Gather ’round, marmalade enthusiasts and curious movie-goers: Paddington is back! This time, our favorite conscious, talking bear trades in the drizzle of London for the vibrant hues of Peru. Paddington in Peru is pretty much a fluffy, cinematic hug, and don’t we all need that every so often?
When a mysterious letter arrives at the Brown family’s doorstep, it whisks Paddington and company off on an adventure across the Atlantic, landing them in the lush and dynamic landscapes of Peru.
From extravagant natural vistas to the bustling streets filled with vibrant culture, Paddington in Peru offers plenty of visual delights. The cinematography expertly transports the viewer into the jungles of Peru. You’re not necessarily sweating in the Peruvian heat alongside Paddington, but you are definitely in one of those Disney World rides where they spray water and various smells to pretend you’re there. And, of course, the humor is as charming as ever. Paddington’s knack for both unwittingly causing chaos and saving the day never fails to elicit laughs, especially alongside Antonio Banderas (who looks as handsome as ever).
Now, let’s address the furry elephant in the room: the recasting of Mary Brown. Sally Hawkins played a beautiful Mary in the first two movies. It was sad to see her go. Emily Mortimer, who you may recognize from Aaron Sorkin’s The Newsroom, attempts to bring her own into the role. Although her portrayal brings a bright sharpness to the character that affirms she’s more complex than the stereotypical “mother of the house”, her Mary fails to land as sweet as the orange marmalade that Paddington eats.
Paddington, for all his bear-related antics, continues to be a paragon of kindness and reminds us of the beauty in community and friendship. One of the most memorable quotes from the film reminds us that, “on your search to help others, you’ll find yourself.” Even if you find yourself in an unfamiliar land, you can still help others in both unprecedented and everyday ways: in marmalade sandwiches and simple acts of kindness.
It’s hard not to leave the theater with a sense of hope, even as the credits roll. In a world that sometimes feels upside down, Paddington brings solace and delivers powerful lessons wrapped in simple bear-sized packages. Muddling through life with a sense of optimism and a love for marmalade sandwiches isn’t the worst way to cope with the chaos around us.
So, as you drive to your local cinema, whether you’re 5 or 95, prepare for a bear-y good time. Just remember to pack your own marmalade sandwiches.
