Curious George

The childhood classic comes to life.

My brother Patrick bought my oldest son a hard covered edition of the complete collection of Curious George years ago. My youngest son discovered the book and enjoyed it very much as well. The present condition of the book demonstrates just how much it was read and loved. Curious George's simple message about exploring the world around you resonates well with young children. That lesson translates perfectly to the screen.

The man in the yellow hat, Ted, meets George in Africa while trying to discover a huge idol for the museum he works for. The museum is on the verge of closing and the acquisition of the idol would assure the museum stays in business. Ted comes back to New York without the idol but brings George, who stowed away, instead. The museum's owner is dissapointed but the museum owner's son is pleased as he wants to turn the museum into a parking lot.

The hand drawn animation is very faithful to the books. The simple drawings show plenty of emotion on the adorable face of the mischief monkey that never speaks. The ship that Ted takes back and forth to Africa is named H A Rey. It is in reference to the author and creator of Curious George, Hans Augusto Rey.

This movie is definitely for young children. All of George's antics end as preschool messes. From painting on walls to flying with balloons, many bits from the stories are used here. Even the paper boy who was in one story makes a brief appearance.

Ferrell and Barrymore are fine in their roles but it is the overactive monkey that owns the show. This movie will satisfy everyone who loves the books. Curious George is harmless fun that encourages kids to explore their world.