Paddington In Peru ★★★

Released: 8 November 2024

Director: Dougal Wilson

Starring: Ben Whishaw, Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer, Julie Walters, Olivia Colman, Antonio Banderas, Imelda Staunton

It’s time to pack your marmalade sandwiches as Paddington and the Browns are off on a brand new (mis)adventure! The beloved blue duffle coat wearing bear is undeniably a national treasure following the incredible success of the first two features, catapulting the Peruvian export to Buckingham Palace for a spot of afternoon tea with the Queen as part of the Jubilee celebrations. But can first time director Dougal Wilson replicate the magic of Paul King’s previous instalments?

Following the arrival of an unexpected letter from the Reverend Mother (Colman) explaining how his beloved Aunt Lucy (Staunton) is missing him, Paddington (Whishaw) and the Browns quickly set off to the Home for Retired Bears in Peru. However, a mysterious disappearance soon thrusts the family on a thrilling new adventure, with riverboat captain Hunter Cabot (Banderas) guiding the clan through the Amazon rainforest and the mountain peaks of Peru.

With the gang swapping their quaint Windsor Gardens home in London for the deepest darkest jungles of Peru, the third instalment is certainly more ambitious and adventurous. With thrilling action and greater perils to overcome, Wilson & co. are clearly attempting to mix up the formula of this family favourite franchise. And while there’s a fresh perspective on Paddington’s journey with an exploration of identity and belonging. The outing does lose some of its charm, straying into familiar action-adventure territory with similar story beats to Jungle Cruise and Dora the Explorer.

Despite this, there’s still bags of charming moments and slapstick humour to enjoy, with a sequence featuring an out of control river boat (complete with a terrifying spider!) proving a real highlight. It’s clear that the returning cast had a blast with the added action and new locations, particularly Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville as he excels as a rejuvenated Mr Brown. Julie Walters’ is still undeniably the MVP as the hilarious Mrs Bird, but franchise newcomer Olivia Colman almost steals the show as the guitar strumming nun, channelling her inner Julie Andrews for a hilarious rendition of the new song “Paddington in Peru”. It’s a real shame that we aren’t treated to nearly enough screen time from the beloved British gem. 

Meanwhile Antonio Banderas is as charismatic as ever – and it’s very fun to get a Paddington x Puss in Boots crossover of sorts – Hunter Cabot’s arc and motivations are undeniably similar to a certain beloved franchise villain, it’ll be difficult to escape the comparisons to Hugh Grant’s hugely charismatic Phoenix Buchanan. 

It really is lovely to be back in this wonderfully rich world again, which is bursting with the much loved characters and locations, plenty of fun easter eggs (spot the much publicised photo with Paddington and the late Queen) and fun visual gags (the bear themed newspaper titles and Simon Farnaby’s fun cameo are highlights). It’s clear that no expense has been spared when it comes to the intricate and inventive Peruvian village and jungle sets, which magically bring the Home for Retired Bears and the Amazon to life. Also, make sure you hang around for the credits!

While Paddington in Peru doesn’t quite capture the charm and magic of the second instalment, (sorry Paddington, please don’t break out the dreaded Hard Stare) there’s undeniably still bags of heartwarming moments and delightful adventure to enjoy for all the family. The third outing is well worth a watch for Olivia Colman’s hilarious nun alone, along with an unbearably(!) good end credits sequence.