"All it takes to light the darkness is one candle of faith."
Undeniable charisma and sweet innocence have propelled Paddington into a worldwide phenomenon. Based on the titular character from British author Michael Bond, the film franchise has achieved robust results thanks to its universal stories and display of love, acceptance, and kindness.
Though the third film in the ever-popular franchise was released elsewhere over three months ago, the lovable teddy bear is finally making its splash stateside, and the wait, though long and dreary, was, for the most part, somewhat worth it.
The film, the feature debut of director Dougal Wilson, is equally lighthearted and whimsical. As we first see Paddington, the loyal, warm, and caring bear, attempt to sit for his passport photo, chaos, as one would expect, quickly ensues. Oddly alone on such a big occasion, the moment allows for a quick reminder of the franchise's tone and purpose. Half fish out of water, half self-discovery, Padding in Peru is a film about growing up, accepting our history, and embracing our roots.
Ben Whishaw returns to voice the popular cub, giving the franchise its base on which to build. In fact, the entire original cast returns, minus Academy Award nominee Sally Hawkins, for this third adventure. She opts to skip this tale, replaced by the always entertaining Emily Mortimer as mother figure Mary Brown. Though we feel Hawkins' absence, Mortimer more than carries the load, continuing Mary's love and admiration for Paddington as she impulsively recommends the entire family travel to Peru to bring a positive, uplifting spirit to the recently sluggish and depressed Aunt Lucy.
But all isn't right at the home for returned bears. When the family arrives to cheer up Paddington's only known family member, they learn that Aunt Lucy has mysteriously disappeared. A cracked pair of reading glasses and a bracelet are all that she left behind as Mother Reverend (Olivia Coleman) encourages the family to search for their missing piece.
The film, in a nutshell, showcases the family as they travel throughout the country, tracking down Aunt Lucy and uncovering a secret legacy that has been a plague on the family for generations. A voyage down a river, a stifling hike through the forest, and an exposed night's sleep amid a heavy downpour are all present, but the Brown family pushes forward without a quip. But that is to be expected from the most patient and understanding family ever to grace the big screen.
As the group navigates the rough terrain of Peru, they encounter Hunter Cabot (Bandaras), a boat captain who promises a safe and easy passage. Though the ride proves to be anything but, it opens the door to an expansive story thatwithout, the film would have struggled to carry its required runtime.
While the two previous films progressed with little effort, Paddington in Peru struggles. As the film works hard to amplify a rather mundane story, this outing demonstrates that cracks exist even in the most solid foundation. A painfully short guest turn by Marvel star Hayley Atwell aside, the film labors to migrate away from the expected and, at times, ridiculous while still painting a cohesive picture that, albeit sluggish, ultimately works within the context of the intent.
Ultimately, the purity of the story and its central characters make Paddington undeniably entertaining. Gone are the intense undertones, ambiguity, and double entendres that often weigh down likeminded stories. Paddington in Peru is a wholesome, heart-filled film that plays to the entire family. And as the life lessons come hurling at you during the third chapter, and the film professes love above all else, it's hard to find fault in a character and story that amplifies what the world is missing so much of currently. The film is far from perfect. And it is undoubtedly the worst of the franchise. But somehow, it's hard to say no to a kindhearted teddy bear who wants to belong in a world where, albeit understanding, is stacked fairly high against him.
