Common Sense Media Review
A simple, sweet, sometimes silly monkey tale.
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Curious George (2006)
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 39 parent reviews
Parents say the movie is generally well-received for young viewers, providing a cute and fun experience with its focus on curiosity and adventure, although it includes some intense scenes that can be unsettling for sensitive children. While the soundtrack is praised and many appreciate the lighthearted moments, there are concerns regarding certain messages, character dynamics, and some scenes that diverge from the original book's spirit.
- suitable for young kids
- sensitive scenes
- great soundtrack
- mixed messages
- character dynamics
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 40 kid reviews
What's the Story?
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?
Congenial and colorful, this movie 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 Curious George 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.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what they liked about Curious George and if anything scared them. How is this movie similar to and different from the Curious George books or TV show?
If you've read the books or seen the TV show, which version do you like best? Why?
What makes George so curious? Is he a troublemaker or does he just act like a kid? In what ways is curiosity a character strength?
Older kids can talk about how Ted's relationship with George changes -- what does Ted realize George brings to his life?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 10, 2006
- On DVD or streaming : September 26, 2006
- Cast : Drew Barrymore , Eugene Levy , Will Ferrell
- Director : Matthew O'Callaghan
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Bisexual Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Book Characters , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Character Strengths : Curiosity
- Run time : 77 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : all ages
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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