At The Movies: Paddington In Peru
It would be remiss of me to say Paddington in Peru comes hot on the heels of the first two films in the series, as it’s been some seven years since the previous movie. It certainly doesn’t feel that long though and as fans of the series, we were pretty excited to see what would be in store for our favourite marmalade loving bear
The new adventure sees members of Paddington’s adopted family, the Browns, growing older and facing the challenges which come with keeping a family together as the kids grow up and parents try to find their identities when they are needed a little less by their older kids. That change in the family dynamic however, proves to be just the catalyst for the family to set off on a new adventure with Paddington, as he seeks out his Aunt Lucy in Peru.
Most of the cast of the fun filled first two films return, led by Ben Whitshaw as the voice of Paddington (familiar to 007 fans as Q in the Daniel Craig Bond films), with a few new faces in the mix. Most notably, Emily Mortimer taking over as Mrs. Brown for the newest outing, with series newcomer Antonio Banderas coming along for the ride as an eccentric river boat captain. It’s Olivia Colman who steals the show in every one of her scenes however, with an outrageously over the top turn as Reverend Mother of the Retired Home For Bears.
There are laughs aplenty for all the family and enough twists and turns to keep the kids engaged, with the door well and truly ajar for a further entry in the series. The tag line for the latest entry states “A little bear goes a long way”, but let’s hope this little bear doesn’t have to go another seven years before we see him again. Oh, and hang around for a surprise in the credits…
Movie Review By Peter Lanyon
