We all know Paddington as a small, marmalade-loving brown bear that is loved by children all across the world. Born in Peru yet raised in London by his Aunt Lucy, Paddington never had the chance to understand his roots. The new film Paddington in Peru, however, finally opens the doors for him to retrace his identity as a bear from Peru.
Paddington in Peru follows Paddington and his family as they scour through the jungles of Peru to find Aunt Lucy, who has recently gone missing. They explore the fictional site of the Home for Retired Bears in Lima, Peru, as well as a thrilling and unexpected adventure through the Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu mountains. Throughout the movie, the underlying goal remains finding Aunt Lucy, with the largest known clue being that she is in El Dorado, the legendary city of gold. What the adventurers are oblivious to knowing is that the gold city they are seeking may not be exactly what it seems, which ties the story back to the very first Paddington movies.
Similar to the first two movies, Paddington in Peru contains the same random jokes and scenes that have you laughing and bewildered at the same time. The unrealistic setting of the movie such as an elderly home for bears run by singing nuns who mysteriously disappear into secret rooms doesn’t seem to make much sense. My personal favorite scene of all the Paddington movies happens to be the scene in which Paddington dyes the entirety of the jail’s uniforms pink, from a singular red sock on his very first day. If you are yet to watch Paddington Two, you can assume how that may have gone for him. Hint: not too well! Paddington in Peru manages to be cohesive with the Paddington films that came before it and still create new jokes that will have you gasping for air.
While the plot may be somewhat predictable, the film has a more comforting tone compared to the previous Paddington movies, as knowing the tone and pattern of the series contributes to a heartwarming experience. Moreover, even when troubles happen, the characters always face their problems with a smile on their face. Paddington’s soothing English tone, voiced by Ben Whishaw, and his warm, snuggly character have more than enough charm to put a smile on your face.
Overall, I would recommend Paddington in Peru to someone looking for a lighthearted, feel-good movie. It’s a movie that you can truly sit back and enjoy. The scenery, the characters, and the comedy all make the viewing experience special and memorable. The film will definitely make you laugh, and if you are like me, possibly tear up a little, too. Paddington’s journey to Peru is a charming reminder of the power of positivity and family, and if you are looking for pure, unadulterated joy, Paddington in Peru might just be the perfect movie for you.
