Reel Reviews: ‘Curious George’ a tribute to child-like curiosity
“Curious George” is an original animated feature based on the same-named children’s book series. This mellow, colorful animated film stays true to the innocence of those books. While this isn’t a family film (made for adults, children, and in between), it is a very good children’s film (made primarily for children) that adults can learn from.
Because “George” is a children’s film, I really didn’t want to review it. But I’ve since changed my tune. Here’s one thing I like about the film: Rather than directing kids toward adult paradigms, “George” directs adults toward child paradigms. The film’s theme, which values learning via curiosity, is an appropriate thought for adults to remember. We’re reminded to enjoy finding out things for the sake of enjoyment.
The story is about the friendship between the Man in the Yellow Hat and George. And if you ever wondered how the Man in the Yellow Hat got his yellow hat, or how George got the name George, such mysteries are finally answered.
The plot centers around the cerebral, unassuming Man in the Yellow Hat (whose real name is Ted), voiced by Will Ferrell. Ted boringly lectures at a near-bankrupt museum, where his only fan is a lovely schoolteacher voiced by Drew Barrymore. To save the museum which he loves, he agrees to undertake a jungle expedition to find a priceless artifact. That’s where he meets George, a friendly monkey whose curiosity always leads to mischief. George mistakes Ted (remember, he’s a man in a yellow hat) for a banana, and the two become friends. But Ted leaves, so George stows away on his ship headed to America, where chaotic predicaments ensue. So the film has a nice, basic plot, which is really a rack to hang misadventures on.
The filmmakers also made some nice aesthetic choices. Rather than going the digital, as-lifelike-as-I-can-get-it route, we see hand drawn animation with lots of non-moving “extras” and backgrounds. Combined with bright, full colors, “George” feels like it was filmed inside a storybook.
Also, George doesn’t talk, so he depends on facial expressions and body language to communicate. Having a nearly two-year-old daughter, I felt like I had been practicing to watch this movie – the animators obviously did their homework.
Highlighting the film is a breezy soundtrack by Jack Johnson, known for his minimalist acoustic melodies. Some critics thought the music didn’t fit, but I disagree. When “George” hits the DVD shelves, this is one I’ll want my kids to have – If only because I won’t mind hearing it again and again. It’s a pleasant experience.
Chris Blakesley is a film critic for the Utah Statesman. Comments can be sent to him at
cblakes@cc.usu.edu.