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Paddington’s journey: from London to Peru
Paddington’s leap from cultural icon to cinematic star
Since his creation nearly 60 years ago, Paddington Bear, the beloved duffle-coated bear with a penchant for marmalade and mishaps, has charmed audiences worldwide. First starring in his own feature film a decade ago, the bear was already a staple in British culture. With the success of the films “Paddington” and “Paddington 2”, directed by Paul King, Paddington has transformed from a children’s book hero into a global mascot of British pluck and politeness. Who could forget his delightful sketch with Queen Elizabeth II to mark her platinum jubilee in 2022?
The evolution from Britain to Peru
While the charm and humor of King’s adaptations won hearts worldwide, Paddington’s adventures were ready for a change of scenery. “Paddington in Peru,” the third installment, steps away from the comforting streets of London and delves into the vibrant landscapes of Peru, reconnecting our furry friend with his Latin roots.
A new direction with fresh faces
King has passed the torch to newcomer Dougal Wilson, with Jon Foster and James Lamont stepping in as new writers. These fresh faces aim to sustain the whimsical essence of Paddington while bringing a new flair to the screen. However, the transition is palpable. King’s unique visual style and offbeat humor have given way to a more conventional kids’ film vibe, centered around a slightly contrived quest narrative. This represents a departure from the quaint, homely spirit of Michael Bond’s original books.
Paddington’s sparkling new escapade
But let’s not jump to conclusions. “Paddington in Peru” remains true to the bear’s legacy. This adventure retains the bear’s signature lightness, with vibrant visuals and buoyant pacing that would enchant any audience. Younger viewers unfamiliar with “Paddington 2” won’t notice the thematic repetitions regarding immigrants and family values – it’s worth repeating.
One standout performance is Olivia Colman as a villainous nun. Her role injects much-needed delight, balancing the film’s less intricate humor compared to its predecessors.
Paddington’s origins revisited
We’re quickly introduced to young Paddington, voiced again by Ben Whishaw with his characteristic cheerful nervousness. The prologue reveals how the young bear, in pursuit of a perfectly ripe orange, gets separated from his Peruvian tribe and rescued by Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton). Fast forward to modern London, and Paddington is now a British citizen. A humorous passport photo mishap sets the stage for his Peruvian voyage, backed by a timely invitation from Mother Superior (Colman) to visit Aunt Lucy in her retirement home.
Peru: the journey begins
Paddington’s human guardians, the Brown family, quickly decide to accompany him to Peru. Henry (Hugh Bonneville) is nudged by his work to embrace risk, while Mary (Emily Mortimer, seamlessly replacing Sally Hawkins) yearns for a grand family adventure before facing an empty nest.
Their arrival in Peru reveals Aunt Lucy’s mysterious disappearance, sparking a search mission across the Peruvian wilderness. Enter Hunter, played energetically by Antonio Banderas, who guides them in pursuit of the legendary city of gold, El Dorado.
Bold adventures and exotic perils
This adventure allows the film’s effects team to flex their creative muscles with thrilling encounters, from river rapids to tarantulas, enhancing the already superb visual rendering of Paddington. The humor, largely driven by Colman, offers moments of joy, particularly during an imaginative musical interlude.
Yet, while Colman’s antics amuse, the storytelling falls short of the anarchic energy found in King’s earlier films. A lengthy climax, featuring slapstick comedy and heartfelt resolutions, reminds us that home is both a place and a state of heart.
A new chapter for Paddington
Under Wilson’s guidance, known for his whimsical Christmas adverts, “Paddington in Peru” is executed with smooth pacing and emotional depth. Nevertheless, it lacks the distinct tonal and structural charm of the previous films. Paddington remains a character beloved by all, evolving with every adventure, even if some of his uniqueness is diluted along the way.
As Paddington continues to charm audiences, share his journey and celebrate his extraordinary adventures on social media. For more insights and updates on Paddington’s future escapades, keep following our latest stories and features.
