Paddington is charmingly voiced by Ben Wishaw. Photo / supplied
Paddington is charmingly voiced by Ben Wishaw. Photo / supplied
Third films in a franchise aren’t guaranteed to be good, particularly when following the greatness of a sequel as beloved as Paddington 2 and directed by a total newcomer. But thankfully, the little bear from darkest Peru can do no wrong, especially when his latest adventure sends him on atrip back home on a quest that is steeped in love for family.
Paddington (still lovingly voiced by Ben Whishaw) gets news that his elderly Aunt Lucy is unwell at her Home for Retired Bears. The anthropomorphically adorable CGI furball takes off to visit her in Lima, with the Brown family in tow. But on arrival, they’re told by Olivia Colman’s sweet Reverend Mother that Lucy has, in fact, disappeared, and the quest really begins.
Hugh Bonneville, Julie Walters and the now teenage Brown children return. The ditzy Sally Hawkins from Paddington 1 and 2 has been replaced by Britain’s other ditzy mum actress, Emily Mortimer (who’s fine as Mrs Brown).
Actually, you might expect that a third helping of the same old schtick would feel tired, but Bonneville maintains his hilariously deadpan risk-averse analysis of every small situation, and Walters’ bawdy slapstick continues to delight.
Once more, the film hits that sweet spot of mixing live action humans with a well-animated bear – Paddington’s facial expressions perfectly match Whishaw’s charming delivery, against a gorgeous production design.
Colman keeps proving she can be marvellous in any role she’s given, and there are fun nods to The Sound of Music, Fitzcarraldo and other classics for the grown-ups. Bravo, first-time feature director Dougal Wilson, for keeping the Paddington IP alive and lovely.
Rating out of five: ★★★★
Paddington in Peru, directed by Dougal Wilson, is in cinemas now.
