"Paddington in Peru" has officially hit UK theaters, marking the beloved bear's third cinematic adventure and making quite the splash at the box office. The film, which premiered this weekend, managed to secure the largest opening weekend for a British film since the release of "No Time to Die" back in 2021. Starring the endearing Paddington, the film raked in £9.65 million (approximately $12.4 million) over three days, establishing it as the highest-ever launch for Studiocanal, the studio behind the film.
The adorable bear first captured audiences' hearts back in 2014 with “Paddington,” followed by the 2017 sequel “Paddington 2,” both of which were met with widespread acclaim and solid box office performance. The original film opened to £5.1 million, and the sequel came close with £8.2 million. Combine those figures, and the first two movies grossed over $600 million worldwide. “Paddington in Peru” seems set to follow its predecessors on the road to success, even breaking records for Studiocanal.
Directed by Dougal Wilson, making his feature film debut, "Paddington in Peru" presents itself differently from the previous installments, which were helmed by Paul King. Unlike King’s whimsical visual storytelling, this film adopts a more conventional kids’ narrative. Yet, it still shines with the bear’s trademark charm and humor. The story kicks off when Paddington receives word from his Aunt Lucy who has mysteriously vanished from her home for retired bears in Peru. Without much hesitation, the Brown family joins Paddington on this adventure, leading them to the vibrant landscapes of the Peruvian jungle. The cast includes familiar faces like Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer, and Olivia Colman, reprising their roles and even bringing Antonio Banderas aboard as the riverboat captain hired for their quest.
Audiences have responded positively so far, evident by the film's impressive opening and early reviews. "Paddington in Peru" scored 92% on Rotten Tomatoes from 38 critics, confirming its status as another beloved installment. Critics acknowledge this score is slightly lower than the previous films, which boasted 97% and 99% respectively, but many still find plenty to appreciate within this new chapter. For example, Linda Marric of HeyUGuys describes it as “a wonderfully fun adventure with all the warmth, humor, and heart fans of this beloved franchise have come to adore.”
Stephanie Bunbury from Deadline echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the film’s magical charm: “It doesn’t matter if this film is much the same sort of thing as the last one, warmed over. That’s exactly what you want: third time around, the story of the little bear welcomed by strangers remains magical.” But not all reviews are glowing; some critics pointed out the film's slower pace compared to its predecessors.
Critics are wary of the writing, with reviewers noting the script’s inclination to rely on recycled jokes and sentimentality. Nick Curtis from the London Evening Standard describes the experience as one filled with "effortful slapstick" and overly explained jokes, as if the audience isn't sharp enough to catch the humor. Meanwhile, the review from The Wrap criticizes the overall writing quality, saying, "The new film has some heart, but it's buried beneath a lot of hackneyed writing and tedious padding. Like, a ton of padding." Such sentiments hint at the film’s struggle to match the highs set by its prior outings.
Interestingly, the reception suggests audiences remain charmed by Paddington’s joyous disposition above all. Despite criticisms concerning the script and pacing, people seem thrilled just to be back with the character they adore. Reviewers from various outlets, including Total Film, Digital Spy, and indieWire, also acknowledge the continuation of loving family themes, bright animation, and humor throughout the movie, even if it's not quite at the same level of excellence.
Visually, the film is resplendent, presenting sweeping views of the Peruvian landscapes which provide stunning backdrops for Paddington’s escapades. Even when the narrative felt familiar, the richness of the visuals was acknowledged by critics, with many citing it as one of the film’s most redeeming qualities. “Paddington in Peru” is full of vibrant sequences, all imbued with warmth and colors authentic to the Amazonian setting—and the plush, almighty bear remains irresistibly adorable.
Fans of Paddington can rejoice as the film prepares to make its way to international markets as well. Studios, including Sony, are set to release the film in the United States on January 17, 2025, and it will also reach territories across France, Germany, Poland, Australia, New Zealand, as well as parts of Asia through Studiocanal affiliates.
The film's early success indicates Paddington’s enduring popularity. This little bear, with his iconic blue coat, continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. The anticipation for “Paddington 3” seems high, notwithstanding some mixed reviews, as families across the UK and soon, the United States, prepare to see their favorite bear wander through jungles and discover treasures of the heart.
