Paddington in Peru - Review 

Rating:  3 out of 5

FOLLOWING up the exceptional crowd pleaser that was Paddington 2 was always going to be a tricky task. So it’s little wonder that Paddington in Peru, the third film in the series, comes up short.

That’s not to write the film off as a failure. It’s still enjoyable thanks to its amiable central character (as ever, wonderfully voiced by Ben Whishaw). And it boasts another star-studded supporting cast (including newcomers Olivia Colman and Antonio Banderas), who bring plenty of energy.

But the freshness has certainly gone, while the film feels like it’s trying too hard a lot of the time with gags and set pieces that feel overly contrived or choreographed, and plot beats that either feel obvious or lazy.

The story does at least change locations, swapping the home comforts of London for the jungles of Peru after Paddington’s beloved aunt Lucy goes missing.

Paddington heads to his former home-land to lead the search and takes the Brown family with him. But they must contend with a devious nun (played in suitably mischievous style by Colman) who seems to know more about Lucy’s disappearance than she is letting on, as well as a roguish riverboat captain (Banderas), who is hell bent on finding the gold that has eluded family members past.

Needless to say, very little goes as planned, with Paddington continually finding himself out of his depth and the Browns (led by Hugh Bonneville and Emily Mortimer, stepping in for Sally Hawkins) struggling with their new environment.

It says much about the brilliance of Paddington 2 that this three-quel continually exists in its shadow despite some star wattage and a fresh director (Dougal Wilson replaces Paul King). Yet despite the best of intentions, and a sustained niceness that’s difficult not to like, the magic does feel like it’s starting to fade.

Colman and Banderas give it their all in the guest spots vacated by Hugh Grant and Brendan Gleeson but they’re let down by the script, which lacks the sophistication afforded to Grant’s memorable Phoenix Buchanan and their story arcs are too obvious. Younger audiences will probably have fun booing along to their pantomime villainy. But Grant managed to play to all ages far better.. a point underlined by his scene-stealing cameo at the end of the movie, which perhaps rubs salt into the wounds.

But then if you’re willing to go with the flow and accept this Paddington for what it is (shortcomings and all) there’s still plenty to amuse - not least the nods to other action-adventure movies such as Indiana Jones, Dora The Explorer and even a nod to Werner Herzog.

Whishaw keeps Paddington engaging and lovable, Bonneville has his family patriarch down to a tee (complete with near-perfect looks of disbelief) and Mortimer steps in well for Hawkins.

It remains a crowd pleaser capable of keeping its target audience lovingly entertained.