Paddington's third outing is definitely a drop off from the first two films, missing the lightness of touch that director Paul King brought to the franchise. The jokes weren't quite as precise, and the plot felt convoluted with elements like ancient Peruvian relics and steamboat captains haunted by the failures of their ancestors.
Despite its shortcomings, the film manages to probe gently at the idea of what constitutes home for people who have migrated, making it preferable to many generic children's films. It's bright-eyed, inventive, and charitable, embodying a sense of family-friendly values that resonates with audiences.
Paddington Bear has undergone a significant revival in fortunes, making him a cultural juggernaut. As franchises settle into a middle-age comfort, Paddington stands out with a rich history that contrasts with other modern cultural icons, reminiscing on his once-fusty image in a world dominated by fast-paced US cartoons.
The film hints at a future with more installments in the series, and while the franchise may explore well-trodden themes, it opens the door to deeper expressions of home and belonging familiar to audiences from all walks of life.
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