The first two Paddington movies were unexpectedly great with adorable charm and British humour that everyone regardless of age could enjoy. Almost a whopping eight years after 2017’s Paddington 2, the sequel is here in the form of Paddington In Peru, albeit with some differences (a new director, a new setting and cast changes).

Peruvian Adventure

Paddington In Peru is the first Paddington movie to be set mostly outside of London, which is refreshing. The movie does lose some of its ‘Britishness’ that made it unique but the British humour and charm are still mostly there, despite the majority of the movie taking place in Peru (which pleasantly reminded me of 2019’s Dora And The Lost City Of Gold, which is another brilliant family-friendly movie worth watching). It’s hard to believe that this is Dougal Wilson’s directorial debut but it’s an amazing first effort who previously have only made music videos for the most part.

Ben Whishaw is once again so full of adorable charm as Paddington Brown that it’s almost impossible not to find him likeable. The way that he talks and the tone of his voice just makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside. The rest of the Brown family reprise their roles, except for the role of Mrs Brown (Emily Mortimer replaces Sally Hawkins). While Sally Hawkins’ comforting motherly energy is very much missed, Emily Mortimer does her best and manages to be a decent enough replacement. There are two major supporting characters in Paddington In Peru played by Olivia Colman and Antonio Banderas, both of whom looked like they had fun in their roles. The best family movies are often when the cast seems to be having fun and Paddington In Peru is exactly that.

If you liked the first two Paddington movies, Paddington In Peru will definitely be up your alley. It offers the same family-friendly fun and heart, and there are some pretty good jokes in this one. I laughed out loud a few times, which is more than I can say for other family-friendly ‘comedies’ out there. Movies like Paddington In Peru are rare these days, these are movies that are made for all ages to enjoy and not just simply for kids. Simply put, I’m referring to a movie that can be universally enjoyed by everyone but not dumbed down for children. The only flaw of Paddington In Peru is perhaps that it doesn’t take risks, but this is a Paddington movie we’re talking about and it delivers what it’s supposed to.

Merry Marmalade Fun

Paddington In Peru offers the same wholesome fun, heart and charm of the first two Paddington movies. It’s more of what we can expect from the adorable bear and the Brown family. It’s a movie everyone can enjoy regardless of age or gender, and it’s a great movie to start out the year with.

FINAL SCORE: 80/100

We attended a press screening of Paddington In Peru courtesy of Sony Pictures Malaysia. Paddington In Peru premieres in Malaysian cinemas on 16 January 2025.