Cert – PG, Run-time – 1 hour 46 minutes, Director – Dougal Wilson
With news that Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton) has gone missing in the Peruvian jungle, Paddington (Ben Whishaw) and the Browns travel to his homeland to find her.
The go to storyline for any big screen sitcom adaptation or on-its-last-breath franchise entry is to send the characters on holiday. After two pitch perfect entries the third feature outing for Paddington Bear sees him and the Brown family fill their bags for a trip to his homeland of Peru. Thankfully, amongst many jars of marmalade, there’s plenty of room for the standard warmth and charm which have become a trademark of this most British of franchises.
Stepping in for Paul King, who still has a story credit alongside Simon Farnaby and co-screenwriter Mark Burton, frequent John Lewis Christmas ad director Dougal Wilson takes the helm for his feature debut. Understanding the tone and style of this franchise from the opening scene, in typical flashback fashion, it might take some time for those nervous about a third film, or new name taking over – this is certainly the most nervous I can remember being for a film – but as soon as Olivia Colman (on very funny form, having the time of her life) starts singing as the Reverend Mother of the Home for Retired Bears about Paddington’s arrival I was welcomed back in to that familiar joy with open arms.
When Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton) goes missing in the Peruvian jungle Paddington (once again wonderfully voiced by a gentle Ben Whishaw) and the Browns go in search of her, with the help of boat captain Hunter Cabot (Antonio Banderas) and daughter Gina (Carla Tous). However, as they near the possible location Aunt Lucy has ventured towards they find themselves encountering clues that could also lead them to the lost city of El Dorado and its hidden treasure. Clear adventure flick inspirations lie throughout – Wilson has cited Fitzcarraldo and Aguirre as influences on the film – and while the location may be very different the overall formula is still recognisable. Whishaw’s Paddington remains just as kind and polite and it means that the world continues to be right as he brings to light his aunt’s adage “when skies are grey, hope is the way”.
Undeniably this is the bear’s biggest adventure yet and this third outing takes a much bigger scale than before. Yet, neither he nor the film feels out of their depth. Amongst the rapid rivers and endless trees of the jungle there’s still room for Buster Keaton references, and enjoyable nods to the previous two entries. This is a world of consistency that whilst embracing the spirit of adventure manages to ground itself with heart, humour and in particular Dario Marianelli’s score which makes great use of recurring motifs to capture a sense of wonderment in the surroundings. Slapstick and wordplay is used to great effect – our reintroduction to Paddington sees a chaotic interaction with a passport photo machine and innocent clumsiness continues throughout – and another enjoyable villain who creates an entertaining threat, particularly in the climactic events featuring a chase full of fun ideas and obstacles in a large maze-like setting.
Yet, amongst the travelling and trekking the subtly woven heart of the film relates to Paddington’s own personal journey of home and belonging. At the start of the film fellow Windsor Gardens residents congratulate Paddington on becoming a British citizen with the receipt of his passport, the first place he goes is to his homeland in the search of the bear who raised him, with those who fulfilled the request of the label round his neck in the train station he was found in, and then some – ‘please look after this bear’.
While not everything is entirely subtle, one or two throwaway lines relating to the search for El Dorado stick out a bit, the emotion still builds up for a truly effective punch in the third act. One which makes the most of our connection to both Paddington and the family that took him in, and respectively the connection that they have with each other; early on it’s mentioned that Mrs Brown (Emily Mortimer – successfully stepping in for Sally Hawkins, even if the celebrated spark of caring idiosyncrasy isn’t present) wishes that the family would spend more time together.
Since their releases ten and seven years ago respectively, the first two Paddington films have become the most comforting of comfort films for me. Almost appointment viewing whenever they’re on. While moving much of the action across the globe, Paddington In Peru still continues this trilogy’s integral themes of identity, caring and belonging. Another open bear hug it’s another comforting and enjoyable hit. Full of laughs and heart, it’s hard to reach the heights of Paddington, let alone Paddington 2, and this might not quite hit then but it does its best and makes for another excellent outing which both leaves a spread smile long after the credits, and marks an almost perfect trilogy. Joyful and packed with care, Dougal Wilson himself has taken on the mantle to ‘please look after this bear’ and has done so in entertaining and heartfelt fashion.
Continuing themes of caring and belonging, Paddington In Peru marks a strong close to an almost perfect trilogy. Just as heartfelt, funny and charming as before with a spirit of adventure which remains consistent with the franchise, it’s easy to settle in for another warm, emotional bear hug.
Just A Little Bit Random 