Movie Review - Paddington in Peru

Director: Dougal Wilson
Genre: Adventure/ Comedy/ Family
Runtime: 106 minutes
Year: 2025
Starring: Ben Wishaw, Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer, Julie Walters, Imelda Staunton, Antonio Banderas Olivia Colman, Madeleine Harris, Samuel Joslin
 
Description: Paddington returns to Pery to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, who now resides at the Home for Retired Bears. With the Brown family in tow, a thrilling adventure ensues when a mystery plunges them into an unexpected journey.
 
Review: Paddington has been living with the Brown family for several years. The children are almost young adults. Mother Mary worries about the inevitable empty nest as daughter and son increasingly live their own lives. But then a disturbing message arrives from Paddington’s homeland in Pery. For one last family adventure, the Browns travel to the Peruvian jungle, where they come face to face with crazy villains, spikey plants and singing nuns. Like its predecessors, “Paddington in Peru” is a dryly comic, slightly wacky and heartwarming film for all ages.

When the family arrives in Pery, Aunt Lucy is missing. So the Brown head into the jungle to find her. Paddington’s clumsiness and enthusiasm is still the root of it. His politeness and marmalade sandwiches are again his main weapon. Along with his new umbrella. A true British gentleman, of course, cannot do without one.  

Although still a writer on the project, Paul King did not direct the third film in the series. Dougal Wilson takes over. And it’s all a little bigger and brighter for this one. Even though I still highly enjoyed this film, I prefer the smaller take on the story in previous films (especially the second one).

I like all the Paddington films, because Paddington himself is just the most adorable character. You have to be completely heartless to not be affected by his kindness. The film is funny, witty, charming, heartwarming and adventurous and this is the perfect family film.

Rating: 4/ 5

20s Movie Review - Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget

Director: Sam Fell
Genre: Animation/ Adventure/ Comedy/ Family
Runtime: 98 minutes
Year: 2023
Starring: Thandie Newton, Zachary Levi, Bella Ramsey, Imelda Staunton, David Bradley, Peter Serafinowicz

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2024 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 5: AN ANIMATED MOVIE
 
Description: Having pulled off an escape from Tweedy’s farm, Ginger (Thandie Newton) has found a peaceful island sanctuary for the whole flock. But back on the mainland the whole of chicken-kind faces a new threat, and Ginger and her team decide to break in.

Review: “Chicken Run”(2000) was already an obvious allegory for humanity is its own enemy. With chickens seeking to escape their fate, ending up as chicken patties. Those chickens, of course, are anthropomorphic beings with a soul and a consciousness. Created by Aarman Animations, known for its quirky stop-motion films. A company I have always loved and appreciated.

“Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget:  is a sequel to the original. Ginger and Rocky are back, now with a child named Molly. After escaping from the chicken farm from the first film, they have created a paradise for themselves and all the other chickens on an island. And no humans to be found. Molly, as the curious young girl she is, wants to know more about the ‘outside world’ and escapes the island to see it for herself. Where she ends up at a strange facility, with danger on the lookout.

“Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget” doesn’t really add anything to the original, because it’s much of the same. But it’s fun, entertaining and witty. Aardman’s  style still stands out and there are plenty of jokes. It feels primarily as a gesture to the fan, who may have been yearning for a sequel. It’s just a very enjoyable film, and you will enjoy it if you did the first.  

Rating: 3/ 5

10s Movie Review - Maleficent

Director: Robert Stromberg
Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Fantasy/ Family
Runtime: 97 minutes
Year: 2014
Starring: Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, Sharlto Copley, Lesley Manville, Imelda Staunton, Juno Temple, Sam Riley, Brenton Thwaites, Michael Higgins

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2021 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 26: A MOVIE WITH AN ANTI-HERO
 
Description: A vengeful fairy (Angelina Jolie) is driven to curse an infant princess, only to discover that the child may be the one person who can restore peace to their troubled land.

