StudioCanal brings back the beloved bear Paddington in the new movie “Paddington in Peru,” with Ben Whishaw reprising his role as the voice of Paddington and completing the trilogy. The adventure takes Paddington and the Brown family out of London and into South America.

“Paddington in Peru” is the third film in the trilogy. In this movie, Paddington Bear, along with the Brown family, embarks on an adventure to visit his Aunt Lucy. However, when they arrive, Aunt Lucy is missing. Their journey leads them through the Amazon rainforest to find her. Along the way, they explore themes of family, home and the true meaning of treasure.

A strength of the film is that it maintains the childlike charm of the characters, just as in the first two movies. Paddington remains the lovable bear who is clumsy yet kind. Everyone around him is instantly drawn to his warmth. He easily trusts people and sees the best in them, much like in the first film when he searches for a home and the second film when he is framed for theft and sent to jail.

“He’s sweet, and he’s really relatable with his love for sandwiches,” freshman Sadie Grecian said.

The film serves as a great sequel to the first two movies and adds depth to Paddington’s story of self-discovery. It continues to explore where he belongs and where he comes from. This movie goes beyond his connection with the Browns and Aunt Lucy, reaching back to before she found him. This adds a meaningful conclusion to the trilogy, tying all three films together.

Grecian said sequels are most successful when they stay true to the original while introducing a new element, character, or plotline.

The mystery was well-executed. Although the concept of a missing person and a treasure hunt involving El Dorado has been done before, the film makes it feel fresh and unique.

“They are going to solve an interesting mystery in the forest,” junior Kayla Buresh said when asked how this film differs from the others.

The film’s themes are naturally woven into the story rather than feeling forced. The concept of family is a recurring theme in the trilogy as Paddington is always searching for a sense of belonging. The bond between Paddington and the Browns is important to this movie as they face obstacles that ultimately strengthen their connection. Another family in the film struggles to stay loyal to one another, and Paddington and the Browns help them understand what true treasure really is.

“They share a connection that is special, and they have been taking care of Paddington,” Buresh said.

Anticipation for the film was high, thanks to effective marketing. Sequels often succeed because of strong promotion and the loyalty of fans who enjoyed previous movies. The film’s trailers and publicity efforts helped generate excitement.

“I’m excited for a thrilling movie, and Paddington is one of my favorites,” Grecian said.

Overall, “Paddington in Peru” lived up to expectations. The film is a fun, lighthearted adventure filled with humor, heart and excitement. With a mix of new and familiar themes, characters and plots, it is an entertaining watch for audiences of all ages.