Making a sequel is a challenge. Making the third film in a successful series? That's perilous. Just ask Coppola.
Such were the stakes going into Paddington in Peru, the highly-anticipated follow-up to 2018's Paddington 2, which would be disingenuous to label as anything less than an instant classic. With the departure of Sally Hawkins as Mrs. Brown, director Dougal Wilson filling in for Paul King, and a major location change from London to Peru, there were a lot of changing variables for this latest instalment. Some of them land, while others fall short.
Paddington in Peru drifts from the structure of its predecessors in a number of ways. Most noticeable is the location. Paddington has long been seen as a staple of British culture, and the first two films' stylised version of London and construction of a cast of quirky characters provided depth to the setting, and allowed for background through-plots of neighbours falling in love and learning to appreciate life. It's a shame, then, that we see very little of this supporting cast in the third film. Aside from a brief appearance in the first five minutes, Mr. Gruber (Jim Broadbent) and the residents of Windsor Gardens are absent from the narrative. Although new characters are introduced in Peru, they feel more fleeting than those we've previously met; funny, yes, but harder to connect to.
Olivia Coleman is, of course, wonderful in her role as Reverend Mother. The slightly deranged air to her performance and her inherent comic ability fit perfectly into the world of Paddington, and Coleman, in the tradition of the great Paddington actors that have come before her, appears to be having an excellent time. Antonio Banderas, as the central antagonist Hunter Cabot, also looks to be having a ball. While he is not quite as nefarious as Nicole Kidman's evil (and stylish) taxidermist or Hugh Grant's incredible turn as a pompous failed actor, Banderas is inarguably engaging—even though, at times, he might be hamming it up a little too much.
While Paddington in Peru has something to say about belonging, identity and home, and the importance of knowing your own story, these themes are explored at a fairly surface level. Judy's (Madeleine Harris) imminent move to university is parallel to Paddington's (voiced once again by Ben Whishaw) return to Peru; two deeply emotional threads that don't quite manage to hit the emotional resonance that they should. The Browns are drifting apart, with Emily Mortimer as the new Mrs. Brown missing them spending time together as a family; again, a story that should have far more impact than it does. The film doesn't miss all of its emotional beats—Paddington's fear for his missing Aunt Lucy (voiced by Imelda Staunton) is visceral, thanks to the work of Whishaw's voice acting and the talents of animation director Pablo Grillo.
Visually, Paddington in Peru is as stylish and fun as the rest of the series. The familiar tonal palette of London is replaced by bright oranges and verdant greens, city streets becoming rivers and jungle paths. Just as the Browns' home feels cosy and lived-in, the Hunters' boat looks right out of a luxury holiday catalogue. The art department for these films never fails to create beautiful scenescapes for the action to unfold, no matter how ridiculous the story may be.
Paddington in Peru never reaches the dizzying heights of Paddington 2, but it stands on its own two feet (paws?); an entertaining addition to what has become a titan of British cinema. It's a fun watch, with enough to keep both adults and children happy. Perhaps this should be the last of the Paddington films, though, at least for a while. As the posters themselves say, a little bear can go a long way.
Paddington in Peru will be released in UK cinemas on November 8.
