Margret and HA Rey's mischievous monkey creation leaps onto the big screen in this animated reworking of the classic children's books. A short and sunny confection aimed at the under-sevens, it explores how jungle-dwelling George ends up in the big city, after becoming fascinated with Ted, "The Man with the Yellow Hat" (voiced by Will Ferrell), a museum guide hunting for an ancient idol to save his workplace from closure. Though the tale has been updated for contemporary audiences - with sabotage, unnecessary romance and even a King Kong homage added to beef up the wafer-thin narrative - the original spirit of the books remains. So, while vibrantly hued visuals make the speechless critter look cuter than on the page, it's still his inquisitive mishaps that are the main attraction. Older viewers may find the overt simplicity boring and old-fashioned, but for most converts the only complaint will be that Ferrell's unfunny character ultimately gets a larger role than lovable George.

When The Man in the Yellow Hat befriends Curious George in the jungle, they set off on a non-stop, fun-filled journey through the wonders of the big city toward the warmth of true friendship.