Paddington in Peru

 

Once again, the Brown family (sans Sally Hawkins) have hit the big screen in a new Paddington adventure, and I for one happily made a trip to the theater to see it. I even had the bonus pleasure of my movie adventure being a private screening, so score!

In the franchises’ third installment, Paddington in Peru, most of the original cast from the first two films return save for Hawkins (by choice) with Emily Mortimer taking over the role of Mary Brown. Antonio Banderas and Olivia Colman lend their considerable talents this time around and clearly had a blast in the process. 

Not surprising, this Peruvian adventure of searching for a missing Aunt Lucy quickly becomes a misadventure filled with fun, heart, mayhem, silliness, humor, and good feels.  With a new director and writers taking over, Paddington in Peru has a different feel than the previous two films, but it still works.  And works well.

There’s a good balance of action, humor, and heart. The CGI work is tight. The story simple and charming with good pacing and a satisfactory conclusion.  Plenty of whimsy and good thrills and much needed messaging that’s not heavy handed. The song and dance number are a pure delight and had me grinning from ear to ear and seat dancing along. 

Paddington in Peru is more sentimental with less humor, but there are definite laugh out loud moments.  One scene had me absolutely screaming with laughter. There’s also less of the Brown family members which is a bit of a letdown, but it is what it is. It would’ve been nice to have more of the Brown’s but what you do get doesn’t disappoint.

The cinematography is absolutely gorgeous and having been granted special access to Machu Picchu and surrounding areas pays off in spades. 

Paddington in Peru is a charming, delightful, family film that’s a much-needed hour and forty-six-minute escape from reality. It's touching, sweet, relatable, fun, and simply joyous. A soothing balm for the soul. A feel-good movie that will make you feel glad you made the effort to see it on the big screen. 

Fair warning as always, stay to the very end. There are a couple of mid and post credit scenes that are an unexpected bonus that are sure to please.

Paddington in Peru not only entertained, but it also made me happy and gets a 10 from me.

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