Paddington in Peru: An entertaining sequel that loses its bearings

What’s the greatest film of all time? Is it Citizen Kane? Is it the Godfather? Actually, according to Rotten Tomatoes, it might be Paddington 2. Universally loved and adored, it is definitely a tough act to follow.

So has Paddington in Peru been able to live up to its predecessor?

Paddington in Peru was not quite successful in achieving this goal, but this would probably be an impossible feat. It’s difficult to recapture the magic of the first two films, especially when there are so many noticeable departures from the reliable Paddington formula. To start with, established Paddington director Paul King finds a replacement in the comparatively inexperienced Dougal Wilson, whose previous career highs include several John Lewis adverts, (unsurprisingly, given the thematic tradition of Paddington) and a Coldplay video.

The screenplay is also not written, as tradition dictates, by King and his co-writer Simon Farnaby, but instead by Paddington newcomers Mark Burton, James Lamont and Jon Foster. Perhaps the most glaring absence is the departure of fan-favourite Sally Hawkins as Mrs Brown, with Emily Mortimer (Mary Poppins Returns) stepping in as her replacement. As a standalone film, Paddington in Peru would not suffer from these changes, but it is the unavoidable comparison to the series’ first two films that harms the film’s objective quality. If Grease 2 taught us anything, it’s that more is sometimes less. 

Paddington in Peru sees us take a break from the familiar London backdrop, with the action unfolding in Paddington’s home country of Peru. The Browns, summoned to visit Paddington’s Aunt Lucy at the ‘Home for Retired Bears’ by Olivia Colman’s secretive Reverend Mother, find her unexpectedly missing when they arrive. A desperate adventure to recover Aunt Lucy ensues, which sees the Browns employ the mysterious Captain Hunter Cabot (Antonio Banderas) and his daughter (Carla Tous) to help them navigate the Amazon and Peruvian Mountains.

The premise, promising enough, is hampered by the most significant flaw of the film: the recasting of Mrs Brown. While Emily Mortimer is perfectly acceptable in the role, it appears as if she is trying to imitate the inimitable Sally Hawkins, which can come off as insincere despite Mortimer’s charm. To an audience member unfamiliar with Hawkins’ earnest portrayal of Mrs Brown, Emily Mortimer works well. However, it is this inevitable comparison between the two that ultimately diminishes Mortimer’s otherwise solid performance. 

It isn’t just Mrs Brown that suffers, however – the entire Brown family takes a backseat. The roles, filled out by returning cast members Hugh Bonneville (Mr Brown), Madeleine Harris (Judy Brown), and Samuel Joslin (Jonathon Brown) feel diluted. They lack personality, with the Brown children taking the worst hit. Reduced to caricatures of teenagers, they have about ten lines collectively and no character arcs to speak of. Compared to the previous two films, their reduced roles feel glaringly obvious.

Tragically, Mrs Bird (Julie Walters) is given a similar treatment, with her comedic ability being woefully underused throughout. From the principal Brown family, Hugh Bonneville’s Mr Brown has the most to do, although his part is still vastly reduced. For a film about the importance of family, there is a noticeable absence of it.

The lack of personality by the main ensemble is compensated for by the supporting cast, which features enjoyably exaggerated performances from Olivia Colman and Antonio Banderas. Colman’s usual savvy wit oozes in this role, with the campy Reverend Mother played with a delightful absurdity. Banderas is a similar addition to the Paddington series, applying his trademark playful charm to the tortured Captain Cabot, who feels cartoonish in the best possible way.

The side cast is rounded out by Carla Tous as Cabot’s headstrong daughter Gina, who gives a solid although not particularly noteworthy performance. It is clear that the focus of the script has shifted, with the supporting cast receiving the majority of the character development once reserved for the Brown family.

Nevertheless, much of what we have come to expect and love in a Paddington movie is there in abundance; endearing characters, inventive visual effects and, of course, the return of the iconic hard stare.

Despite its faults, the story as a whole is solid and generally holds your attention for a respectable hour and forty-three minutes. For casual Paddington fans, there is everything you could want in a Paddington film: an entourage of iconic British actors, a message of family and belonging, and a cameo from Hugh Grant as Phoenix Buchanan in the ending credits.

While the film does not hold up to the previous two, it is nevertheless enjoyable family fun, even if at times it can feel like the wet marmalade sandwich of the Paddington universe. 

3/5