Tools for this page
Print

What’s the Story?

Reviewed by Cynthia Fuchs

In CURIOUS GEORGE, The Man in the Yellow Hat (named Ted and voiced by Will Ferrell) is in Africa searching for a legendary shrine. If he can bring it back to his American city, his employer Mr. Bloomsberry (Dick Van Dyke) won't have to close his cash-strapped museum. In the jungle, Ted befriends mischievous monkey George but only finds a small idol and returns to America by ship, unaware that George has stowed away on the vessel. Back in America, Ted tries to hide the truth from Bloomsberry. Though he's briefly distracted by adorable schoolteacher Maggie (Drew Barrymore), Ted spends most of his time chasing after George, who gets into all kinds of trouble by splattering paint throughout Miss Plushbottom's (Joan Plowright) apartment, floating away on zoo balloons, and more. Meanwhile, Junior Bloomsberry (David Cross) plots to tear down the museum and put up a parking lot.

Is It Any Good?

3

Congenial and colorful, Curious George takes its cues from children's animated TV, delivering simple concepts, bright reds and yellows, and a cute-as-can-be monkey. Younger kids will like George, and may recognize the plots of several of the classic books woven into the story.

Adults will probably find the film slow going, and kids used to action-packed movies may also get bored. The bottom line: Great monkey -- and some silly monkey business -- but pretty short on plot, and what's there is predictable.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.