g-bodyl
Nowadays, most animated films are films that are not all that suitable for young children either for frightening elements or a complicated plot. But now here is a G-rated film that is strictly for children, and I only mean children. I am not saying it's a bad film or anything, but I do not think adults will be able to handle this. Children will adore this film for sure. As a story, it does work pretty good. The animation leaves something to be desired and I feel like I'm watching a Saturday-morning cartoon.This film, based off books I grew up with in my childhood, is about a guy named the Man in the Yellow Hat who ventures to Africa to find a relic for his museum that will save it from doom. There he meets a little mischievous monkey who ends up becoming mates with the man.This film has some good voice talent here. It took me awhile to digest that Will Ferrell voices the Man because this is definitely not his typical fare. I think he does a good job here. Drew Barrymore is pretty good as the teacher of all the schoolchildren.Overall, Curious George is a harmless film for children. I don't think many adults will find substance to this film. This is a good film to watch at home, but not to see in the theaters. Personally, I enjoyed it but only to a degree. I admired it for what it is and how it does not try to be more. I rate this film 7/10.
djansen24
Curious George is a rare thing in Hollywood these days: a big budget feature ($50,000,000) that is specifically tailored to small children. Oh yes, they could have possibly made more of a profit had it been a straight to DVD release or put in less effort into the animation, but the studio decided to have some balls, take a risk, and go all out for this feature. I am so glad they did! This film avoids a lot of the pop culture references that one finds in most animated features and decides to focus on George's antics. That was a very good decision. Kids can identify with a curious monkey with seemingly limitless energy, an excitable innocence, and fun filled nature. The opening credits clearly establish the personality and good humor of George, and it just gets better from there. Jack Johnson was commissioned to write the music, and his whimsy is a perfect compliment to the mood of the movie. No, it is not a perfect film that transcends the genre of animated movies and there are plot holes. But in a film so fun loving and innocent, who cares about the small details. This film is appropriate from age 2 and up. Parents will enjoy seeing their kids laugh and having a good time. Simply put, if you want something safe for kids to watch, get this movie. Or better yet, read them the original Curious George stories.
TheLittleSongbird
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this movie. It mayn't be an animated classic, but it is so cute, amusing, clean and charming you find it so easy to like. The traditional animation is nice and colourful, with the pretty backgrounds especially standing out, and the soundtrack is very bright and breezy. The dialogue also amuses, the opening sequence is an inspired touch and the story while thin and predictable perhaps is nice and simple, easy to follow and goes along at a cracking pace thanks to George's mishaps. Not only that, it sticks to the spirit of the terrific books. The characters are engaging, especially George who is just adorable and steals every scene he's in. The voice work overall is terrific, Will Ferrell I am not a fan of but he does a solid job voicing a likable character, Drew Barrymore is appealing and it is a delight hearing Dick Van Dyke again. In fact, Curious George's only real problem, or so in my view, is that it is too short. In conclusion though, it is delightful. 8/10 Bethany Cox
Michael O'Keefe
In a word...cute. Even if you're older than seven, you can find a giggle or two and have some fun. Ted(Will Ferrell)-The Man in the Yellow Hat-must travel to Africa in hopes of bringing back a rare idol in order to save his job and Mr. Bloomsberry's(Dick Van Dyke)museum. Before coming home, Ted with a little help adopts an inquisitive and spunky chimp given the name George. Ted has an admirer in Maggie(Drew Barrymore); but he has his hands full sharing (mis-)adventures with his new little friend. Predicament after predicament, Curious George accidentally discovers a way to save the museum. The animation is juvenile, but delightful. More than a handful of songs garnish this picture, the best being "People Watching" by Jack Johnson. Other characters are voiced by: Eugene Levy, Joan Plowright, David Cross and Clint Howard. It really feels good to listen to a theater full of pre-schoolers chuckle and giggle in unison.
AD
