Review of Curious George (2006) by Maegen K — 07 Mar 2013

"Mr Bloomsbury's" (voiced by Dick Van Dyke) museum is in financial distress, and needs that one exibit that will bring the crowds back in. He eyes the mythical "Lost Shrine of Zagawa," a forty-foot tall ruby idol carved in the shape of a monkey. He is too elderly to make the trip to Africa, so he sends "Ted" (voiced by Will Ferrell), who suggested the idol in the first place.

"Ted", now wearing a yellow suit and matching yellow cowboy hat, leads an expedition to Africa in search of an idol, and meets a mischievous monkey who just loves to play Peek-a-Boo with him. He also finds what he believes to be the idol, but it turns out to be only three inches. Moments after finding the idol, "Bloomsbury" calls and "Ted" sends him a close-up photo which makes it appear huge.

A sadden "Ted" comes back with the tiny idol, not realizing that the monkey, who still has "Ted's" yellow hat, has stowed away on the ship back to America. Shortly after arrival, "Ted" discovers that "Bloomsbury" has the city covered in publicity for the idol. Even the cab driver who is bringing "Ted" back to his apartment building is anxious to see it.

When the monkey gets off the ship, he becomes quite curious of his new surroundings. He quickly finds "The Man with the Yellow Hat" and follows him home. He then surprises "Ted" by climbing through an apartment window, and the monkey quickly gets into trouble that causes "Ted" to be kicked out of the building.

Now, "Ted" has to figure out a way to bring the people what is being promoted, while keeping the monkey out of trouble.

The movie targets the very young. Adults might get pretty bored, but they will like the morals this movie presents in a cute fashion.

The animation, with exception of the obvious CGI cars, honors the books style nicely. You will feel as if you are reading the books even though the characters are moving and speaking. None of the characters are too over-the-top or scary, which will make parents happy.

The cast is perfect for their roles, especially Ferrell, whom I personally can't stand in his comedic movies. Each actor has brought their characters to life very nicely.

The music is very mellow, and conveys what is going on the screen nicely. However, this is not a Disney movie filled with memorable tunes, so you will not go nuts by the kids singing the songs over and over in the days following seeing the film.

Unless you have kids who are the target audience for the "Curious George" books, I would pass over this film.