Paddington in Peru: Lost in the Jungle is a heartwarming movie for all ages. It has a bit of a Swiss Family Robinson vibe, with the addition of a precocious bear that can talk. This third film in the Paddington franchise isn’t quite as good as the previous two, but it’s still an excellent choice for a cinematic escape. And who doesn’t need that right about now? Paddington in Peru stays true to the formula, providing loads of charm, cheeky humor, bumbling villains, and of course, orange marmalade. The plot is a bit contrived, but whatever. It’s comfort food for the soul.
The film opens with Paddington (voiced by Ben Whishaw) getting his British passport while back at the Brown house in London, parents Henry (Hugh Bonneville) and Mary (now played by Emily Mortimer) are adjusting to life with two growing teens — one prefers to stay in his room playing video games and lackadaisically inventing stuff; the other is applying to University. The Browns could use some family bonding time before the nest empties out. So when Paddington gets a letter from the Reverend Mother (Olivia Colman) at the Home for Retired Bears, indicating that something is amiss with his Aunt Lucy, Paddington and the entire Brown family head to Peru to visit her. When they arrive– Aunt Lucy is MIA. But she’s left a clue. So off they go into the Amazon jungle, guided by a guy with a boat (Antonio Banderas) who is obsessed with lost treasure. Find Aunt Lucy and you’ll find the treasure. Perhaps.
Banderas fully embraces the camp as a conflicted captain haunted by his gold-digging ancestors; Colman is deliciously suspicious as a singing nun (with a fun nod to The Sound of Music); and Paddington remains a mayhem-inducing delight. So enjoy the jungle adventure for what it is, and for the heartfelt messages it ultimately delivers. Be kind. And if you get lost, just roooooar.
Paddington in Peru opens exclusively in theaters on Feb. 14. Happy Valentine’s Day!