31/29
Starring Graham Norton and Billy Crystal/Emily Mortimer/Hugh Bonneville/Pharrell Williams/Michael Kiwanuka (2024)
Paddington returns to Peru to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, who now lives at the Retirement Bears Home. As the Brown family gathers, a thrilling adventure ensues when a mystery takes them on an unexpected journey. Paul King, the director of the previous two films, decided not to direct this installment. However, he came up with the idea for this third film and was involved as an executive producer. ‘Paddington Peru (2024)’ is not as good as ‘Paddington 2’ (2017), but it’s not as big a step down as some early reactions led me to believe.
Compared to its predecessors, it lacks a strong emotional core
For the most part, it’s still a fun and pleasantly polite experience that’s as enjoyable as it is refreshing. While the standard adventure story is less distinctive than the vignette approach of the first two pictures, it still works well enough in this context, allowing its charming characters to continue to captivate even as they encounter the classic sequel. They are taken out of their natural habitat to explore the protagonist’s as-yet-unknown origins. There are plenty of funny moments, and the film is good-natured from the very first frame. It’s a truly great film, and sometimes that’s all you need.
Despite a few issues, this feature still has more than enough to please
While a few of its moments are moving, the production isn’t particularly moving and won’t bring tears to your eyes. Also, some of its character work is rather superficial and, as my brother pointed out, almost feels like a forced sequel. The story as a whole is quite conventional and follows a specific formula almost to the tee. It’s quite predictable and feels quite generic, almost like it was modified for Paddington after its main beats were already planned. Its charming cast is as strong as ever, with some fine newcomers (Antonio Banderas and Olivia Coleman) happily chewing up the scenery whenever they need to.
It’s a real good time
The special effects are consistently good, with the eponymous bear seemingly brought to life in a way that makes it strange to think he’s never in the same space as the other characters. When he doesn’t appear naturally on the red carpet, something feels missing. The film is light and bouncy; it really flies by and is generally a lot of fun. It’s jam-packed with visual and dialogue highlights and jaw-dropping action scenes that sweep you off your feet. Ultimately, it’s a perfectly respectable addition to its series, one that’s well-made and enjoyable.
It’s much better than a lot of similar fare
It’s a shame it follows Paddington 2 (2017), because there’s an argument to be made for which is the best – or at least the most universally appealing – of the two. – picture of all time, because it’s a truly great family film. If you’re expecting the greatest movie of all time (again) or even the second-best movie of all time, you’re obviously going to be disappointed. But it’s a solid effort that’s captivating and entertaining in almost every scene. If you’re not expecting a miracle, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.