STACK #246 April 2025

MOVIE FEATURE

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PADDINGTON IN PERU Everyone’s favourite marmalade-loving bear returns for a third adventure in Paddington in Peru . I f you’ve seen the first two Paddington movies, you GENRE: Family comedy RUN TIME: 1h 46m

Readers were first introduced to Paddington Bear in 1958 with the publication of Michael Bond’s A Bear Named Paddington . This book, along with 29 subsequent installments, featured multiple stories. The final adventure, Paddington in St Paul’s , was published in 2018 in celebration of Paddington’s 60th anniversary, shortly after Bond’s passing at 94. Bond was said to be delighted that the 2014 film captured the spirit of his books. A BEAR NAMED PADDINGTON

of others is as infectious as ever, and it’s a reminder of why these movies resonate with audiences of all ages. The dynamic between Paddington and the Brown family remains a highlight, showing how love and acceptance can transcend differences. The Peruvian setting is from its music and food to its breathtaking scenery. And Aunt Lucy’s role in the story is deeply touching, adding a layer of depth that fans of the series will appreciate. Paddington in Peru also stars Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer, Julie Walters, Olivia Colman, and Antonio Banderas. Gill Pringle more than just a backdrop - it’s a character in its own right. The film celebrates the country’s rich culture,

already know what to expect: heartwarming chaos, laugh-out loud moments, and a story packed with kindness. This time, though, the lovable bear trades London’s bustling streets for the vibrant landscapes of his native Peru. It’s the perfect setting for Paddington’s mix of clumsy charm and heartfelt connection. With Ben Whishaw once again voicing our lovable four legged friend, the movie follows Paddington as he accompanies the Brown family on a trip to Peru to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton). As always, Paddington’s

journey will be anything but ordinary. The film takes us

through lush rainforests, colourful Peruvian towns, and even some high-stakes situations that leave you holding your breath. What makes this third iteration so special is how it balances humour with genuine emotion. Paddington is the kind of character who can make you laugh one minute and tear up the next. His unwavering belief in the goodness

intentions are pure, but his knack for finding trouble is alive and well. From the moment their adventure begins, it’s clear this LIKE THIS? YOU’LL LOVE THESE:

• Paddington In Peru is out Apr 9

Paddington, Paddington 2, Lyle Lyle Crocodile, Peter Rabbit, Wonka

KEANU POWERS UP IN SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3 After the success of Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic the Hedgehog 2 - which brought Sonic,Tails, and Knuckles together - the trio must face a powerful and mysterious new adversary in Shadow the Hedgehog . T herefore, the third installment of the hit movie franchise sees the trio form an unlikely alliance with Jim Carrey’s Dr. Robotnik in hopes of stopping Shadow and protecting the planet. Fans couldn’t wait to see GENRE: Action comedy RUN TIME: 1h 49m yes, this being Reeves, it involves firearms and an awesome custom-made motorbike. Another cool thing about Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is the dynamic between the characters. Now that During the development of the original Sonic the Hedgehog video game, the DYK?

Shadow with his dramatic black and red stripes and his ability to teleport. Director Jeff Fowler was impressed upon his first meeting with Reeves, discovering how he had done all of his homework on Shadow in his desire to create a "fan-faithful" rendition of the character in this thrilling new film, which draws inspiration from the video game Sonic Adventure 2 . With Ben Schwartz

Knuckles is more established, there’s a lot of potential for fun, especially since he brings that tough, no-nonsense vibe that can clash with Sonic’s more laid-back, adventurous personality. And with Tails in the mix, we see even more teamwork and humour. With each Sonic movie, the visual effects and animation keep improving, so expect top-notch CGI, especially with action-packed scenes involving

reprising his voice role as Sonic, alongside Idris Elba’s Knuckles, and Colleen O’Shaughnessey’s Tails, the live action cast introduces a new character in the shape of Krysten Ritter’s Director Rockwell, alongside series regulars James Marsden, Shemar Moore, and Tika Sumpter. Gill Pringle

what Keanu Reeves did with Shadow - one of Sonic’s most complex and mysterious rivals from the games, where he’s known for his dark personality and incredible powers, making him a major challenge for Sonic. Adding him into the movie series opened up exciting possibilities for a deeper, more dramatic storyline - and

character was initially conceived as a rabbit. However, the design was later changed to a hedgehog due to technological challenges.

• Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is out Apr 16

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