Curious George equally delightful for young, old

Lately, it seems like all of the children’s books are turning into movies with mixed results. Curious George is another-book-turned a movie, but it takes a unique approach. Usually, these books get adapted for the big screen by using live action. But in Curious George, the book literally comes alive on the big screen. It uses a mixture of hand and computer animation to match the drawing style with the books.

Curious George features the voice talents of Frank Welker (Curious George), Will Ferrell (The Man in the Yellow Hat), Drew Barrymore, Eugene Levy and Dick Van Dyke.

At first it may seem Will Ferrell would be an odd fit for the movie, but his voice rings true and is very believable as George’s caretaker.

Instead of creating a new adventure between the two, the movie answers the biggest questions. How did George meets the Man in the Yellow Hat? Why does the Man in the Yellow Hat wear a yellow suit? Why is George named George? Of course, the movie is also filled with George’s curiosities and the trouble that follows.

The plot is very simple. Ted (The Man in the Yellow Hat) has to go to Africa to find the lost Shrine of Zagawa. While in Africa, Ted meets a curious monkey who follows him home. The rest of the movie follows their adventures in the city.

When you go see this movie, be prepared to dive completely into it and become a kid again. I frequently found myself saying “Uh oh” every time George found something new to play with.

Seeing the Man in the Yellow Hat’s reaction only made me laugh harder. Besides the animation and humor, audiences will notice the music by Jack Johnson, which is superb and urges the viewer to hum along.

This movie should be a must see on anyone’s list of movies to go to for this year. In fact, this movie is so good that I wouldn’t be surprised if it gets nominated for an Oscar for best-animated film.