Paddington (the voice of Ben Whishaw) gets back to his roots in a rollicking adventure with the Brown family in Paddington in Peru.
The intelligent bear remains living comfortably with the clan, although there is now little connection between the parents and their two children.
Judy (Madeleine Harris) is applying for university entrance and mum Mary (Emily Mortimer) is sad to be “losing her”.
Jonathan (Samuel Joslin) stays holed up in his room playing video games and chilling.
Dad Henry (Hugh Bonneville) has a new American boss at the insurance firm where he works.
She takes a decidedly different approach to what he is used to – her mantra is to “embrace the risk” – which challenges him.
Mary has taken up painting, but longs to return to a happier time, when they were all sharing the couch together.
Then, suddenly, Paddington gets word from the Reverend Mother at the Home for Retired Bears (Olivia Colman).
That is where his beloved aunt Lucy (the voice of Imelda Staunton) resides.
Apparently, all is not right. She is missing him terribly.
So, off to Peru the family trots, with the ever-resourceful, live-in housekeeper Mrs Bird (Julie Walters) in tow.
When they arrive, the situation is worse than they expected. Aunt Lucy is missing.
Thereafter begins a dangerous trip to the Amazon rainforest in search of her and the lost treasure of El Dorado.
The guide is boat captain Hunter (Antonio Banderas) and there is skulduggery afoot.
Paddington in Peru is fun, creative and colourful.
In fact, it is a delightful family film that features sight gags and mischief making.
I liked the distinct personalities that continue to inhabit the franchise.
Paddington maintains his charm and composure (for the most part).
As Henry, Hugh Bonneville must find his wild side, while as Mary, Emily Mortimer gets what she is after with a family vacation.
Julie Walters brings a suspicious streak to Mrs Bird, while Antonio Banderas has greed coursing through his veins at Captain Hunter.
And then there is the super nice (or is she?) Mother Superior, as played by the cheery Olivia Colman.
Setting the action in Peru brings with it peril and pursuit, giving the movie a nice edge.
I also greatly appreciated the focus on heritage as well as the unexpected ending, which I am not about to spoil.
Rated PG, Paddington in Peru scores a 7 out of 10.
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