Curious George (2006)
Parents say
Based on 75 reviews
Kids say
Based on 43 reviews
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Curious George (2006)
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Curious George is a preschooler-friendly movie based on the popular book series. There are some product placements, some flirting, moral ambiguity, and an emotionally-intense scene in which George is removed -- at the Man in the Yellow Hat's request -- by animal control. One man schemes to replace a museum with a profitable parking lot. Ted himself tries to fool the museum patrons with a fraud, something he is not punished for. An apartment building manager roughly chases the monkey from room to room, then evicts Ted, who has to sleep on a park bench that night.
Community Reviews
Some intense parts
Report this review
THE ORIGINAL ENDGAME
Report this review
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
- Studio: Universal Pictures
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Book Characters, Wild Animals
- Character Strengths: Curiosity
- Run time: 77 minutes
- MPAA rating: G
- MPAA explanation: all ages
- Last updated: April 4, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Curious George
Notorious monkey amuses and teaches preschoolers.
-
Finding Nemo
Sweet father-son tale has some very scary moments.
-
101 Dalmatians
Lovable cartoon classic with cute dogs and a mean villain.
-
Charlotte's Web (2006)
Enchanting take on a beloved children's classic.
For kids who love preschool tales
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate