34/12
Paddington returns to Peru to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, who is now living in the Bear retirement home. With the Brown family by his side, an exciting adventure ensues when a mystery takes them on an unexpected journey. The director of the previous two films, Paul King, decided not to direct the role. However, he pitched the idea for this third film and was involved as an executive producer. Presented on the Graham Norton Show: Billy Crystal/Emily Mortimer/Hugh Bonneville/Pharrell Williams/Michael Kiwanuka (2024). ‘Paddington in Peru (2024)’ is not as good as ‘Paddington 2 (2017)’, but it’s not as big a step back as some early reactions led me to believe. Overall, it’s still a fun and wonderfully decent experience that’s as enjoyable as it is lively. While the more conventional adventure story is less idiosyncratic than the vignette approach of the first two pictures, it still works well enough in that context and allows its likeable characters to continue to charm even when subjected to a conventional sequel taken out of their natural habitat to explore the main character’s as-yet-unknown origins. There are plenty of funny moments and the film is good-natured from the first frame. It’s a very good film, and sometimes that’s all it needs. What it lacks compared to its predecessors is a strong emotional core. While some of its moments are moving, the play isn’t particularly moving and won’t get your tear ducts moving. Additionally, some of its characters are quite shallow and, as my brother pointed out, almost seem like obligatory afterthoughts. The narrative is generally quite conventional and follows a specific formula almost to the point. It’s pretty predictable and feels relatively generic, almost as if it’s been downgraded to Paddington after its basic beats have already been mapped out. Despite a few issues, there’s still enough to enjoy in this feature. Its likable cast is still going strong, with delightful newcomers (Antonio Banderas and Olivia Coleman) happily chewing up the scenery whenever it’s appropriate. The special effects are still good, bringing the eponymous bear to life convincingly, in a way that makes it strange to think he’s never in the same space as the other characters. When he’s not naturally appearing on the red carpet, it feels like someone is missing. The film is light and bouncy; it really comes across and is generally a lot of fun. It’s full of gags, visuals and dialogue, as well as slapstick action scenes that will have you on your toes. It’s a genuinely good time. Ultimately, this is a perfectly respectable addition to its series, well-made and enjoyable throughout. It’s a shame it’s followed by „Paddington 2 (2017)”, because there’s an argument that it’s the best – or at least the most universally appealing – film of all time, because it really is a great family film. If you’re expecting (again) the best film of all time, or even the second best film of all time, you’re obviously going to be disappointed. However, this is a terrific effort, charming and entertaining in almost every scene. It’s far better than many similar awards. If you’re not expecting a miracle, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
