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Olivia Colman and Antonio Banderas play new characters who steal the show. Banderas’s return to physical comedy as Mr Hunter brings action, humour, and range, while Colman’s theatrical portrayal of the suspicious Reverend Mother keeps audiences on their toes. Together, their high-tempo comedy both complements and challenges Paddington’s gentle spirit. However, Mr Brown remains a fan favourite with his quintessential Britishness and evolving character development since the sequel.
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| Olivia Colman in Paddington in Peru (Studiocanal) |
The trilogy continues to push visual boundaries, with a beautifully crafted painting scene reflecting Mrs Brown’s inner emotions about the family dynamics shifting—a unique storytelling device that deepens the narrative’s emotional impact and reintroduces the Brown family in a different light.
The film’s central theme explores the mixed emotions surrounding nationality and identity. As a British icon who has just gained dual citizenship, Paddington represents a journey of assimilating and belonging that resonates deeply with immigrant and mixed-heritage families. However, this timely message feels somewhat sidelined for punchy action sequences, only to resurface briefly towards the end of the film.
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| 'Paddington in Peru' (Studiocanal) |
Overall, Paddington in Peru blends humour, heart, and meaningful visuals, making it an enjoyable and thought-provoking film for both longtime fans and newcomers.
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