“Paddington in Peru” is the latest film in the Paddington franchise and director Douglas Wilson’s feature film debut. With such an important and beloved franchise to so many, Wilson has made a film that both longtime fans and newcomers will enjoy, delivering a heartwarming and delightful experience.
The film follows Paddington as he embarks on a journey to Peru in search of his aunt Lucy, who mysteriously disappears from the home for retired bears shortly before his arrival. With the Brown family by his side, he meets boat captain Hunter Cabot and Cabot’s daughter, who join Paddington on his adventure to find El Dorado and aunt Lucy. However, a conspiracy lurks beneath the home for retired bears.
Let’s get it out of the way: The film contains several nods to Herzog’s classics “Aguirre, the Wrath of God” and “Fitzcarraldo.” You can see it in Hunter Cabot’s outfit, his entrance playing a gramophone and much more. Wilson’s film proudly wears its inspirations on its sleeve, and I’m all for it. I love Werner Herzog’s classic films, and anything inspired by them gets a thumbs-up in my book (as I mentioned in my Nosferatu review, I swear I’m not a Herzog fanboy). That’s not to say the film has only Herzog references. It also sneaks in some fun Indiana Jones nods and more.
Unsurprisingly, or maybe surprisingly, depending on your thoughts on the franchise, the performances in “Paddington in Peru” are phenomenal. Ben Whishaw, who voices Paddington, is a delight. His soft-spoken delivery perfectly embodies Paddington’s gentle nature, giving Paddington an innocent charm and endearing vulnerability. Rather than exaggerated, Whishaw’s performance is subtle and heartfelt, making Paddington feel like a real character who belongs in our human world. Olivia Colman is another standout with her performance as the Reverend Mother, delivering an unhinged performance filled with manic energy reminiscent of Hugh Grant’s excellent performance as Phoenix Buchanan in its prequel “Paddington 2.” Her musical number, “Let’s Prepare for Paddington,” is a film highlight, and the performance only adds to her presence. Colman, without a doubt, delivers the film’s most memorable performance. Finally, Antonio Banderas brings effortless charm and energy to Hunter Cabot. His interactions with his ancestors’ ghosts and Paddington add plenty of humor to the film. While Banderas might not be the funniest addition to the cast, his character carries the most emotional weight as he wrestles with his past and family legacy.
The film is also filled with both thrilling action and comedy. Its adventure premise is reminiscent of Indiana Jones, as Paddington and the Browns traverse land, sea and sky, narrowly avoiding some kind of catastrophe at every turn (and I use “catastrophe” loosely here, as this is a family movie after all). Paddington finds himself running from boulders, and the Browns attempt to escape a crashing plane as they trek through the jungle. That’s not to say the film is all action, though. As always, Paddington’s well-meaning nature leads to mishaps throughout, delivering the charming humor fans have come to expect from the franchise. Colman and Banderas are fantastic in their comedic moments, with Colman’s unhinged energy and Banderas’ charisma adding to the fun. While the film may not be as funny as “Paddington 2,” it definitely makes up for it with its action-adventure sequences, which are far more exhilarating than previous films.
The film also has beautiful cinematography, in large part due to its new location. Peru opens the movie to a whole new world and helps shake up the franchise. The Peruvian landscapes, from lush jungles to Incan ruins, are filled with beautiful and vibrant colors, building this bold world. In addition, the Bear Retirement Home is a standout location with its whimsical design against the middle of the Andes.
Ultimately, the film’s true strength lies in its heartfelt thematic exploration of family and belonging. The film deals with identity as Paddington explores his roots in Peru and his connection to his British adoptive family, which only lends to its heartwarming atmosphere.
“Paddington in Peru” is a story of adventure and identity through Wilson’s heartfelt storytelling. With its beautiful visuals, charming performances and the perfect blend of humor and emotion, the film is a worthy sequel to this beloved franchise and offers fresh adventures for fans old and new.
