The endearing character of Paddington (Ben Whishaw) returns in Paddington in Peru, the third installment in the film series. This time, he ventures from London to his native Peru, seeking a reunion with his cherished Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton). In typical Paddington fashion, the journey is far from straightforward, as he and the Brown family find themselves entangled in an engaging mystery within the Amazon rainforest.
Paddington, created by Michael Bond, first appeared in the 1958 book, A Bear Called Paddington. The iconic bear, recognized by his hat, blue duffel coat, and fondness for marmalade sandwiches, is a spectacled bear from “darkest Peru.” Discovered at Paddington Station in London, he was taken in by the Brown family. His polite and affable nature has cemented his status as a beloved character globally, across both literature and film.
Paddington in Peru marks the third film in the series, and my initial experience with the franchise. While I typically prefer to view preceding films before watching a sequel, time constraints prevented me from doing so in this instance. Nevertheless, the film effectively introduces new viewers, providing sufficient context for comprehension. Ben Whishaw delivers a remarkable performance as Paddington, complemented by commendable visual effects. The integration of the animated bear with the live-action environment is seamless and believable. Olivia Colman shines as the eccentric abbess, contributing significantly to the film’s entertainment value. Antonio Banderas also delivers a memorable performance as the avaricious Captain Hunter Cabot.
A notable change, as highlighted in the behind-the-scenes content, is the replacement of Sally Hawkins by Emily Mortimer in the role of Mary Brown. This casting change has been met with disappointment by some fans, who feel it negatively impacts the character. The reasons for Hawkins’ departure remain unclear, as definitive information is currently unavailable.
Having not viewed the previous films, my assessment is based solely on this installment. While undeniably entertaining, Paddington in Peru feels somewhat incomplete. There’s a sense that the prior films established a warm, heartfelt atmosphere that is not fully replicated here. The extensive use of greenscreen technology is occasionally apparent, detracting from the immersion of the Peruvian jungle setting. Furthermore, the narrative is relatively predictable, and while the film is targeted toward a younger audience, a more nuanced script would have been appreciated.
Paddington in Peru is currently unavailable in UHD format in Sweden, limiting us to the Blu-ray release. The visual presentation remains stable, showcasing vibrant colors and deep blacks, effectively revealing the film’s intricate details. However, the audio is limited to DTS Master 5.1, which feels inadequate for a film of this scale. A Dolby Atmos track would have been a welcome addition, particularly in the absence of a UHD edition. On a positive note, the disc includes a wealth of bonus material, which partially compensates for the audio limitations.
In conclusion, Paddington in Peru offers a fast-paced and visually engaging adventure, transporting the beloved bear to new and exotic locales. Despite minor shortcomings in the narrative and the change in cast, the film retains its appeal, particularly for those who appreciate Paddington’s endearing innocence and affability. A more compelling storyline and a UHD release would have elevated the film’s overall rating.
SF-Studios provided review copies for this assessment. Provision of materials does not influence our editorial independence; our reviews are conducted with a focus on delivering unbiased information to our readers and consumers.
