3 Reasons Families Will Adore ‘Paddington in Peru’
Movies
Audio By Carbonatix
8:35 AM on Tuesday, March 11
By Michael Foust, Movies
1. A New Adventure Beyond London
Paddington in Peru is the third film in the series, following 2014's Paddington and 2017's Paddington 2, each of which spotlighted our lovable bear's ventures in the bustling city of London. This third movie loses a bit of its British charm by moving the story out of the picturesque streets of London, but it nevertheless advances Paddington's story by taking us back to where he was born. After all, he has to find Aunt Lucy, right? (The film, by the way, works just fine as a stand-alone if you're new to the story.)
Once in Peru, Paddington and the Browns learn that the Home for Retired Bears is operated by a group of nuns and led by the eccentric yet hilarious Reverend Mother (Olivia Colman) -- a woman who is singing cheerfully with a guitar one minute and wrongly citing Scripture the next. She may be unconventional, but she encourages Paddington to persevere in his quest for his aunt: "All it takes to light the darkness is one candle of faith."
Paddington gets his big break when he uncovers a map in Aunt Lucy's room pointing to a mysterious location deep in the Peruvian jungle, Rumi Rock, that's only a few days' travel up the river. They hire a river guide (Antonio Banderas) and soon thereafter learn that Rumi Rock holds a fabled status by treasure hunters.
Was Aunt Lucy searching for …gold?
Photo Credit: ©Sony
2. Family and Adoption Remain at the Heart
Paddington in Peru provides the backstory for our marmalade-loving adventurer, revealing that he was adopted not just once but twice.
The film opens with a scene of Paddington as a young cub who is willing to do whatever it takes to reach an orange -- even climbing onto the limb of a tree overlooking a gorge. Unfortunately, the young Paddington falls in the river and gets washed downstream, where he is struggling for survival when a heroic bear -- Aunt Lucy -- rescues him and takes him in, pledging to tend to his every need.
"If you ever get lost again, just roar -- and I will roar right back," she tells him.
Years later, of course, an aging Aunt Lucy sends Paddington off to London, having heard of the storied city from a warmhearted British explorer and having confidence that Paddington will find a loving home. She attaches a note to him: "Please look after this bear. Thank you."
The Browns take in Paddington, whose clumsy ways are eclipsed entirely by his charm and kindness. He wins over the skeptical Mr. Brown and transforms hardened criminals (that's in Paddington 2). He never loses his temper, instead relying on what he labels a "hard stare." (We see that again in the newest film.)
In Paddington in Peru, our lovable bear helps the Browns reconnect following a season of emotional distance. It's a challenge many families face as the children age and develop their own unique interests. As he puts it: "Despite the Browns living in the same house, they don't actually seem to spend much time together anymore." No doubt, many families can relate. Thankfully, Paddington in Peru provides a remedy.
Photo Credit: ©Sony
3. The Same Sweet, Innocent Charm
Paddington in Peru isn't the best film in the franchise (That honor goes to Paddington 2). Nevertheless, it maintains much of what has made Paddington the best live-action family-friendly franchise in recent film history: charm. The family-film genre is dominated by titles that rely on sarcasm, playful putdowns and slapstick violence. Paddington, though, rejects all three, replacing them with sincerity, love and the quiet power of kindness.
Paddington in Peru promotes what is good and true. It also tugs at our hearts by championing nostalgia and celebrating the past: foldable maps, physical books, even handwritten letters. Not surprisingly, antique stores make an appearance in all three movies.
The clever, whimsical humor of the first two movies returns for Paddington in Peru. But not everything is the same. Gone is actress Sally Hawkins, who brilliantly portrayed Mrs. Brown in the first two movies and has been replaced by Emily Mortimer, who fills in admirably. Thankfully, though, the rest of the cast, including Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey) as Mr. Brown and Ben Whishaw as the voice of Paddington, returns.
The film's final moments deliver one of the warmest, most heartfelt pro-adoption messages you'll ever witness.
Let's hope the next release finds Paddington back in London. But for just one movie, it's a grand adventure worth taking.
Paddington in Peru is rated PG for action, mild rude humor and some thematic elements. It contains no coarse language.
Discussion questions for families: What factors contribute to families growing apart over time, and what strategies can they implement to rebuild and strengthen their relationships? How does Paddington's unwavering kindness influence those he encounters? (And how can kindness impact those you encounter?) How did the film impact your own view of adoptive families? What did you think of Paddington's decision at the end of the film?
Entertainment rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
Family-friendly rating: 5 out of 5 stars.
Photo Credit: ©Sony
