Paddington in Peru (G)
Directed by: Dougal Wilson
Starring: Ben Wishaw, Emily Mortimer, Olivia Colman
Review by: Julian Wright
The Marmalade-loving bear discovers his roots in an overseas adventure, but the hijinks don’t quite hit the heights of the previous two films.
When Paddington receives a letter from his Aunty Lucy, he and the Brown family decide to visit her at the Home for Retired Bears in Peru.
When they arrive, they discover she has actually disappeared, and must track her down through the Amazon jungle in a greater adventure than they planned.
Along the way, they meet a collection of quirky characters including Reverend Mother (a scene-stealing Olivia Colman) and treasure hunter Hunter Cabot (Antonio Banderas), who may or may not be trusty allies.
It is always a joy to see the gentle and sweet Paddington on the big screen, again, perfectly voiced by Ben Wishaw. He is so beautifully realised by the creative team and his presence is always so heartwarming.
Unfortunately, his latest adventure is lacking.
The absence of writer/director Paul King is noticeable – his films tackled themes like immigration which gave them weight.
Here, Dougal Wilson has stepped into the director’s chair working with a story about family and discovering your roots, which just doesn’t have the same urgency or edge.
The pacing this time around is also skewed – there are some action packed sequences, but they are bridged with long, slow stretches that could test the patience of youngsters.
Come for Paddington but stay for Colman, who is the brightest spark in a cast of actors struggling to make their mark (the Brown children are always there, but don’t actually do much.)
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