Paddington in Peru finally lands in UK cinemas this week, and we now have the first reactions to the eagerly-awaited new movie.
Seven years after Paddington 2, the threequel sees Paddington and the Browns head to Peru to visit Aunt Lucy. When they get there though, she’s nowhere to be seen and so begins an epic adventure.
Following its world premiere today (November 3) in London, those lucky few to have already seen Paddington 3 have taken to Twitter to share their first reactions.
So, does Paddington in Peru live up to the previous two movies?
Related: All you need to know about Paddington 3
“After a sticky start, Paddington in Peru finds its paws and delivers everything you’d want from a Paddington movie: inventive visuals, silly gags and a big heart,” wrote Digital Spy‘s movies editor Ian Sandwell.
“Olivia Colman is excellent (because, of course), but it’s Antonio Banderas who steals it. He’s exceptional.”
Total Film‘s Emily Murray said: “Although #PaddingtonInPeru is a step down from the previous movies and takes time to find its feet, it’s another delightful adventure for the beloved bear.
“Colman is sensational as a singing nun but Banderas is the hilarious stand-out. Can we make these movies forever please?”
Nicola Austin echoed those sentiments, saying: “While #PaddingtonInPeru doesn’t quite capture the charm & magic of the 2nd film, there’s still bags of heartwarming moments & adventure to enjoy for all the family.
“Praise be for Olivia Colman (channelling Julie Andrews) who undoubtedly steals the show. ADORED her wacky song.”
Phil Roberts wrote: “I absolutely loved Dougal Wilson’s #PaddingtonInPeru, the film is a wonderfully fun adventure. Olivia Colman once again steals the show with another winning performance, but the glorious cinematography makes this threequel the most picturesque entry to date. A hilarious blast.
Aaron Onaza continued the praise, saying: “#PaddingtonInPeru is just as delightful as the first two films and packs the right amount of heart and humour you’ve come to expect from this series. The creatively playful direction from Paul King is slightly missed, but Dougal Wilson does a more than worthy job here.”
Related: Paddington 3 confirmed as the longest Paddington movie
Ahead of the release of the third movie, Paddington and Paddington 2 have both been re-added to Netflix in the UK and Ireland if you need a rewatch.
Paddington 3 did have a change behind and in front of the camera as Dougal Wilson took over from Paul King as director, and Emily Mortimer replaced Sally Hawkins as Mrs Brown after Hawkins decided not to return.
Mortimer recently shared that it was “so flattering” to be asked to take over the role, even if it was “a nerve-racking proposition in lots of ways”.
Paddington in Peru is released in UK cinemas on November 8 and in US cinemas on January 17, 2025.
Movies Editor, Digital Spy Ian has more than 10 years of movies journalism experience as a writer and editor. Starting out as an intern at trade bible Screen International, he was promoted to report and analyse UK box-office results, as well as carving his own niche with horror movies, attending genre festivals around the world. After moving to Digital Spy, initially as a TV writer, he was nominated for New Digital Talent of the Year at the PPA Digital Awards. He became Movies Editor in 2019, in which role he has interviewed 100s of stars, including Chris Hemsworth, Florence Pugh, Keanu Reeves, Idris Elba and Olivia Colman, become a human encyclopedia for Marvel and appeared as an expert guest on BBC News and on-stage at MCM Comic-Con. Where he can, he continues to push his horror agenda – whether his editor likes it or not.