The beloved bear from Peru returns for another adventure in Paddington in Peru, the third installment in the charming film series that has captured hearts worldwide. While it doesn't quite reach the emotional and narrative heights of its predecessors, the film delivers plenty of laughs, stunning visuals, and the signature warmth we expect from Paddington's adventures. It’s a delightful, family-friendly journey that offers both familiar comforts and new discoveries — with a few bumps along the way. This time, Paddington sets off on a trip to Peru to visit his Aunt Lucy, who now lives at a home for retired bears. The decision to move the story to Peru allows the filmmakers to explore new settings and cultural landscapes for Paddington and his antics to run amuck.

As always, Ben Whishaw continues to shine as the voice of Paddington, bringing his signature blend of innocence, sincerity, and curiosity to the role. Paddington's polite nature, moral compass, and knack for getting in (and out of) sticky situations remain as endearing as ever. His desire to reconnect with Aunt Lucy forms the story's emotional core, grounding the comedic escapades in genuine sentiment. While some may argue that Paddington is still the same bear he was in the first two movies and does not have much arc, he still contains the reverent personality that makes him who he is.

The human cast adds slightly to the film's charm. The Browns' unwavering belief in Paddington and their willingness to follow him across continents is heartwarming, reinforcing the series' central message about the importance of family — whether by blood or bond. Newly introduced characters bring a sense of novelty to the mix, though not all of them are as memorable as the familiar faces we’ve come to love. These cookie-cutter newcomers include Antonio Banderas’ gold-hungry boat captain, Hunter Cabot, and Olivia Colman’s conspicuous nun. Carla Tous plays Hunter’s daughter, Gina, a role initially to be played by Rachel Zegler, who dropped out due to the 2023 SAG strikes but left much to the imagination as to what the latter would’ve been like in the role. There’s also Emily Mortimer replacing Sally Hawkins as Mrs. Brown with a performance that felt insincere and reminiscent of how better-fitted Hawkins was.

The humor remains delightfully accessible, with Paddington's usual mix of innocent misunderstandings, physical comedy, and clever wordplay providing plenty of laughs for children and adults alike. That said, the film doesn't always match the narrative sophistication of the first two Paddington movies. The second film set an exceptionally high bar, balancing humor, heart, and social commentary with remarkable finesse. Paddington in Peru, by contrast, leans more heavily on spectacle and adventure.

The emotional beats — particularly Paddington’s bond with Aunt Lucy — feel somewhat underdeveloped, making the climactic moments less impactful than they might have been with a tighter script. Additionally, the pacing occasionally falters. The final act takes its time getting through what should be the most emotionally resonant moments and straightforward ending, but the script stretches it thinly. As a result, the resolution, while satisfying, doesn’t quite deliver the emotional punch we’ve come to expect from Paddington’s cinematic adventures.

Visually, however, the film is stunning. Director Dougal Wilson (replacing Paul King) makes the most of these settings, capturing the majesty of the Andes and the intricate details of Peruvian culture with genuine care. The animation of Paddington himself remains seamless, with his fur, facial expressions, and interactions with the human characters continuing to impress. The film also maintains its commitment to positive, universal messages. Paddington’s unwavering belief in kindness, fairness, and the goodness of others is as relevant as ever. His interactions with locals, his determination to do right by Aunt Lucy, and his ability to bring people together — even in the face of misunderstandings and mishaps — reinforce the importance of empathy and understanding. Paddington's gentle, optimistic worldview is a welcome balm in a world often short on both.

Despite its flaws, Paddington in Peru ultimately delivers a fun, heartwarming experience for audiences of all ages. While it doesn't surpass the near-perfect blend of humor, heart, and social commentary achieved by Paddington 2, it still stands as a worthy entry in the series. Families will enjoy the humor, the visuals, and the lovable bear at the center of it all. At the same time, long-time fans will appreciate the film’s commitment to Paddington’s core values of kindness, curiosity, and resilience. In the end, Paddington in Peru is a charming, visually stunning adventure that offers more warmth and humor, which has made Paddington a cinematic favorite.

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