After a seven year hiatus, Paddington Brown, voiced by Ben Whishaw, has returned to theaters in time for Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14. Following the same charming, marmalade-loving, fictional bear, “Paddington in Peru,” captures the light storytelling feel author Michael Bond formed in the original books. 

With this third installment, the beloved series continues with some of the same sweet-natured elements the previous movies have. Despite that, the film doesn’t quite illustrate the well-spoken bear’s life to the standard we are used to with past adaptations — “Paddington 2” even awarded a rare 99% on Rotten Tomatoes. Still, “Paddington in Peru” is by no means a bad watch. 

As the movie progresses in the jungles of Peru, Paddington faces several events allowing for an enticing plotline, and falls victim to his frequent clumsy mistakes — including the well-known hammock scene that had viewers overcome with laughter in my theater. 

As someone who became an unexpected fan of the series this past summer, this movie was definitely an enjoyable watch, but the beginning feels a bit sluggish, lacking a consistent pace and a hook to mix with some following hectic scenes. The later part of the picture redeems the slow start, however. Here, new director Dougal Wilson, and first time feature film-maker, is able to truly catch a rhythm, and pull together each aspect of the narrative.  

After an emotionally sound ending, I was left fulfilled knowing the latest movie addition to the Paddington franchise did not negatively affect the legacy of a heartfelt series. While the picture did not live up to its predecessor, the witty humor and enjoyable themes make the 106-minute film well worth a watch for any age.

According to ​​deadline.com, Studiocanal CEO, Anna Marsh, said a fourth movie adaptation is already in the works, and more information will come out soon.