So So good, one of the very best movies of the entire summer year.It is a classic especially for the young ones who will (like mine) watch it over and over !!!I loved the soundtrack and the first movie so much, my children would not watch another movie, now this new one came out and they are totally stuck on watching this one all the time as well.They (writing staff) have kept to the original style that has kept us loving the little monkey and the man with the yellow hat for years. The soundtrack is solid, Brian Wilson (Beach Boys) sings his classic as well as new songs by Carbon Leaf who does a fantastic job also contributing is Jackie Greene and Hietor Pieror.This movie was somehow over looked when released, but it renews your faith that a movie with such a classic feel could still hold the kids attention.
... View MoreGuest stars Jerry Lewis, Matt Lauer, Tim Curry, Jamie Kennedy and Clint Howard share top billing above series regulars Frank Welker and Jeff Bennett (as other series regulars somehow do not appear) in this 2-D animated feature, drawing from the "Curious George" television series, which is based upon the original book series, by Margret and H.A. Rey.For its 2-Dimentional effect, it's worth a look, but the production hardly measures up to the series in terms of content, enjoyability and educational value.Rather, it borrows from what Disney animation has become with its larger-than-life imposing villains and helplessly-flawed heroes with much glitz and an irritating romantic entanglement.Curious George (Frank Welker) suddenly becomes portly, as seen in side angles, while Ted the Man with the Yellow Hat (Jeff Bennett) remains somewhat constant except for the addition of his name, which, of course, remains absent during the course of the series.Ivan the Doorman (Ed O'Ross) undergoes changes from the series, also with the addition to his name, along with an irresponsible and intimidating nature.Mr. Bloomsberry (Fred Tatasciore) appears in the book series, as the operator of Bloomsberry Museum, which becomes Museum of Science for the program. As he prepares to retire his post, the Board of Directors must name a museum director, and Ted the Man with the Yellow Hat would be about the only one to qualify, or at least if he completes the presentation which he anxiously fears.Maggie (Nickie Bryar) appears in the book series as a schoolteacher who frequents the museum in order to try to snag Ted the Man with the Yellow Hat, who remains somewhat clueless to her advances. Here, there's no mention of her teaching, but much in the way of her determination to win Ted the Man with the Yellow Hat. (The character is not to be confused with the lovely, refined and cultured Aunt Margaret, who rather adds to the quality of the series.)Piccadilly the Magician (Tim Curry) presents a show, which Curious George pleads with Ted the Man with the Yellow Hat to see, in which he makes things appear and disappear, such as Kayla the Elephant (Jeff McNeal), whom Curious George seeks to befriend. When Piccadilly the Magician solicits Ted the Man with the Yellow Hat to join him on stage during the routine, Curious George also gets into the act and ends up falling through a trap door into the basement with Kayla the Elephant, whom Curious George decides ought to return to California Animal Park to be reunited with her brother and sister.When Piccadilly the Magician discovers that Kayla the Elephant is missing, he contacts the hapless "Danno" Wolfe the Security Guard (Jamie Kennedy) to search high and low for her, with any help which Tina the Assistant (Catherine Taber) may bestow although she's one of the more likable characters here with her constant wisecracking (Not to be confused with Tina Quint).Curious George sneaks Kayla the Elephant into the freight car of the California Express Railroad, which pulls from the depot as Ted the Man with the Yellow Hat manages to locate the duo, carrying his presentation research notebook closely. But they discover themselves locked into the compartment, and off they go across the country into the night, crossing through Saint Louis, Missouri, by daybreak.Hark Hanson the Newscaster (Matt Lauer) announces regularly televised updates regarding the disappearance and feared kidnapping of Kayla the Elephant, as hordes of protesters demand justice on her behalf. (This character isn't a very flattering caricature of Matt Lauer, however.)Humbleton Stationmaster (Jerry Lewis) encounters Ted the Man with the Yellow Hat at his depot in Colorado once Ted the Man with the Yellow Hat becomes ejected from the train, with Curious George and Kayla the Elephant still aboard, and figuring ways to obtain breakfast. (Yes, it's a rather fast-pacing railroad to dart across Missouri, Kansas and Colorado between daybreak and breakfast-time.)Ted the Man with the Yellow Hat borrows Stationmaster's motorcycle to attempt to catch up with the California Express, as its only stop along its entire route to San Francisco would be in nearby Grand Junction, Colorado. But much more action lies in store for Kayla the Elephant, Curious George and Ted the Man with the Yellow Hat along the way, after Phone Operator (Melissa Greenspan) and Conductor (Carlos Alazraqui) get into the act of pursuing the three fugitives.Once the California Express crosses the border into California, characters suddenly become cheerful, bright, sunny and hospitable, beginning with Farmer Dan (Clint Howard) and Daughter Anna (Trupti Potdukhe), who invite Kayla the Elephant, Curious George and Ted the Man with the Yellow Hat to stay over as long as necessary, and to do what they can to direct the three to safety, before they head north of San Francisco to California Animal Park, where Attendant (Phil LaMarr) gladly assists with the Elephant family reunion. (This must have been produced by Californians who experienced inhospitable behavior in other states because Curious George and Ted the Man with the Yellow Hat are wanted fugitives from justice in at least 24 other states.) But "Danno" Wolfe the Security Guard is hot on their trail and will stop at nothing to nab Curious George and Ted the Man with the Yellow Hat, who maintains a glimmer of hope that the director's position at Bloomsberry Museum hasn't been filled yet by the inept Junior Bloomsberry.How will Kayla the Elephant, Curious George and Ted the Man with the Yellow Hat be able to rescue themselves from the hot pursuit once they enter that cross-country cargo airplane containing only two parachutes?
... View MoreFrank Welker continues to voice George in this follow up, making the main character as lovable as ever. The few returning humans are different, but that is only to be expected. Frank also supplies the voice work for a duck and a cow. George makes friends with an elephant called Kayla and tries to reunite her with her family. Meanwhile Ted has an opportunity to become the new museum director. However things don't go according to plan. Can Ted decide where his priorities really lie? The story isn't as strong as the original, but it's still a cute journey to take. The soundtrack isn't as catchy, but it's pleasant enough. Also seeing the 2D format is very refreshing. 6/10
... View Morethis isn't so much a review but i felt like i had to put something up as i was so surprised by the low rating of this film on this site. OK its not as good as the first but its still very good. of course the voice talent wouldn't return but what do you expect in a straight to DVD film, i know that some of the characters act differently to the first film but that doesn't bother me as long as it fits the story. this is ten times better than most of straight to DVD sequels Disney have done. the soundtrack fits in just as perfectly as jack Johnson songs did in the first film too. i can only guess that people who voted haven't seen the film or didn't like the first one. don't let the rating put you off you should watch it if you enjoyed the first or if you like family animations in general. i gave the first a 10 out of 10 based on that I've watched it maybe 100 times with my 2 year old daughter and although its not as good as the first few times i watched it i still can still sit thou without being bored, and i gave 9 out of 10 for this film for much the same reason but i may of change one or two things.
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