Paddington in Peru

PADDINGTON IN PERU

Directed by Dougal Wilson

He's back, baby! Your favorite British (by way of Peru), marmalade loving, blue duffel coat/red hat wearing bear finally returns in his long anticipated third feature film adventure! It was touch and go there for a few years with the changing of creative leaders and a SAG strike as obstacles but the world needs Paddington and he can't be stopped.

Paddington has been through a lot. After almost getting taxidermied by Nicole Kidman in part 1 ("I'm going to stuff you, bear!") and framed for a crime and sent to prison by Hugh Grant in part 2 he deserves some peace and tranquility with his adopted family The Browns. 

So what's new? Well Paddington is now officially a British citizen after getting his first passport! Fully integrated into London society and long accepted by his neighbors, things are going splendidly for P and the Browns. A concerning letter sent from Olivia Coleman's singing nun sets the whole plot in motion, as the Browns must drop everything and head to Peru for Paddington's Aunt Lucy. 

She's gone missing! And Olivia Coleman, who is the funniest lady alive, may be up to something. Or is it Antonio Banderas' handsome boat captain and the gaggle of family ghosts (all played by Banderas) he's haunted by? The answers may surprise you but what isn't a surprise is the entire picture top to bottom is a hilarious, colorful and poignant family adventure. Every member of The Brown family gets their own arc, I especially enjoyed patriarch Mr. Brown as he pushes himself out of his comfort zone and take risks. 

What about our title bear? He's as charming and adorable as ever. Openly gay actor Ben Winshaw continues to bring the utmost warmth and humor to the character. Even with the cartoony special effects (which are good and totally fit the movie), you completely believe this is a real life talking bear cub. 

Original writer/director Paul King left to do the masterpiece WONKA, instead contributing story elements. Thankfully the new creative team completely understood the assignment. It's a non-stop laugh riot until the finale, where yes I cried my eyes out. The pro immigration themes are as strong as ever without ever laying it on thick, it's just a natural part of the world (if you're not an evil POS). Even the importance of him getting his first passport rings more heavily given the current political climate. 

But above all else, this is nourishment for the soul. Paddington 4ever.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 4