Curious George

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.

Wow, what a rare treat. A children's animated movie the is completely and totally suitable for children of all ages. I am not easily offended by movies for adults, but as a parent I am simply amazed at how much children's entertainment is really NOT fit children. Cat in the Hat, also from Ron Howard and Imagine, was rude and crass. I am embarrassed when my six year old repeats lines from the movie like the whole dirty hoe thing and all that. This movie is a very gentle and kind movie. No double meanings, no sexually explicate or pop culture references to keep adults interested. A favorite children's book, that with any luck, will be a favorite children's movie. I have a feeling that this film may not be a box office success, yet I still think that it will have a very long life for many years to come on DVD and cable because it is such a great entertaining movie for kids. The Jack Johnson music is perfect. The animated style is wonderful. It is not the all-new and important CGI animation, but a traditionally animated film that uses the old styles that have all but been abandoned in feature films This is the best Disney animated movie that I have seen in the past decade. Well, of course this film isn't made by Disney, but this is the type of film that they should be making, even if only occasionally, as a reminder of what a CHILDREN'S animated movie is supposed to be like. In a way, the film is even sweeter than the stories from which it is based. I really can't find anything wrong with this film for children and as a parent, I was much happier to watch it than Garfield or Shark Tales (both of which I sleep through).

From the very first moment that Curious George scampers onto the screen to begin his funny adventures, my heart was swept away with laughter. All my cares disappeared while my wife and I giggled with all the other kids, very young and very old, watching George do his best to do the right thing – only to get in more and more trouble from the adult animals all around. Soon George (a 'monkey' – actually a chimpanzee) finds better times with the animal children, whom he gathers around a chameleon that they light up like a rainbow disco strobe.

Sounds silly? It sure is, and more fun than an elephant with a smiley face painted by George on its butt! (Everyone screamed with laughter at that one.) Within less time than it takes George to settle down for the night, all alone, we're not watching a movie – we're living the adventure with him. For those who have read the Curious George books, you know (or soon remember) how the story goes. For those adults or kids who haven't read the books yet, let the story sweep you away.

For those interested in such curious things: this movie is animated, hand-drawn in vibrant primary colors with fun background music by Jack Johnson. It's faithful to the spirit and drawings of Margret and H.A. Rey who created the Curious George books. If you have any youth in your heart, you will be delightfully swept away by the good ship H.A. Rey into the antic-filled, lovely and gentle world of Curious George and his new family.

I had a gentle, fun good time seeing this movie with my wife (a grandma). So did the preview theater, full not only with kids of all ages with their parents & grandparents, but a couple in their 20's on a date! This is a really gentle, really good movie.

My eight-year-old son said to me on the way out "Mom, that was the best movie I've ever seen".

Myself? I had my jaw dropped, tears in my eyes, and my spirits were soaring.

Finally - a movie you can take your kids to see with no "adult humor" that may or may not fly over your kids' heads. No farting or potty humor. A TRUE children's movie that does beautiful justice to the beloved books.

Outstanding traditional animation. Loved all the primary colors! Great soundtrack - just went out and bought it today. I am taking my kids to see this one in the theater again (a first for me), and we can't wait for it to come out on DVD.

Thanks Ron Howard - you have a winner here.

I was just chilling down, was looking to watch some movie with less or no expectations which made me turn down to this one. It turned out to be an above average movie. If you like animated stuff, don't miss this. Right after 20 minutes of the movie, I started becoming curious what's next in the movie. The climax amazed me. Should, should have run a little longer. The direction was superb. All boxes and characters ticked right from the start. A completely satisfying end to the movie.