Paddington in Peru: Not the best, but still excellent addition to iconic franchise

Poster for the movie, Paddington in Peru.

Photo credit: Pool

I need you to keep in mind that this is a film about a bear—a CGI bear—obsessed with marmalade, with an occasional marmalade sandwich conveniently hidden in his hat.

Over the years, I’ve profoundly disliked sequels, prequels, and franchise resurrections, leaning more toward original ideas. But every now and then, a franchise comes along that earns its place. Think Toy Story or Tron. To that list, I’d proudly add Paddington. These films are fantastic.

If you haven’t seen them, you don’t know what you’re missing. The second movie, for example, is what I’d call a perfect film.

The first was an excellent introduction to this polite, marmalade-loving bear. And now, with my most anticipated movie of 2025 finally out, the big question remains, how does the third instalment measure up, and does it continue the franchise’s tradition of excellence?

Paddington

The Paddington franchise has always stood out for its unique charm, blending heartfelt storytelling, universal humour, and a timeless appeal.

The first film introduced us to Paddington’s world with warmth and wit, while the second film raised the bar with tighter storytelling and Hugh Grant’s unforgettable villain. It’s a franchise that has consistently delivered, even briefly dethroning Citizen Kane as Rotten Tomatoes’ highest-rated film.

With Paddington in Peru, the stakes were high, especially without director Paul King at the helm. Dougal Wilson takes over directing duties in his feature debut, and while it doesn’t quite match the brilliance of its predecessors, it’s still an excellent addition to the series.

What works

The decision to take Paddington’s story out of London and into the jungle is fantastic, with lush jungles, bustling markets, and colourful towns that give the story a fresh energy.

This change in scenery not only adds visual appeal but also deepens the narrative by exploring Paddington’s roots. All that put together I just loved the sense of adventure in this film.

While Paddington 2 set an incredibly high bar, Paddington in Peru still delivers plenty of recognisable “Paddington” moments from the beginning.

The film balances slapstick comedy with subtle, witty moments, that stay true to what has been established in the franchise.

Ms Brown in this movie is a different actor and as of now, I have nothing positive or negative to say about that. Ben Whishaw’s performance as the voice of Paddington is a welcomed return. His gentle, sincere delivery captures everything we love about Paddington: his kindness, optimism, and unshakable belief in the good of others.

Olivia Colman is a surprise as a mischievous nun, bringing a new dynamic to the story with her impeccable comedic timing. Every time she’s on screen, she brings a burst of energy and unpredictability that keeps the film exciting.

Paddington continues to look astonishingly lifelike, seamlessly blending into the live-action world. The attention to detail in his fur, movements, and facial expressions makes him feel like a real character rather than a CGI creation.

The cinematography is vibrant and playful, capturing the beauty of Peru while maintaining the franchise’s whimsical tone.

What truly stands out, though, is how the film retains its emotional core. Paddington’s selflessness and determination to find Aunt Lucy create some of the most touching moments in the series. His unwavering optimism, even in the face of challenges, is as endearing as ever.

What falls short

The absence of a strong villain is the most noticeable issue I had with the film. Antonio Banderas gives a good performance, but his character lacks the depth and charisma that made Hugh Grant’s villain in Paddington 2 so iconic.

The Brown family also feels a bit sidelined this time. While their moments with Paddington are sweet, their arcs don’t get much attention.

This feels like a missed opportunity, as their dynamic has always been a key part of the franchise’s charm.

Final thoughts

Paddington in Peru is a great continuation of the franchise. It might not reach the perfection of Paddington 2, but it still delivers some funny, heartfelt moments combined with stunning and bright visuals. Ben Whishaw’s performance as Paddington remains a highlight.

It’s exciting to think about where the franchise could go next. Whether it’s New York or a Kenyan safari, maybe bring back the first director and writer- I am not saying this director was terrible- but you can see the “gaps”.

It’s fascinating to see how this franchise, centred on a CGI bear and marmalade sandwiches, has accomplished what Disney has struggled to do with Winnie the Pooh.

PAYE Tax Calculator

Note: The results are not exact but very close to the actual.