By now, we’re all familiar with Paddington, the marmalade-loving little bear. After being rescued and adopted by Uncle Pastuzo (Michael Gambon) and Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton), he makes his way to London where he’s found and taken in by the Brown family. Naive, but earnest, he can’t help but make his world a better place.
In Paddington in Peru, the third installment of the film series, Paddington notices that the Browns are drifting apart. The family still has a functional relationship, but they’re five people (and a bear) who just happen to live under the same roof. When Paddington receives a letter from Peru that his Aunt Lucy misses him desperately, Mrs. Brown (Emily Mortimer) senses an opportunity for some family bonding time. After some initial reluctance, the rest of the family agrees to the trip abroad.
Upon arrival, they learn from the Reverend Mother (Olivia Coleman) who runs the Home for Retired Bears, that Aunt Lucy has disappeared into the jungle. So Paddington and the Browns hire a riverboat run by Captain Cabot (Antonio Banderas) and his daughter Gina (Carla Tous) to help them follow her. But Cabot recognizes that Paddington has the key to finding El Dorado, and our not-so-good captain suffers the family affliction of gold fever. Also suspicious, Reverend Mother doesn’t seem to know her Scripture and has secrets of her own.
It’s nice seeing these familiar characters in a new environment, with the story maintaining its trademark humor and use of big-name stars for villains. Paddington riding a llama to the strains of the William Tell Overture might be the most fun thing in the trilogy, even though it’s a story beat we’ve already seen. But ultimately, Paddington in Peru is about reconnecting with family.
Not to spoil anything, but coins are a motif throughout the movie, which reminds me of Jesus' parable. When the woman realizes that she’s lost one of her silver coins, she searches her home until she finds it. And then, she celebrates. As Charles Spurgeon notes, “The silver was lost, but not forgotten.” Aunt Lucy might have felt forgotten, too. But Paddington searches his homeland for her because she is precious to him. What he, the Browns, and even Captain Cabot find is something to be celebrated far more than silver or gold.
Some of the mystical elements might be unsettling for some families, but there’s nothing remotely offensive. The twists and turns of the plot are enough to keep the grownups engaged, while Paddington’s colorful adventure will keep younger viewers entertained. I’m in my 40s, my mom is in her 70s, and we watched it together and enjoyed it thoroughly. (Sony Pictures)