Review: “Sleeping Beauty” is a classic Disney animation that was screaming for a new interpretation. The classic may be beloved worldwide; there are also a few things to be said about it. The story is very thin and the characters are hardly given any depth. However, with  the evil witch Maleficent it does have one of the scariest Disney villains of all time. Memorably terrifying because there was no glimmer of compassion or humanity in this mistress of evil.  
So, with “Maleficent” the infamous shrew is given her own full movie. And Disney could have gone either way: work out the creepy cold-bloodedness even more or add more nuance. Debuting director Robert Stromberg goes full for the nuance, making “Maleficent” primarily a breezy family film.
It is the safer choice of the two, but also the dullest. Maleficent is transformed from a terrifying demoness into a nature-loving fairy who fights to preserve her magical forest, while people from the surrounding areas want to destroy it. She becomes the victim of deep betrayal and is not the same from that point on. Revenge she wants, and she gets it.
But soon she regrets it when it turns out that the baby she cursed grows up to be a very sweet girl. Perhaps even a little too sweet for the sober observer. Princess Aurora is played by Elle Fanning, one of the most talented actresses of her age, but her puzzled look and cheerful giggles quickly get on your nerves. Maleficent’s elaboration is better. The creators have given her a background that, for the most part, fits nicely with the 1959 classis. But otherwise, it’s all fat from original and surprising.
Fortunately, there are also plenty of things to enjoy. In the first place, the leading rol of Angelina Jolie, who plays her character with visible pleasure. She is at her best in the famous scene of the christening party: delightfully diabolical. And then there is the visual aspect of the film, which isn’t bad. Only he three fairies look pretty horrible.
I would have wanted a more dark version of the tale, but “Maleficent” is, mostly thanks to Jolie, still an entertaining film.

Rating: 3/ 5

10s Movie Review - Pride

Director: Matthew Warchus
Genre: Drama/ Comedy
Runtime: 120 minutes
Year: 2014
Starring: Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton, Dominic West, Paddy Considine, George McKay, Andrew Scott, Russell Tovey

Description: U.K. gay activists work to help miners during their lengthy strike of the National Union of Mineworkers in the summer of 1984.

Review: Most British citizens are familiar with the miner’s strike in 1984, as a protest to the announced closing of the mines. People who went through this period remember it very well and it’s a story that has been told to children and grandchildren. It’s a very sensitive topic, still for many people. But one special occurrence during these strikes never got a lot of publicity, which is the focus of the film “Pride”.
During the strike, the miners and their families were struggling, because they had no income. That’s why fundraising campaigns were held. The in London based ‘Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners’ (LGSM) decide to also campaign for them and raise money to support them. But when they want to hand the union the money, that’s a problem. Because taking money from gays, that’s unheard of. They eventually find a union in Wales, that does say yes. The LGSM travel to a little town in Wales, but most citizens aren’t happy about them. They have prejudices and don’t really welcome them with open arms. But the two very different groups connect.
That “Pride” is based on real-life events makes this film extra strong. With that, many ingredients of a feel-good movie are present. The combination of emotional elements, humor and personal development of the characters make you think about films like “Billy Elliot” and “The Full Monty”. And since both those films are amazing, “Pride” can certainly be added to this line-up.
The screenplay is very strong but the fantastic cast also lifts this film to a higher level. Imelda Staunton and Bill Nighy can’t do wrong off course, but also the young George MacKay, who has the biggest part of the ensemble, manages to show of his talent. The journey of his character Joe, from being a shy guy growing to be confident man comfortable with who he is, is really strong. But the actor that steals the show is Dominic West, as the flamboyant Jonathan, who you can simple not dislike. His dance scene is one of the highlights of the film.
“Pride” is one of the rare films that has substance, entertainment and soul.

Rating: 5 / 5

00s Movie Review - Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Director: David Yates
Genre: Adventure/ Family/ Fantasy/ Drama
Runtime: 138 minutes
Year: 2007
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Ralph Fiennes, Robbie Coltrane, Michael Gambon, Helene Bonham-Carter, Brendan Gleeson, Imelda Staunton, Jason Isaacs, Gary Oldman, Tom Felton, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, Emma Thompson, David Thewlis, Richard Griffiths, Fiona Shaw, Warwick Davis, Bonnie Wright, Julie Walters, Mark Williams, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Chris Rankin, Matthew Lewis, Evanna Lynch

Description: With their warning about Lord Voldemort's return scoffed at, Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) are targeted by the Wizard authorities as an authoritarian bureaucrat slowly seizes power at Hogwarts.

