Curious George

With his museum on it’s knees, enthusiastic “Ted” promises his boss that he will don his bright hello hat and set off to deepest Africa to fetch a crowd-pleasing idol that will surely save the day. Despite the protestations of the owner’s son who wants to sell the site for a car park, he isn’t going to be thwarted. After a few “Indiana Jones” moments he obtains his heart’s desire - but it’s barely knee high to a grasshopper. On his way home, he discovers that that’s not all he is taking home as a brightly coloured monkey has also tagged along for the voyage. Quickly named “George” this critter proves to be a mischievous and lively soul who leads his new found friend on an whole host of daft adventures as they try to get back to, and maybe even save, the beloved museum. There’s nothing not to like about this. It’s a simple story of friendship and loyalty peppered with some wacky stunts that wouldn’t have looked out of place with Buster Keaton. The big eyed, smiley-face animation is quickly paced and cheerily scored with a selection of Jack Johnson songs to encapsulate the sentiment of the film engagingly. The African adventure is perhaps all over a little too quickly for me: there were plenty more riches there to comically plunder, but it’s still got lots for the kids and plenty for the grown up ones, too. I reckon “Ted” might have made for a decent Mountie, too! Don’t overthink this, just sit back and smile for a while.