‘Paddington in Peru’: The Beloved Orphan Bear Returns to South America for an Amazon Adventure

Alci Rengifo

Some good franchises have a welcoming feeling when they know what works. “Paddington in Peru” is the latest adventure in the “Paddington” series, bringing pleasing sights with a story perfect for a family outing. Like the Michael Bond books the franchise is based on, each new movie works as an extended bedtime story. This one packs the spirit of a classic jungle adventure, but kept nice enough for its bear hero to impart some useful lessons. Like other U.K. imports, this series thrives on its visual elegance and sophisticated storytelling. There is loads of fun to be had while the script carries very mature ideas.

The story begins with Paddington (Ben Whishaw) finally receiving his British passport, meaning he is officially a citizen of his adopted country. Now he can travel. The opportunity soon presents itself when he receives an urgent message from the Reverend Mother (Olivia Colman) at the Home for Retired Bears in Lima, Peru. It appears Paddington’s Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton) has been falling into a deep melancholy no one can explain. Is her health deteriorating? Paddington decides he must go see his beloved aunt. His adoptive human guardians, Henry (Hugh Bonneville) and Mary Brown (Emily Mortimer replacing Sally Hawkins), decide to travel with him and their kids, Judy (Madeleine Harris) and Jonathan (Samuel Joslin). With Judy about to leave for college, Mary wants the family to go on one more trip together. It quickly becomes an adventure when they arrive in Peru and discover Aunt Lucy has gone missing. Paddington and the clan go off into the Amazon to find her with the help of a Spanish boat captain, Hunter Cabot (Antonio Banderas), who seeks El Dorado.

Amazon River journeys, Spaniards seeking Inca gold, it all seems pretty standard for a typical South American adventure. “Paddington in Peru” delivers these usual gimmicks with much of its warmth and charm. Fans will be wondering if it’s as good as its acclaimed predecessors. “Paddington” was a wonderful fable about finding acceptance while “Paddington 2” is considered by many critics as one of the best family films of the last decade. This third entry is even more of a standard escape for very young viewers. Director Dougal Wilson is taking over from Paul King without shifting the visual palette, even as this movie is closer in rhythm to something like “Jungle Cruise.” This is the kind of entertainment where Olivia Colman croons a catchy sing-along, “Let’s Prepare for Paddington,” with dancing nuns as the Browns fly to Peru and receive friendly waves from the locals as they pass by. Antonio Banderas’ boat captain is tormented by the ghost of his conquistador ancestor, who steps out of an oil painting portrait demanding he search for lost treasure. Needless to say, this is not for viewers old enough to watch “The Brutalist” but certainly for those still too young for “Captain America: Brave New World.” 

If you have little ones and a heart, it’s all rather irresistible. British humor about Paddington receiving his first gentleman’s umbrella goes well with the usual elements like marmalade sandwiches (he still always carries one under his red cap). Delightful side characters keep the plot moving like Mrs. Bird (Julie Walters), the Browns’ loyal housekeeper who starts snooping around the Home for Retired Bears, uncovering certain secrets Mother Superior keeps hidden behind walls. Gina Cabot (Carla Tous), Hunter’s daughter, actually provides some hefty drama when despairing over her father’s obsessions. Jungle critters are thrown everyone’s way, of course, including big purple tarantulas and anteaters. Wilson also has fun with small action scenes, like a boat scene on a raging river that seems modeled after Werner Herzog’s “Fitzcarraldo.” 

What unifies all the “Paddington” films is their sincere themes. “Paddington in Peru” is fun, sweet time but as the story reaches its climax, it becomes a wonderful little parable about the true meaning of family. The final moments reveal some big secrets and then settle on the notion that Paddington may dearly love his Aunt Lucy, but the Browns have become his true home. You could say these films are a celebration of the spirit of adoption. There are those you were born to and those who might provide you with genuine, actual support and solidarity. It’s like sneaking in vitamins for the brain into all the slapstick action and clumsy bear antics. By the time the end credits roll, hopefully the kids take in the lesson of loving someone beyond superficial barriers. Other audience members might be left with a craving for marmalade.

“Paddington in Peru” releases Feb. 14 in theaters nationwide.