Review: The fifth movie in the series is a bit more grim then the previous films. The innocent face of the then 12 year old Daniel Radcliffe is now a full grown teenager.
In the opening scene we see Harry sitting on a swing. After his cousin Dudley is teasing him again, Harry breaks. He gets his wand out and threatens Dudley. It shows that Harry isn’t someone to mess with anymore. Voldemort is after Harry and sends dementors his way. When a dementor wants to attack Dudley, Harry uses a Patronus spell on him. This gets him in trouble.
Harry is traumatized since he saw Cedric die in “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”. For the first time we feel Harry’s burden. Although Hermione and Ron support him, Harry feels alone. But he has no choice, he has to get ready to face Voldemort.
There are some new characters introduced. Evanna Lynch plays Luna Lovegood. A quirky witch who makes sure there are also some lighter moments in the film. She teaches Harry to cope with the trauma. Then there is Imelda Staunton as Dolores Umbridge, who is probably the most annoying character in the entire franchise. She steals the show.
What I liked most about “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” is how the students are forming their own alliance and try to get ready for the big battle, without any help of the teachers. Characters like Neville Longbottom and Ginny Weasly get a more important role in the story.
It wasn’t one of my favorite books, because it was so long. But director David Yates has done a fantastic job in turning it into a movie. It is one of my favorite Harry Potter movies.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

Movie Reviews - Paddington 2

Director: Paul King
Genre: Adventure/ Family/ Comedy/ Fantasy
Runtime: 103 minutes
Year: 2018
Starring: Ben Wishaw, Sally Hawkins, Hugh Bonneville, Imelda Staunton, Michael Gambon, Peter Capaldi, Hugh Grant, Brendan Gleeson, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent

Description: Paddington (Ben Wishaw), now happily settled with the Brown family and a popular member of the local community, picks up a series of odd jobs to buy the perfect present for his Aunt Lucy's 100th birthday, only for the gift to be stolen.

Review: The British have a thing for bears, at least when it comes to children’s literature. Pooh, Rupert, SuperTed, Baloo. And they also have a special place for Paddington, with his signature red hat and blue coat. The first film, I liked very much. It was loveable and heartwarming. But “Paddington 2” I absolutely love and is even more loveable and heartwarming!!!
Paddington lives a happy life with the Brown family and puts a smile on all his neighbor’s faces. His wish is to find the perfect gift for his aunt Lucy, who lives in South America. Because aunt Lucy also dreams of a trip to London, Paddington finds an antique pop-up book about the British capitol. He gets a job to earn money to buy this gift.
If you don’t like this movie, you seriously suck! It’s only the British that can manage to add so much humor and warmth to a film like this. There is a good mix of adventure, tension, slapstick humor and tenderness. Even the extreme situation of Paddington going to jail, is brought to us with warmth and heart. Paddington is an example for us, he stays polite in every situation, without being annoying or sugar sweet.
Hugh Grant plays the villain in this second film. He is a egotistical, self-loving actor, who has his eyes on the same book as Paddington. But for other reasons. And Grant is really solid as the bad guy.
You don’t have to be a kid to love this film. “Paddington 2” puts an instant smile on your face. I love this film!

Rating: 5 / 5

100 Movie Challenge 2016 - # 155: Taking Woodstock

Director: Ang Lee
Genre: Comedy/ Drama
Runtime: 110 minutes
Year: 2009
Starring: Emile Hirsch, Liev Schreiber, Paul Dano, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Dan Fogler, Imelda Staunton, Eugene Levy, Henry Goodman, Jonathan Groff, Mamie Gummer, Kevin Sussman, Skylar Astin, Demetri Martin

Description: A man (Demetri Martin)) working at his parents' motel in the Catskills inadvertently sets in motion the generation-defining concert in the summer of 1969.

