StudioCanal, Columbia Pictures, Stage 6 Films and Marmalade Pictures’ Paddington In Peru (dubbed from the Hollywood film of the same name; partly animation) is the story of bear Paddington who has to trace his missing Aunt Lucy.
Paddington, who lives with the Browns, decides to travel to Peru when he receives a letter from the Home For Retired Bears’ Reverend Mother (Olivia Colman), informing him that Aunt Lucy was missing him. Once they reach Peru, Reverend Mother informs that Aunt Lucy had gone missing in the jungle. Paddington finds a map in Aunt Lucy’s cabin and starts his search from Rumi Rock.
The Browns and Paddington hire a boat to travel down the river. But the boat’s captain, Hunter Cabot (Antonio Banderas), wants to manipulate Paddington to reach El Dorado as he is driven by ghosts of his ancestors to find gold at El Dorado. Why, in his greed for gold, Hunter has even thrown off his daughter, Gina (Carla Tous), from the boat. Even as Paddington gets separated from the Browns and gets stuck with evil Hunter, Gina reaches the Browns and accompanies them to rescue Paddington from her father. Meanwhile, Mrs. Bird (Julie Walters), who did not go with the other Brown family members, and the Reverend Mother fly in a plane to rescue the Browns. Once they all unite, the Reverend Mother reveals her true identity, which shocks everyone. She also tells the Browns and Paddington that she had staged Aunt Lucy’s disappearance for ulterior motives.
How Paddington ultimately traces Aunt Lucy is revealed towards the end. What is the truth about Paddington?
Paul King, Simon Farnaby and Mark Burton have written a story based on Michael Bond’s Paddington Bear. The first half of the story is a bit boring but the latter half is far more interesting. The screenplay, penned by Mark Burton, Jon Foster and James Lamont, is quite engaging, especially in the last one hour. The light moments are enjoyable while the tension in the drama is also entertaining. Dialogues are nice.
The voice acting of Paddington bear is lovely. Antonio Banderas shines as Hunter Cabot. Carla Tous is natural as Gina. Hugh Bonneville is fair as Henry Brown. Emily Mortimer is very good as Mary Brown. Julie Walters makes her presence felt as Mrs. Bird. Madeleine Harris (as Judy Brown) and Samuel Joslin (as Jonathan Brown) lend average support. Olivia Colman leaves a fine mark as Reverend Mother. Jim Broadbent (as Samuel Gruber), Hugh Grant (in a cameo appearance as Phoenix Buchanan) and the others lend good support.
Dougal Wilson’s direction is quite nice. Dario Marianelli’s background music is appealing. Erik Wilson’s cinematography is very good. Andy Kelly’s production designing is proper. Úna Ní Dhonghaíle’s editing is sharp. Dubbing is of a very fine order.
On the whole, Paddington In Peru has an entertaining second half which will be liked by children and families. But lack of awareness about the film’s release will tell on its box-office performance.
Released on 18-4-’25 at Gemini (daily 2 shows) and other cinemas of Bombay by Sony Pictures Films India Pvt. Ltd. Publicity: dull. Opening: poor. …….Also released all over. Opening was below the mark everywhere. The original English version has also opened simultaneously.