Introduction

It’s been 7 years since the release of my favorite film of 2018, Paddington 2. It is, in my opinion, one of the best films of the 2010s and leaves a daunting task in following it up. It has a lot going against it, unfortunately. A sequel that comes out 7 years after the first usually doesn’t bode well.  And it changed up some of the cast and the writer/director. However, I’m happy to report that it didn’t lose that Paddington charm, despite not living up to its predecessor.

Synopsis

Paddington in Peru follows Paddington Brown (voiced by Ben Whishaw) and the Browns on a literal and metaphorical journey. Paddington is now a British citizen (I guess they give bears citizenship there now).  However, he receives a disturbing letter from Peru, the place of his birth. He is informed by a nun (Olivia Colman) at the bear nursing home that his Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton) has been acting very strange. The rest of the family decide that they should take the risk and go visit Aunt Lucy.

After arriving at the bear nursing home, they find that Aunt Lucy has gone missing. They find clues that suggest she has gone to a landmark several days away by boat and embark on a journey to find her. The boat that carries them is captained by Hunter Cabot (Antonio Banderas) and his daughter, Gina (Carla Tous), who seem to have a strange connection with the landmark.

Review

Both me and my daughter were very moved by the film and its themes and payoffs. Without spoiling it, I can say that the theme is about the changes that happen when we “leave the nest.” The Brown matriarch, Mary (recast as the incredible Emily Mortimer), is dealing with her daughter (Madeleine Harris) leaving home to attend university. Whereas they try to get their son (Samuel Joslin) to leave home more instead of playing video games all day. And Paddington is dealing with the complicated emotions of choosing a new home and still respecting where he came from.

My fears about the new director, Dougal Wilson, were unfounded. He has taken the reigns and kept the characters and tone intact. I was impressed at the remarkable job blending the silliness and the emotional beats. I fully expect that if he does another one, he will make an even better installment than this one.

Emily Mortimer fills the role of Mary Brown from Sally Hawkins marvelously. She should be commended for not trying to do an impression and bringing her sensibilities to the role. And of course, Hugh Bonneville is just as good as ever in providing the bulk of the physical comedy (outside of Paddington himself). Olivia Colman probably is my favorite performance of the film. She plays a thoroughly convincing reverent mother while also providing the most laughs out of anyone.

I’m so glad that Dario Marianelli returned to compose this installment. He is such a versatile composer, and this film continues to showcase how much joy a score can bring to a film. I’m a bit disappointed that the “band” that was featured so heavily in parts of the first two movies only make a token appearance or two.

The Bottom Line

Paddington in Peru is very good, being full of wholesome laughs. It is also quite moving, despite not being the masterpiece that its predecessor was. If I were to rank them, I would say this is the second best in the trilogy.