Curious George Plays in the Snow (And Other Awesome Activities)

By Jane Louise Boursaw

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MPAA Rating: Not Rated

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DVD Release: Dec. 4, 2007
Genre: Animation, Family, Kids
Runtime: 108 minutes

Plot Synopsis: Curious George dates back to the 1940s, and there’s a reason why the little monkey has stood the test of time. He’s sweet, he’s funny, and he gets into oh so many scrapes, just like real kids. This DVD features eight tales from the PBS Kids series, all revolving around the seasons and narrated by actor William H. Macy.

Sex/ Nudity: None.
Violence/Gore: None.
Profanity: None.

Which Kids Will Like It?
Ages 3 to 6 who love sweet, colorful cartoons.

Will Parents Like It?
Yes. There’s nothing objectionable here, although George’s insatiable curiosity might encourage preschoolers to take a few risks. A little parental guidance might be in order.

Special Features: Monkey Snow Job (the physics of keeping on top of snow), Monkey Bubbles (kids learn about bubbles while practicing addition and subtraction), printable coloring pages (DVD-ROM).

Kaboose Review: I loved Curious George when I was a kid, and I’m so happy he’s still around. Based on the classic children’s books by Margret and H.A. Rey, the little monkey is currently starring in his own TV series on PBS Kids. Narrated by actor William H. Macy, the show is clever, colorful, and full of curiosities.

This DVD features eight tales from the series, with Curious George exploring winter, spring, summer and fall – all under the supervision (or lack thereof) of the Man With the Yellow Hat. The shows are not only fun, they also helps kids to see that math, science and engineering can be fun, too. The episodes include:

“Ski Monkey”. George can’t wait to go outside and play, but the snow is too deep! Don’t worry, though. He figures out how to deal with it.

“Low High Score”. Can a small number be worth more than a big number? (Something adults often wonder). George finds out when he plays his first game of mini-golf.

“Charkie Escapes”. Multi-tasking isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, as George learns when he tries to play soccer and dog-sit for Charkie at the same time.
 
”Curious George vs. Winter”. George learns a few things about freezing and melting. This episode could have been called “George: You Can’t Play in Your Wading Pool in the Winter.”

“Buoy Wonder”. Yep, I love it when they do a play on words for kids’ shows. In this instance, Bill’s boat doesn’t float and, yipes, it’s the day of the Model Boat Show. George sails to the rescue.

”The All-Animal Recycled Band”. After seeing the very cool Firefighter’s band, George wants to form his own band. If only he could get two dogs, a cat, and a bird to all play music together.

“Muddy Monkey”. George is covered in mud after playing with Charkie. Thank goodness for his favorite bath toy, Sproingy, the bubble-making frog. Wheeee!

”Animal Magnetism”. It’s a magnetic experience for George when he tries to hang his latest drawing at the museum.

Directed by: Frank Marino, Scott Heming, Steve Socki
Cast: Frank Welker (George), Jeff Bennett (Man With the Yellow Hat), Annie Mumolo (Bill). Narrated by William H. Macy.

Jane Louise Boursaw is a freelance journalist specializing in the movie and television industries. Visit her online at www.ReelLifeWithJane.com.