Pop Culture Happy Hour: "Paddington in Peru" Episode Summary
Release Date: February 17, 2025
Podcast: Pop Culture Happy Hour
Hosts: Linda Holmes, Glen Weldon, Stephen Thompson, Aisha Harris
Guests: Rihanna Cruz (Freelance Music and Culture Journalist), Jeff Yang (Cultural Critic and Author)
Introduction
In this episode of Pop Culture Happy Hour, the hosts dive into the latest installment of the beloved Paddington Bear series, "Paddington in Peru." Joining Glen Weldon and Stephen Thompson are two insightful guests: Rihanna Cruz, a freelance music and culture journalist, and Jeff Yang, a cultural critic and author known for his work on Asian American representation.
Overview of "Paddington in Peru"
Glen Weldon kicks off the discussion by introducing the film:
"Paddington Bear. You know him. He's got a hat, a coat, a thing for marmalade, and when pressed, a hard stare is back. The new movie Paddington in Peru flies him and his family the globe into the wilds of Peru." [00:20]
Stephen Thompson elaborates on the plot, highlighting the film's adventurous spirit and star-studded cast:
"Together they embark on a search for Paddington's Aunt Lucy, who's gone missing. Along the way, they meet a not remotely suspicious singing nun played by Olivia Colman and an even less suspicious boat captain played by Antonio Banderas." [00:34]
Glen Weldon provides a more detailed synopsis:
"Paddington in Peru is the third film in which Ben Whishaw voices the beloved and terribly British bear. In this installment, Paddington receives a letter from a nun about his missing Aunt Lucy. The Brown family travels to Peru, encountering various adventures that blend British sensibilities with exotic settings." [03:09]
Guest Introductions
Glen Weldon welcomes the guests:
"Joining me today is freelance music and culture journalist Rihanna Cruz. Hey, Rihanna." [02:57]
"Also with us is Jeff Yang. He's a cultural critic and author of The Movies that Made Asian America. Hey, Jeff." [03:01]
Discussion on "Paddington in Peru"
Rihanna Cruz's Perspective
Rihanna Cruz shares her appreciation for the film's cultural roots:
"I liked that the movie focuses on the fact that Paddington is a Latino icon. He's from Peru, and I like that this movie got him back to his roots in Peru. I really enjoyed it." [04:25]
She further critiques the film's handling of cultural themes:
"I feel like Paddington is a victim of environmental displacement and a cultural refugee. Despite aligning with British values, his identity feels whitewashed. The movie doesn't appropriately address Britain's role as a colonizer." [11:18]
Jeff Yang's Insight
Jeff Yang draws parallels between Paddington's journey and the experiences of adoptees in the Asian American community:
"There's always been a conversation about where you belong. This movie begins by asking that question, ultimately affirming that you belong where you belong and are shaped by both your adopted and native cultures." [09:50]
He acknowledges the film's strengths despite its challenges:
"Even with its similarities to Paddington 2, Paddington in Peru handles themes of identity and belonging in a way that's relevant and meaningful." [05:40]
Stephen Thompson's Evaluation
Stephen Thompson offers a balanced view, recognizing both strengths and weaknesses:
"I think it's probably the weakest of the three Paddington films, but it is still a very, very strong movie. It maintains the delightful British sensibility and features committed character actors like Olivia Colman." [05:40]
He expresses concerns about the film's shift from its original setting:
"They took Paddington out of London and placed him in the jungle, which feels too franchisey and overswept. It detracts from what makes Paddington cozy and relatable." [08:26]
Glen Weldon's Critique
Glen Weldon delves into the franchise's evolution, expressing discomfort with its broader scope:
"This film is the inflection point where the series becomes a franchise. Removing Paddington from London makes him feel out of place, diluting his inherent British charm." [07:23]
He emphasizes Paddington’s seamless fit within London:
"Paddington is more British than mushy peas at a Sunday roast. He fits in London like a foot into a Wellington boot." [08:26]
Cultural Themes and Representation
The conversation highlights the film's exploration of cultural identity and belonging. Jeff Yang emphasizes the importance of community acceptance:
"It's not just about the family that loves you, but the entire community that loves you. In this era, that's an amazing message." [09:50]
Rihanna Cruz counters by pointing out the film's shortcomings in addressing colonization and cultural assimilation:
"The movie doesn't appropriately address Britain's role as a colonizer, and the cultural exchange feels superficial." [13:13]
Performance Highlights
The hosts praise the performances, particularly Olivia Colman's portrayal:
"Olivia Colman is swinging big here. She is effortlessly funny, pulling faces in a way that's both genuine and witty." [17:36]
Antonio Banderas is noted for bringing charm to his role as the boat captain:
"Antonio Banderas goes big, reaching for the humor with varying degrees of success, but always adding delightful energy to the film." [18:02]
Final Thoughts
Despite the critiques, all participants acknowledge the film's merits and its place within the children's movie market:
Rihanna Cruz appreciates its dual appeal to adults and children:
"It's miles better than other movies in the market right now. It's inventive and effectively entertains both adults and kids." [16:46]
Stephen Thompson concludes with a hopeful note for future installments:
"I would love it if Paddington 4 resets in London with gentle tea-time adventures. The franchise needs to return to what makes Paddington special." [15:43]
Conclusion
The episode wraps up with Glen Weldon summarizing the group's sentiments:
"We all kind of landed more or less in the same place. We dug this film to various degrees. We want to know what you think about Paddington in Peru. Find us at Facebook.com/PCHH and on Letterboxd@Letterboxd.com NPRpopculture." [19:36]
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Glen Weldon: "Paddington is more British than mushy peas at a Sunday roast." [08:26]
- Jeff Yang: "It's not just about the family that loves you, but the entire community that loves you." [09:50]
- Rihanna Cruz: "The movie doesn't appropriately address Britain's role as a colonizer." [13:13]
- Stephen Thompson: "I would love it if Paddington 4 resets in London with gentle tea-time adventures." [15:43]
- Glen Weldon: "Olivia Colman is effortlessly funny, pulling faces in a way that's both genuine and witty." [17:36]
Final Remarks
"Paddington in Peru" serves as a thought-provoking addition to the Paddington series, blending adventure with deeper themes of cultural identity. While it may diverge from the franchise's cozy London setting, it offers a platform for meaningful conversations about belonging and representation in modern cinema.
For more discussions and insights, join Pop Culture Happy Hour on Facebook and Letterboxd.