First came “A Different Man,” a film about an actor with neurofibromatosis. Then came “Better Man,” the biopic about English singer Robbie Williams. Next up was “Wolf Man,” a reboot of “The Wolf Man” franchise, involving what else? A werewolf. Finally, canine superhero “Dog Man” just barked its way into theaters and fetched some major box office.
Of course, no one who reads this column will be surprised to learn Woman on the Verge skipped all the manly movies and held out for Paddington instead. There is only one Paddington, and he is totes worth waiting for!
Not only is everyone’s favorite British bear certified fresh by critics and audiences alike, reviews paint the “different-better-wolf-dog” dudes as a pretty mixed bag. So what makes Paddington Bear so special?
Let’s turn back time for a moment:
Obviously, Paddington is adorable, respectful, and kind. In “Paddington in Peru,” we see all of these qualities delightfully on display for an hour and 46 minutes.
Based on the children’s book franchise, the basic plot of the film’s third installment involves his 107-year-old Aunt Lucy. Now living her best life at the Home for Retired Bears in Lima, she longs to see her Paddington again.
True fans know our star bear was orphaned in an earthquake in Peru as a baby. And we know Aunt Lucy visited him in London several years ago. Remember though: Things are not always what they seem.
Still, Paddington politely persuades the entire Brown family to travel to South America. Before you know it, here comes Her Majesty the Queen. No, wait, that’s Olivia Colman, who played Queen Elizabeth II in the Netflix series “The Crown.” What is she doing here?
God bless her, Colman channels her inner Julie Andrews, and so far this is the best cinematic moment of 2025. You don’t need to love “The Sound of Music” to appreciate this, but it certainly helps if you do.
Not to mention the entire cast of “Paddington in Peru” is wonderful, even if Sally Hawkins opted out after “Paddington 2.” Emily Mortimer is quite good here, as are Hugh Bonneville, Jim Broadbent, and Antonio Banderas, among others.
Finally, the movie reminds us to think about the differences and similarities between those we call our tribe and those we describe as family. At the risk of saying too much, all you need to know is a fourth “Paddington” film has been confirmed.
That and the Oscars air March 2. Simply put, there are only 10 watching days left before the Academy Awards show! Get up, get dressed, and go see “Nickel Boys,” a best picture and a best adapted screenplay nominee opening at The Triplex this Friday as part of their limited engagement series. I loved this devastating film’s immersive first-person point of view. Don’t miss it!
Support your local cinema and prepare your Oscar ballot, movie lovers. Next week, I will share mine right here. Until then, enjoy all the shows.
