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"Ted Has A Monkey
On His Back" |
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Directed by Matthew
O'Callaghan - Written by
Ken Kaufman, Mike Werb
Starring Will Ferrell,
Drew Barrymore, David
Cross, Dick Van Dyke
Distributed by Universal -
2006 - 86mins - Rated G |
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Welcome to the world of Curious George! |
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"Curious George," the
new animated film starring Will Ferrell as The Man in the Yellow Hat,
is a remarkably faithful adaptation of the beloved children's book
series by H.A. Reyes.
This $50 million film beautifully captures the innocence and gentle
spirit of the books by creating a film that is clearly targeted at
children but contains enough spirit and charm to keep older children
and even adults from being too bored by the proceedings.
This cinematic version gives us, essentially, the basics of the
Curious George story. We are treated to Ted (We learn that this is The
Man in the Yellow Hat's name) takes off on his expedition to Africa in
an attempt to save the museum where he works by discovering a long
lost ancient temple. It is on this trip that he first encounters
George, the curious yet sweet monkey who follows him home when he
returns with disappointing expedition results.
"Curious George" is a rarity among today's animated films. It is NOT
loaded down with double entendres, hidden media references or inside
adult jokes. It is, quite contentedly, a children's film.
Much like the books, George never speaks. He is simply curious and
lives out this curiosity in a variety of mischievous yet harmless
ways. Along with Ferrell, Drew Barrymore is Maggie, a sweet teacher
who brings her class weekly to Ted's Bloomsberry Museum mainly because
she harbors a secret crush on Ted. Dick Van Dyke voices Bloomsberry
himself, and Eugene Levy, David Cross and Joan Plowright show up in
supporting characters.
The film, however, settles simply and plainly on good ole' Curious
George. While I must confess I have a hard time finding the
justification for a $50 million budget, I must also give major kudos
as the animators did an absolutely wonderful job of creating George
with personality, spark, sweetness and this childlike quality that is
mesmerizing.
Indie singer Jack Johnson wrote several new songs for the film, most
playing out like a cross between James Taylor and Mr. Rogers.
Johnson's songs generally accompany the film's gentle spirit quite
nicely, though they do seem to become a bit bland by the end of the
film.
I feel rather odd reviewing "Curious George" and even more odd giving
it a "B." I'm acutely aware that this rating is higher than at least a
few films I would have to consider higher quality films. Yet, for me,
"Curious George" succeeds marvelously in its goal to be a faithful,
entertaining tribute to a beloved childhood character. In a world
where so many filmmakers try to be all things to all people, I find it
incredibly refreshing to watch a film that surrenders itself so
completely to entertaining children.
"Curious George" is a curious little hit and a marvelous film for
parents with small children. With a unique blend of innocence,
tenderness, gentle humor and downright silliness "Curious George" is a
winner. |
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© Written by Richard Propes |
TC Candler's Comment
n/a
Jacob
Hall's Comment
n/a
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