Kathmandu:

Curious George (Adventure)

Cast: Will Ferrel, Dick Van Dyke

Direction: Matthew O’Callaghan

Showing at Jai Nepal Cinema

This film might not have relied too much on the overkill of technicolor adventure tactics, but it does not fall short of being a wonder in its own right. With its modulated CGI and FX that just stacks up modestly against Peter Jackson’s magnificent spectacle, it is still able to pack sweet little shenanigans of Curious George that erupts with a good bout of chuckles. Essentially a children’s movie this one follows the storyline that bears a close semblance to Peter Jackson’s King Kong. The down-and-out Ted (voice lent by Will Ferrel) works at Barrimore Museum, which is too lackluster for the children to visit. The revolting relics don’t attract enough visitors except ‘Maggie’ the teacher, who apparently visits the museum just to gape and gawk at her himbo (the apparent purpose of her visit to the museum!), while the students scoff and sigh with frustration.

The museum is on the verge of shutting down and Ted’s left with the lone alternative to set out on the treasure-hunt trip to Africa that by all accounts would straighten matters. While Ted’s adventure trip in itself is not all that gratifying, he bumps into a monkey (Curious George) that makes him gasp at the end of the tether. And yes, that’s when the real adventure begins!

Ted succeeds in his quest but hardly in the way he’d ever anticipated. Despite its frothy storyline that’s essentially meant for the children, even grown-ups will find Curious George cute enough to be cuddled. And when he anticipates yet another monkeyshines, not only do his eyes sparkle with the glow of glorious mischief but the impish charm that beguiles his innocence.

While Will Ferrel has astoundingly pitched in a wonderful voice for Ted, the animation despite its run of the mill tricks still captures the nuances flawlessly. What’s more, after all that solemn prudence that gleans through the frothy facade, the lullaby background score would just be what parents need.