After major huzzahs for PADDINGTONs I and II (orphaned CGI bear finds his name at a London railway station and a loving new family nearby), a drop in quality was only to be expected. And so it proved with PERU. The verdict: pleasant, but no match. But hold on. Once past a Peruvian prologue and a slapsticky first act that’s more MR. BEAN than MR. BEAR, the film finds its footing when Paddington brings his human family down to Peru where a beloved Aunt has taken ill. Or so he was told. Turns out she’s not taken ill, she’s taken off! Part of a dastardly plot to find the fabled Lost City (and gold) of El Dorado. Now we’ve found the right path: devious plot by phony Nun, secret goals, villains in disguise/heroes in disguise, and a dangerous journey that nods at RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK/’81 (Only LAST CRUSADE/’89, third in that series, makes for a better INDY sequel than this. Steven Spielberg pea green with envy.) Plenty clever, plenty fun, and with a neat touch of suspenseful sentiment for the wrap.) With most of the original players (the kids touchingly ten years grown), plus some new South American players, including a gamely deranged Antonio Banderas. Is the film as good as PADDINGTON 2? No. But it’s good enough! And boasting a great last minute cameo appearance by PADDINGTON 2 secret weapon Hugh Grant.
DOUBLE-BILL/LINK: PADDINGTON 1 & 2. https://maksquibs.blogspot.com/2015/08/paddington-2014.html https://maksquibs.blogspot.com/2018/06/paddington-2.html
ATTENTION MUST BE PAID: Considering how important marmalade is to Paddington, the writers ought to know they’ve got the wrong variety of oranges for a serious marmalade. You want bitter fruit for marmalade. Plus a shot of Scotch Whiskey.
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