New Paddington film charming but slow, critics say

The beloved Paddington Bear has returned to the big screen in a new film titled Paddington in Peru. This much-anticipated movie is the third installment in the Paddington series and made its debut in UK cinemas on November 8. While many fans were excited to see Paddington's latest adventure, the reviews have been quite mixed. Critics have described the film as 'charming enough,' but some have noted that it does not quite reach the same heights as its predecessors. In this new story, Paddington travels to Peru to visit his aunt Lucy, and the film features a number of familiar faces from the previous films, including Ben Whishaw, who lends his voice to Paddington, as well as Emily Mortimer and Hugh Bonneville. Since the first Paddington movie was released in 2014, Paddington Bear has become a national treasure, loved by audiences of all ages for his heartwarming and delightful adventures. Some critics have pointed out that while Paddington in Peru is enjoyable, it feels more like a special episode of a television sitcom rather than a full-fledged movie. They have mentioned that the film lacks the clever humor and darker undertones that made the first two films so memorable. Nick Curtis, a critic, expressed that Paddington in Peru misses the charm and excitement of the earlier films, describing the pacing as 'ponderous and slow. ' However, not all reviews were negative. Some critics praised the addition of new characters played by Hollywood stars Olivia Colman and Antonio Banderas, calling them valuable assets to the film. Olivia Colman plays the role of Reverend Mother, who oversees a home for retired bears. Critics have noted that she is perfectly cast in this role, bringing a musical charm to the film. They mentioned that she is entertaining, even if her character is somewhat underused. Antonio Banderas, on the other hand, plays a boat captain with a secret, as well as his many descendants, adding an interesting twist to the story. Ben Whishaw, who has voiced Paddington in all three films, shared his thoughts on the new movie, stating, 'I think they are beautiful films made with such care and love. ' He expressed pride in being associated with the Paddington character and the films. The director of the first two Paddington films, Paul King, has moved on to other projects, including the upcoming film Wonka, but he is credited with writing the story for Paddington in Peru alongside Simon Farnaby and Mark Burton. Some critics have labeled Paddington in Peru as the weakest film in the franchise, but they have praised the production design, which takes full advantage of the film's setting in Peru. They noted that the interiors are beautifully crafted, resembling untouched escape rooms filled with hidden secrets. However, one critic pointed out that despite the title, the film feels distinctly un-Peruvian. They remarked that there are very few Peruvian characters in the film, and while it briefly touches on the historical context of Spanish colonization, it still feels odd that there are more people of color in London than in South America. In addition to the film, there is also a new stage adaptation of Paddington being developed, with music and lyrics by Tom Fletcher from the band McFly. The cast of the upcoming film is set to travel through Devon and Cornwall, bringing the magic of Paddington Bear to even more fans across the country.