JEANNE’S REVIEW

Doing a third film in a series --- especially one as wildly successful as PADDINGTON --- is always a risk, but rest assured, PADDINGTON IN PERU is as brilliant as its predecessors. Filmed on location in Peru, Colombia and the United Kingdom, director Dougal Wilson, who takes over from Paul King, has made this film his own.

Paddington (voiced again by Ben Whishaw) is happily ensconced with the Brown family in Windsor Gardens in London. But life for the Browns is changing --- Judy (Madeleine Harris) is busy applying to university, Jonathan (Samuel Joslin), a reclusive teenager, just wants to “chill”, Mr. Henry Brown (Hugh Bonneville) is dealing with a new --- and very demanding --- female boss, and Mrs. Mary Brown (Emily Mortimer replacing Sally Hawkins) is realizing that her family is growing apart.

So, when a letter arrives from The Reverend Mother (Olivia Colman) at the Home for Retired Bears in Peru informing Paddington that his beloved Aunt Lucy (voiced by Imelda Staunton) is missing him terribly, Mrs. Brown decides a holiday in Peru is a great idea to bring the family closer again. Upon their arrival in the jungles of Peru at the home where Aunt Lucy resides, The Reverend Mother informs them that Aunt Lucy has gone on an expedition and hasn’t returned.

Now, it’s up to Paddington and the Browns to find her. Using a map found in Aunt Lucy’s cabin showing the place to start their search is Rumi Rock, off they go, leaving Mrs. Bird (Julie Walters) behind with The Reverend Mother, the other nuns and retired bears. Needing a boat to travel down the river to reach Rumi Rock, the Browns hire the charismatic boat captain, Hunter Cabot (Antonio Banderas), and his daughter Gina (Carla Tous).

What ensues is a crazy adventure involving the lost city of El Dorado, where a vast amount of gold is to be found. Meanwhile, Paddington becomes separated from the Browns, Mrs. Bird becomes very “suspicious” of The Reverend Mother, and Hunter is plagued by a cadre of greedy ancestors. But in the end, each of them, especially Paddington, learns what is most important --- “home” --- and what home really means.

David and I have been HUGE fans of the PADDINGTON movies, and we truly couldn’t wait to see PADDINGTON IN PERU. Each one has been great fun, inventive and thoroughly heartwarming. Based on “Paddington Bear” by Michael Bond, this series has not only been full of love, but also tremendously funny --- and poignant. With an exceptional screenplay by Mark Burton, Jon Foster and James Lamont, PADDINGTON IN PERU allows us to follow this marvelous little bear to his “home” in Peru with his charming British family in tow.

As in the previous two efforts, the cast is outstanding. Whishaw, Bonneville, Walters, Harris, Joslin and Jim Broadbent as Mr. Gruber are splendid as always. Adding Emily Mortimer as Mrs. Brown is a stroke of genius. But this escapade would not be what it is without Banderas and Colman. They bring so much joy and effervescence to these roles --- it’s amazing. Watching Banderas cavort as a Spanish Conquistador, a missionary, an Edwardian explorer, a prospector --- and a female Swedish pilot --- is worth the price of admission.

He's superb as the dashing riverboat captain --- just ask Mr. Brown who accuses Mrs. Brown of being captivated by his charms. And Banderas also has a terrific affinity for comedy. He’s such an important and delightful addition to this ensemble, as is Colman, who is downright hilarious. She never disappoints and she gives another Oscar-worthy performance as the always smiling, but highly dubious Reverend Mother. We need a film with the two of them starring opposite one another.

But PADDINGTON IN PERU isn’t all about fun and games. It’s beautifully filmed by director of photography Erik A. Wilson utilizing the exquisite landscapes of Peru  including Machu Picchu. In addition are the spectacular set designs by production designer Andrew Kelly, and set decorator Cathy Cosgrove, particularly the already familiar Brown residence and the impressive structures built for the Home for Retired Bears, which even wowed the cast.

Paddington Bear brings so much joy to people everywhere, and Ben Whishaw has provided such a loving voice to this iconic character. As I have written before, PADDINGTON IN PERU is a must-see for all children --- and adults. If you don’t have children, borrow someone else’s --- or just go yourselves. It’s a marvelous movie-going experience that should not be missed!

Opinion: Strong See It Now!

DAVID’S REVIEW

PADDINGTON IN PERU is the third installment of the adorable little bear’s exploits, and at the very least it can stand tall with its two predecessors. Much of the same cast is back, but a few new faces and a new director are factors which could have derailed this film. No worries --- PADDINGTON IN PERU is a total delight for kids and adults alike.

Jeanne has written her usual complete and exhaustive synopsis so, no need to duplicate it here. This time around Paddington does find himself in a true adventure back in his Peruvian roots. And of course, the Brown family has accompanied him to South America with exciting --- and entertaining --- results.

The look of the movie is simply exquisite. Many scenes were filmed on location in the lush landscapes of Peru and Colombia. And the crew often used drones for some difficult shots plus camera-laden boats to capture things like river rapids.

Returning actors --- and they all speak of heartfelt gratitude to be included again in this project --- are Hugh Bonneville as Henry Brown, plus his two children, now grown --- Judy is played by Madeleine Harris and Jonathan by Samuel Joslin. Bonneville outdoes himself this time around --- his character is a delight every time he has something to say. And the actors playing the kids each contribute importantly to the story.

Sally Hawkins played Mrs. Brown in the first two films, and now Emily Mortimer has taken over that role. Mortimer is undeniably a strong presence on screen. Her very likeable personality plus her droll sense of humor are essential aspects of PADDINGTON IN PERU. And the very busy Ben Whishaw returns as the voice of Paddington –- he is indispensable. Veterans Julie Walters (Mrs. Bird), Jim Broadbent (Mr. Gruber) and Imelda Staunton (Aunt Lucy) are also returnees to the franchise.

In addition to Mortimer, joining the cast for the first time are Antonio Banderas as Hunter Cabot and Carla Tous as his daughter Gina. Unique to Banderas’ presence is that he also plays five additional characters, i.e., Hunter’s ancestors. He is hilarious. He reveals that “we’ve spent many hours in the makeup room!”

Speaking of hilarity, I dare anyone not to guffaw every time new cast member Olivia Colman displays that toothy grin on camera. She plays The Reverend Mother of the Home for Retired Bears. She is devastatingly funny!

Paul King directed the first two Paddington movies. This time the producers hired Dougal Wilson, and everyone in the cast loved working with him, admiring his strong leadership skills and ability to get the most out of a sequence.

PADDINGTON IN PERU is simply a perfect way to spend a couple of hours. Numerous laugh-out-loud moments as well as deeply poignant ones make this film one that begs to be seen more than once.

Opinion: Strong See It Now!