*** ½
Paddington in Peru, the third film in the Paddington series, is a delightful film that the entire family will enjoy. The film has plenty of humor and good messages about the importance of family.
The film was directed by Dougal Wilson in his feature film debut. It was written by Oscar nominee Mark Burton (Shaun the Sheep), Jon Foster (The Adventures of Paddington), and James Lamont (The Adventures of Paddington).
The film begins by taking us back to Paddington’s origins in Peru. As a small bear, he saw an orange on small tree that was high above a river. As he climbed out onto the tree, the branch broke and he tumbled down into the river. He was carried along the raging river and over a waterfall. This scene could be a little scary for very young viewers. As he went under the water, he was rescued by who he would come to know as Aunt Lucy.
Years later, while living with the Brown family in London, Paddington (voiced by Ben Whishaw), receives a letter from the Reverend Mother, played by Oscar winner Olivia Coleman (The Favourite), head of the Home for Retired Bears run by nuns in Peru. The letter states that she is worried about Aunt Lucy (voiced by Imelda Staunton), and that she seems very lonely. Paddington, who just got his passport, wants to go to Peru to see Aunt Lucy.
The Brown family is comprised of Henry, played by Emmy nominee Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey), Mary, played by Emily Mortimer (who replaces Sally Hawkins from the first two films), daughter Judy, played by Madeleine Harris, and son Jonathan, played by Samuel Joslin. While all still living in the same house, they aren’t as close as they used to be. So, what better way to bring them together than a family vacation to Peru so that Paddington can visit his Aunt Lucy.
However, when the Brown family arrives at the Home for Retired Bears, the Reverend Mother tells them that Aunt Lucy has left, leaving only her eye glasses and bracelet. From a map Paddington finds in Aunt Lucy’s room, it appears that she has gone to Rumi Rock.
The family quickly finds a river boat to take them along the Amazon river to Rumi Rock. The boat is captained by Hunter Cabot, played by Oscar nominee Antonio Banderas (Pain and Glory), and his teenage daughter Gina, played by Carla Tous. Hunter hopes to find El Dorado, the lost city of gold, which has eluded his family for generations.
Will Paddington and the Browns be able to find Aunt Lucy with Hunter and Gina’s help?
This is an enjoyable film with a good cast, led by the adorable Paddington and Olivia Coleman as the Reverend Mother.
