The third film in the Paddington franchise is Paddington in Peru. It brings an adventure that takes the bear back to his origins in South America.
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Paddington in Peru changes directors, with Dougal Wilson taking the reins from Paul King, who directed the first two films and co-wrote them with Simon Farnaby.
Emily Mortimer replaces Sally Hawkins as Mrs. Brown, although the change is evident. Ben Whishaw returns as the gentle voice of Paddington.
Olivia Colman joins as the Reverend Mother, a lively, guitar-strumming nun who runs the Home for Retired Bears.
The adventure begins when Paddington receives a letter from the Reverend Mother informing him that Aunt Lucy is struggling in her twilight years, missing her family and her connection to the outside world.
Seeking to reconnect with his roots, Paddington goes on a journey to Peru with the Brown family, a departure from the London-centric setting of the previous films.
This journey brings the Browns face-to-face with Amazonian landscapes and mysterious Inca ruins.
Paddington in Peru is a visually rich experience, featuring lush jungles and breathtaking waterfalls. The Amazonian wilderness becomes almost a character in itself.
The film uses visual effects to viewers in Peru’s picturesque environment, a decision that distinguishes it from the previous films.
Olivia Colman’s Reverend Mother is both hearty and humorous, reminding of Hugh Grant’s performance in Paddington 2.
Antonio Banderas plays a mysterious, dashing riverboat captain, whose motives and connection to a gold-hungry ancestor are suspicious.
Both actors bring charisma and skill to their roles, though their impact doesn’t quite reach the comedic heights achieved by Grant’s character, Phoenix Buchanan.
The story underlines the importance of reconnecting with one’s roots and the bittersweet emotions that come with moving between cultures.
Paddington in Peru maintains a wholesome tone, balancing adventure with a sprinkle of eccentric humor. However, the film leans toward a more cartoonish style, with its action scenes and plot twists feeling slightly exaggerated and lacking in true peril.
The overall atmosphere remains family-friendly and delightful, but it doesn’t pack the same emotional punch as Paddington 2.
The storyline in Paddington in Peru is around uncovering the Reverend Mother’s secrets and navigating the jungle’s many dangers.
While the plot contains twists and turns, it’s arguably more convoluted than necessary, relying on overly complex backstories and an assortment of villains that lack subtlety.
The predictability of the villains’ motives and actions lessens the mystery, as the audience can easily deduce what the characters are up to.
Paddington in Peru has humorous moments, but the laugh-out-loud scenes are fewer compared to previous films.
Paddington in Peru’s jokes and slapstick scenes are still charming, but they don’t elicit the same depth of laughter or wit seen in Paddington 2.
Even with comedic talent in the cast, the humor feels less impactful, which might leave some fans wishing for the clever and nuanced comedy of the earlier movies.
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Moving the story to Peru shifts the focus away from the London characters who added warmth and familiarity to the previous films.
Mr. Curry is entirely absent and Mr. Gruber makes only a brief appearance. The quirks of the Windsor Gardens neighbors are largely absent.
Paddington in Peru starts off in the United Kingdom, where Paddington now resides with the Brown family. London’s familiar and iconic locations create a sense of home before the adventure unfolds.
Paddington in Peru filming kicked off in the UK on July 24, 2023. The production included scenes at well-known spots like the Shard, a London skyscraper.
Paddington’s family home scenes were filmed on Chalcot Crescent in Primrose Hill, a picturesque London neighborhood that adds an authentic touch to the London-based portion of the story.
Although this famous station inspired Paddington’s name, scenes depicting London Paddington Station were recreated rather than filmed on-site.
Peru’s bustling capital, Lima is one of the primary filming sites in the country. Cusco, this city, once the heart of the Inca Empire served as a filming location. Cusco’s colonial architecture contrasts beautifully with the natural settings.
Some of the most iconic shots in Paddington in Peru were filmed at Machu Picchu and its surrounding areas. Scenes shot at Huayna Picchu and Maras highlight Peru’s rugged landscapes, ancient architecture and rich history.
The filmmakers made a concerted effort to include genuine cultural elements in the story from traditional Andean clothing to local legends, helping audiences experience a more authentic depiction of Peru.
Paddington in Peru features Emily Mortimer, who takes over from Sally Hawkins in the role of Mrs. Brown and Dougal Wilson, who directs the film in place of Paul King.
Hugh Grant’s character, Phoenix Buchanan returns in a surprise mid-credits scene set in prison. Paddington pays Buchanan a visit, accompanied by his Peruvian bear family members.
Buchanan expresses interest in casting Paddington’s bear family in a production of Goldilocks. This scene offers comedic moments and hints at future collaborations.
Buchanan appears again in the final post-credits scene, humorously commenting on the number of bears he’s meeting and showing his enthusiasm for the planned theatrical production.
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