Any children’s film that includes a clever reference to Werner Herzog’s Fitzcarraldo earns a pat on the back. If the same film can work in successful homage to Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, and The Sound of Music without seeming desperate to grab the adult’s attention, my hat is off. Paddington in Peru includes well-executed tributes to those classic films in fun and humorous ways; never losing its intended audience. While it cannot reach the heights of the first two entries, the third film in the Paddington Bear series is infused with humor and irresistible charm.

Paul King (director of the first two Paddington films) moved on to helm 2023’s Wonka and did not return for this one. A new trio of screenwriters were added as well. Paddington in Peru is helmed by music video director Dougal Wilson (making his feature film debut) and written by Mark Burton, Jon Foster, and James Lamont. Wilson and his screenwriters find a fun adventure for the famous bear, but the magic seems to have worn off. To be fair, the first two films set a high bar, not only for any further Paddington movies but family films as a whole. The creative spark of Paddington and especially Paddington 2 is not as strong, but the infectious sweetness of the main character is intact and helps to carry us along.

After a quick flashback to his days as a bear cub, Paddington in Peru begins with our loveable hero  receiving his British passport. The celebration of this great achievement is cut short, as Paddington receives word that his Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton) has vanished in Peru, the land where Paddington was born. Putting his new passport to immediate use, Paddington Brown and the rest of the Brown family embark on a comic journey to find his missing Aunt.

Hugh Bonneville returns as dad, Henry while Emily Mortimer replaces Sally Hawkins as mom, Mary. Madeleine Harris and Samuel Joslin return as siblings Judy and Jonathan Brown, while Julie Walters rounds out the returning family cast as their kooky but resourceful housekeeper, Ms. Bird. 

Once in Peru, Paddington and family meet and hire a boat captain named Hunter (an engaging Antonio Banderas) and his daughter Gina (Carla Tous) to guide them on their quest. Hunter recognizes a symbol on Paddingtin’s bracelet that he believes to be the key to finding the mythical El Dorado, a treasure that has eluded his family for generations. Hunter is still haunted by the ghosts of his family’s past. In humorous renderings, Banderas plays all male and female members of Hunter’s family who have lost their lives in their search of El Dorado.

The film’s funniest performance goes to Olivia Colman as Reverend Mother, a flighty nun full of song and secrets who runs the Home for Retired Bears where Aunt Lucy had been residing. Colman’s performance perfectly balances wink-wink silliness and Pythonesque absurdity. Her wide-eyed line deliveries and comically stylized diction make her performance the film’s greatest pleasure. 

The entire cast gets their moments to shine and every actor embraces the comedy with aplomb. None of the actors phone it in; using their skills to great effect. Not one performance could be accused of being lazy, as this marvelous cast works hard to give the audience effective and infectious work to keep them engaged. There is no overacting, just finely tuned performances that hit every comedic beat. Bonneville, Mortimer, Colman, Banderas, et all are more than respectful to the material.

Amongst the fun, there is a sweet message that will speak to parents and children. Mortimer’s Mary is a mom who is feeling the sadness of soon being an empty nester. Judy and Jonathan are close to leaving the house and Mary does her best to spend as much time with them as possible. Of course, they are teenagers wrapped up in their own lives who have zero time for mom and dad. The film rightfully doesn’t use this arc as a cloying way to viewers’ hearts. This part of the story gives the film an unexpected substance that taps into real emotion. It is impressive how the screenplay and King’s direction keep this storyline engaging without it becoming saccharine. 

The film’s blend of practical effects and CGI is just about as flawless as the previous two. Computer generated Paddington fits perfectly amongst the live actors and real locations, while Eric Wilson’s cinematography and Andy Kelly’s production design give Paddington some beautiful landscapes in which to exist. The most stunningly rendered is a shot of the Brown household existing as an open dollhouse; a stunningly creative visual motif that pays homage to the feel of Paddington creator Michael Bond’s original books.  

Amidst the great cast, good comedy, and wild adventure, Ben Whishaw continues to give the beloved Paddington Bear dignity, heart, and soul. Whishaw’s dedicated performance honors the character and gives lasting cinematic life to a film series that will touch generations of fans. 

All of the ingredients are here for a great Paddington movie. The reality being that while this is certainly a fun one with a lot of laughs throughout, Wilson and his screenwriters can’t reach the extraordinary highs of Paddington’s first adventures. Fear not, as this doesn’t hinder what is quite an enjoyable time at the movies for young and old.

In an era where most movies made for family viewing are jumbled CGI messes with cloyingly simplistic emotional arcs, the third Paddington film surrounds its comedy with a heartfelt message about the bond of family. As did the first two entries, Wilson’s movie doesn’t dumb it down for the kids, nor does it pander to the adults. Charming, funny, and sweet, Paddington in Peru stands as a superior family entertainment. 

Paddington in Peru

Written by Mark Burton, Jon Foster, and James Lamont

Directed by Dougal Wilson

Starring Ben Whishaw, Olivia Colman, Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer, Julie Walters, Antonio Banders, Carla Tous, Madeline Harris, Samuel Joslin, Imelda Staunton

PG, 106 Minutes, StudioCanal, Columbia Pictures, Stage 6 Films