AllMovie

Bright, gentle, and full of goodwill, this adaptation of the classic Curious George children's books fulfills its contract with the audience. Little kids will enjoy the simple but attractive color scheme, George's playful personality, and the hummable melodies of Jack Johnson's numerous contributions to the soundtrack. This is one of the most thoroughly G-rated movies of its time -- there is not even a suggestion of anything edgy -- but the casting of Will Ferrell and David Cross offers just enough promise of strangeness to keep parents smiling. Thoroughly and entirely pleasant, Curious George avoids the in-your-face attitude and style of so many of its contemporaries, something that helps create a mood that allows children to be drawn into the film at their own speed. The filmmakers respect and reward the curiosity of their youngest audience members, just as they do their title character.