Paddington in Peru Bites Off More Than It Can Chew

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The Paddington movies, starting from their inception, have interwoven the story of their fictional bear character, created by children’s author Michael Bond, with themes of migration and sanctuary. This wasn’t a random choice. Although Paddington Bear is symbolic of British culture, from his fondness for marmalade to his duffel coat to his impeccable manners, he hails from South America – specifically, the ominously named “darkest Peru.” This backstory echoes a colonial era where vast areas of the world were labeled as unknown or inaccessible on maps based on their resistance to exploration by foreigners.

To some, transforming this cherished figure into a representative of a welcoming, multicultural U.K. might seem like a clever way to modernize and sanitize an aged property with patches that have grown musty over the years. However, surprisingly, instead of coming across as heavy-handed or self-congratulatory, it was done delicately and poignantly, with Ben Whishaw’s soft voice giving the computer-animated bear a gentle touch. Paddington’s introduction into the country as a refugee, followed by his adoption by the Brown family, is set within a historical context of the nation providing shelter to those in need, tracing back to World War II and the Kindertransport. The London depicted in the 2014 film, with its Wes Anderson-inspired aesthetic, was a response to sentiments that would later lead to the Brexit referendum, but it also stood as an idealistic vision – a fairy-tale depiction of the city as it could be, welcoming and open.

In “Paddington’s Peruvian Adventure,” Paddington, our beloved bear, has officially become a British citizen, allowing him to return home. However, this journey also brings some concerns, as the film is the first in the series not penned or directed by Paul King. The unique blend of whimsy and wit that made the previous Paddington films charming could potentially be grating when applied to a foreign setting, like shifting from inside jokes to offensive humor.

“Paddington’s Peruvian Adventure” addresses this concern by featuring very few Peruvians on screen, even in scenes set deep in the Amazon, driven by the mysterious disappearance of Paddington’s dear Aunt Lucy from the Retired Bears Home. Instead, it concentrates on the Browns, now led by Emily Mortimer who takes over as matriarch Mary, as they embark on a combined vacation and rescue mission. This adventure involves the legend of El Dorado, a group of nuns, and Hunter Cabot (Antonio Banderas), a riverboat captain with an obsession that mirrors his ancestor’s conquistador past. This obsession is symbolized by recurring visions of his taunting forefather. While this may not be a particularly incisive critique of the colonial legacy, the film seems more concerned with avoiding pitfalls than making a strong statement.

Despite being one of the weaker films in the Paddington series, it still manages to thrive. The inherent charm of the franchise propels it through various obstacles and into adventures filled with bear sculptures, a temple for bears in the mountains, and a hidden bear society. Hunter, who seems exasperated at one point about how ‘bear-y’ the whole scenario is, provides amusement as he plays multiple roles, including himself and his ghostly ancestors. However, it’s Olivia Colman who delivers the movie’s most outstanding performance, portraying the Reverend Mother of a bear retirement home where Aunt Lucy disappeared from. Colman maintains a frozen expression of maniacal joy, adding a humor that can hardly be overstated. When the Reverend Mother breaks into song upon learning about Paddington’s arrival, dancing with nuns in the background and flinging her guitar into the air as if defying gravity, it’s reminiscent of The Sound of Music performed by a psychopath. Previous films have showcased brilliant comedic acting from stars like Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant, but Colman infuses her role with an unhinged enthusiasm that significantly enhances the entire production. (“It’s just a secret room behind an organ,” she cheerfully tells Mrs. Bird, played by Julie Walters, insisting to the Browns’ housekeeper there’s nothing suspicious about the mysterious hidden space she discovers in the retirement home.)

Hidden amidst the wilderness and monastic activities lies Paddington’s personal feelings about returning to his birthplace, having grown accustomed to living far across the sea. Mr. Gruber (Jim Broadbent), the proprietor of the antique store, cautions the bear that “becoming a citizen of a country, while wonderful, can bring complex emotions.” However, should Paddington harbor any confusion about his sense of belonging or losing touch with his family’s bear heritage, it remains unexplored. The delightful aspect of the Paddington films is their ability to subtly address challenging themes through charming children’s stories without going overboard. In essence, Paddington in Peru implies that there are certain aspects that the franchise may not be able to delve into, even with its lovable and kind-hearted animal protagonist, such as questioning whether one can truly embrace life in the U.K. after it has embraced you wholeheartedly despite initial reservations.

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2025-02-14 18:54