Paddington in Peru
★ ★ ★ ½
Paddingon in Peru continues the story of an adolescent bear named Paddington (voiced by Ben Whishaw) who lives with an adopted family in London. Two films ago, the family took him in, and they all adapted to life together. Paddington is known to get into unintentional mishaps that add stress to the family. By this film, the family has become a well-knit unit and have all adapted to having Paddington as a member.
Olivia Colman as Reverend Mother
© 2025 Sony Pictures / Studio Canal
In this film, Paddington receives a letter from the Reverend Mother (Olivia Colman) who runs the Home for Retired Bears in Peru where Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton) lives. Reverend Mother explains that Aunt Lucy has been acting differently lately, and though she wouldn’t want to trouble Paddington, would really love a visit from her nephew.
Paddington has just acquired his passport in the film’s opening sequence, and the entire family joins him on a trip to Peru to visit Aunt Lucy. Paddington’s family consists of dad Henry (Hugh Bonneville), mom Mary (Emily Mortimer), sister Judy (Madeleine Harris) and brother Jonathan (Samuel Joslin).
Paddington and his family in Peru
© 2025 Sony Pictures / Studio Canal
Upon their arrival, they discover that Aunt Lucy has wandered off and gone missing in Peruvian Amazonia. Paddington finds a map in Aunt Lucy’s room. She has marked a location called Rumi Rock with arrows pointing to it with the words “start here.”
Paddington and family hire a boat captained by Hunter Cabot (Antonio Banderas) and his daughter Gina (Carla Tous). They all set off into the Amazon to find Aunt Lucy.
Paddington and Aunt Lucy
© 2025 Sony Pictures / Studio Canal
What struck me about this movie, and the previous two in the series, is how often I caught myself smiling. These movies are endearing at even the most perilous moments, mostly because of how Paddington, his family and those around him solve their problems. Conflict is often solved in a good natured manner.
Paddington is kindhearted and well meaning to a fault. He almost never wavers from that trait. It’s what makes him a lovable character. The sweetness in this, and the other films, could easily be overplayed, but it blends in so well with the story it just works.
Paddington in Peru is the kind of film that will make you feel better on even the worst of days. There are many types of chicken soup for the soul. This chicken soup is an adventure in Peru.
Running Time: 1h 46m
Directed by: Dougal Wilson
Written by: Mark Burton, Jon Foster, James Lamont
Starring: Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer, Ben Whishaw, Imelda Staunton, Madeleine Harris, Samuel Joslin, Antonio Banderas, Carla Tous
Kids & Family, Comedy, Adventure
