Review ~ Paddington in Peru

Following up a beloved classic is no small task—let alone two.  The first Paddington film was a delightful surprise, and its sequel somehow managed to raise the already high bar, blending warmth, wit, and whimsy into something unforgettable.  Naturally, Paddington in Peru arrives in the US (after making bank in the UK since its release last November) with sky-high expectations.  And while it still carries plenty of the franchise’s signature charm, there’s no denying that some of the magic feels just a little out of reach.

This time, Paddington (once again voiced with irresistible sincerity by Ben Whishaw, Skyfall) sets off on a journey back to Peru after receiving a letter about the well-being of his beloved Aunt Lucy who lives at the Home for Retired Bears in Peru.  Alongside the ever-supportive Brown family—though notably without Sally Hawkins as Mary Brown, replaced here by Emily Mortimer—he finds himself caught up in a jungle adventure filled with treasure hunts, eccentric villains, and, of course, plenty of well-meaning chaos.

Visually, Paddington in Peru is as stunning as ever.  Andy Kelly’s production design beautifully contrasts London’s cozy elegance with the vibrancy of the Peruvian jungle, while Charlotte Walter’s costumes maintain the series’ signature warmth—though I did miss Lindy Hemming’s playful color palette seen on the actors in the previous entries.  Dario Marianelli’s score keeps things sprightly and upbeat, even when the film’s pacing stumbles.

And that’s where Paddington in Peru struggles most.  With first-time feature director Dougal Wilson stepping in as director—taking over from Paul King, who still has a story credit—the film feels more like an energetic detour than a seamless continuation.  Wilson, best known for his music videos and commercials, brings plenty of visual playfulness, but he doesn’t quite capture the delicate emotional balance that made the first two films so special.  The movie still sparkles, but it lacks the effortless flow of its predecessors.

That said, the cast remains as delightful as ever.  Downton Abbey‘s Hugh Bonneville slides back into Henry Brown’s perpetually flustered but fiercely loving presence, and Mortimer (Relic) is a fine Mary Brown, though Hawkins’ warmth is noticeably missed.  Julie Walters’ always busy Mrs.  Bird continues to steal scenes, and newcomers Antonio Banderas (Babygirl) and Carla Tous (stepping in for the originally announced Rachel Zegler) bring their own brand of mischievous energy as Peruvian guides.  Olivia Colman’s (Wicked Little Letters) Reverend Mother adds an extra layer of eccentricity and a surprisingly catchy song, but her role, while fun, is a little too easy to figure out.

The biggest challenge for Paddington in Peru is its setting.  Part of Paddington’s charm has always been his contrast with the prim and proper world of London—his ability to upend British order with his well-intentioned antics.  Taking him out of that environment shifts the dynamic, trading the franchise’s signature coziness for adventure.  The jungle backdrop offers spectacle and mystery, but it comes at the cost of some of the familiarity that made the first two films so effortlessly endearing.

Even so, a slightly lesser Paddington film is still miles ahead of most family fare.  It’s funny, heartwarming, and full of the kind of good-natured humor that makes both kids and adults feel at home.  And while it may not reach the dazzling heights of Paddington 2 (let’s be honest, few sequels ever will), Paddington in Peru remains a worthy, marmalade-filled romp that keeps the heart of the franchise alive.  And sometimes, that’s more than enough.