Review: Director Ang Lee decided to work with a lighter theme this time, after movies like “Brokeback Mountain” and “Lust, Caution”. “Taking Woodstock” it the end result.
A film with the word Woodstock in the title, will give the audience certain expectations. The rock festival will always be legendary and is seen as a turning point in world history. Ang Lee focusses on the organization of the concert, more than the event itself. The film is based on the memoires of Elliot Tiber, a man that accidentally became important in that organization. Elliot works at his parent’s hotel, that is having trouble. No tourists and his parents don’t see the seriousness of the problem. Elliot sees an opportunity when a city nearby is organizing a concert, but its permit is declined. He arranges a permit himself and shows the terrain. But more people are interested in coming to the concert than Elliot would have ever imagined.
“Taking Woodstock” was criticized, because the movie didn’t show anything from the concert itself. And I kind of see where it’s coming from. I know it wasn’t Lee’s intention to reconstruct the concert, but in a movie about Woodstock they could have given us a little bit of the music. Lee focusses more on the feeling that the concert gave the many visitors and how lots of young people became adults during this festival. Elliot has a tough relationship with his parents and is clearly struggling with his sexuality. Woodstock is a turning point for him.
The movie could easily fall into cliché. Elliot’s development isn’t as present, because it’s alternated with eccentric supporting characters, like Vietnam veteran Billy, the transsexual Vilma, but also the chaos that Woodstock causes.
Like many others, I expected to see more of Woodstock itself. This makes it a little disappointing. But overall, “Taking Woodstock” is a pretty fun film.

Rating: 3/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 88: Paddington

Director: Paul King

Genre: Comedy/ Family

Runtime: 95 minutes

Year: 2014

Starring: Ben Wishaw, Imelda Staunton, Michael Gambon, Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Julie Walter, Nicole Kidman, Jim Broadbent, Matt Lucas

Description: A young Peruvian bear (Ben Wishaw) travels to London in search of a home. Finding himself lost and alone at Paddington Station, he meets the kindly Brown family, who offer him a temporary haven.

Review: A movie about a talking bear. Is it like “Ted”? NO! “Paddington” is a family film, based on the stories of Michael Bond.

Paddington is a young Peruvian bear, who travels to London. He is taken in by the Brown family. Paddington is ready for a new adventure, but there is also a woman after him to put him in a museum.

The story follows the classic good versus bad routine, but this works especially for the younger viewers. The movie has great (visual) humor and a very strong cast. And Paddington bear himself looks amazing and recognizable.

“Paddington” is a real fun family film. It’s heartwarming, funny, adventurous and entertaining. It’s really worth every minute of your time.

Rating: 4/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 119: The Pirates! Band of Misfits

Director: Peter Lord, Jeff Newitt

Genre: Animation/ Family/ Adventure

Runtime: 88 minutes

Year: 2012

Starring: Hugh Grant, Martin Freeman, Imelda Staunton, Jeremy Piven, Salma Hayek, David Tennant, Brendan Gleeson

Description: Pirate Captain (Hugh Grant) sets out on a mission to defeat his rivals Black Bellamy (Jeremy Piven) and Cutlass Liz (Salma Hayek) for the Pirate of the year Award. The quest takes Captain and his crew from the shores of Blood Island to the foggy streets of Victorian London.

Review: If you are a pirate or a scientist, eventually it’s all about the fame, the booty or the girl. At least, if we believe “The Pirates! Band of Misfits”. We see how a failed pirate tries to win the ‘Pirate of the Year Award’ and how Charles Darwin discovers a rare parrot.

“The Pirates! Band of Misfits” is a so-called Claymation, made by the companies Aardman and Sony. It gets an English touch because of the voice actors, the absurd humor and the atmospheric streets of 19th century London. The American touch is noticeable because of the movies moral and postmodern humor. Like a 19th century scientist playing around with a Rubik’s cube and funny remarks about the Academy Awards. With that the film is filled with physical jokes and word jokes.

The movie isn’t innovative, but it looks stunning. And “The Pirates! Band of Misfits” is a successful animation with a high entertainment level. That it never lives up to movies like “Chicken Run” and “Wallace and Grommit”, doesn’t matter. We weren’t expecting that.

Rating: 3/ 5