Paddington in Peru (2024)

Paddington in Peru (2024). 1h 46m | PG

“u0026#39;Paddington in Peru (2024)u0026#39; isnu0026#39;t as good as u0026#39;Paddington 2 (2017)u0026#39;, but it isnu0026#39;t as big a step down as some early reactions led me to believe. For the most part, this is still an entertaining and delightfully polite experience thatu0026#39;s as pleasant as it is brisk. Although the more standard adventure narrative is less idiosyncratic than the vignette approach of the first two pictures, it still works well enough in this context and allows its lovable characters to continue to charm even as theyu0026#39;re subjected to the classic sequel thing of being taken out of their natural habitat to explore the as-yet-unknown origins of the main character. There are plenty of funny moments and the film is good-natured from its very first frame. Itu0026#39;s a really nice movie, and sometimes thatu0026#39;s all you need.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eWhat it does lack in comparison to its predecessors is a strong emotional core. Even though a handful of its moments are moving, the piece isnu0026#39;t especially poignant and it isnu0026#39;t going to get your tear ducts working. Plus, some of its character work is rather superficial and, as my brother pointed out, almost feels like an obligatory afterthought. The narrative in general is rather conventional and follows a specific formula almost to a tee. Itu0026#39;s fairly predictable and feels relatively generic, almost like it was retrofit for Paddington after its basic beats had already been pencilled in.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eDespite its few issues, thereu0026#39;s still more than enough to like about the feature. Its lovable cast is as strong as ever, with some delightful newcomers (Antonio Banderas and Olivia Coleman) chewing the scenery with glee whenever thatu0026#39;s whatu0026#39;s needed. The special effects are consistently good, believably bringing the eponymous bear to life in such a way that itu0026#39;s strange to think heu0026#39;s never actually in the same space as the other characters. When he naturally doesnu0026#39;t turn up at the red carpet, it feels like someone is missing. The film is light and bouncy; it truly flies by and is generally a lot of fun. Itu0026#39;s marmalade-packed with gags, both visual and dialogue-based, and scenes of slapstick action that sweeps you off your feet. Itu0026#39;s a really good time.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eUltimately, this is a perfectly respectable addition to its series thatu0026#39;s well-made and enjoyable throughout. Itu0026#39;s unfortunate that it follows u0026#39;Paddington 2 (2017)u0026#39;, as thereu0026#39;s an argument to be made thatu0026#39;s the best – or, at least, most universally appealing – picture of all time, because this is genuinely a great family film. If youu0026#39;re expecting the best film of all time (again) or even the second best film of all time, youu0026#39;ll obviously be disappointed. However, itu0026#39;s a rock-solid effort thatu0026#39;s charming and entertaining in pretty much each and every scene. Itu0026#39;s a lot better than plenty of similar fare. If you donu0026#39;t go in expecting a miracle, I think youu0026#39;ll be pleasantly surprised.”