Even though the fusion of animated family films with pop culture references and a hyperactive sense of pacing has resulted in its share of charms, this approach is starting to show signs of wear and tear. Enter Curious George, the long-awaited big-screen adaptation of H.A. and Margret Rey's timeless series of children's books. Here is a movie that needs no smarmy jokes or over-caffeinated animals to maintain the kiddies' collective attention. It keeps things simple, sweet and funny by using a good story and traditional animation style to embody the whimsical and inquisitive spirit of the mischievious monkey himself.

Curious George begins as Ted, a.k.a. the Man in the Yellow Hat (voice of Will Ferrell), learns that the museum he works at may be in danger of closing down. The only way to save it is by featuring a huge attraction, and Ted thinks he might have the discovery that would solve this problem: a giant, long-lost monkey statue located deep in the heart of Africa. Unfortunately, the idol turns out to be a tiny trinket, but Ted ends up finding something else: a wide-eyed and, well, curious little monkey later (and fatefully) named George who shakes up Ted's life. George tags along on the return trip to the big city, and all of a sudden Ted finds himself with his hands full, scrambling to keep George out of trouble, falling in love with a grade school teacher (voice of Drew Barrymore), and trying to figure out  another way to save the museum.

Like the recent Winnie the Pooh movies, Curious George is a success because it doesn't try to mess with a formula that's charmed audiences for generations. Just as the Reys' books convey a warm sense of innocence toward viewing the world around us, treating every day as an opportunity to make wonderful new discoveries, so does the movie. The story and style of animation might not seem like anything special on the surface, but they become very pleasant and entertaining as the movie unfolds. The colors are easy on the eyes; the characters are likable; the actors fit their animated counterparts just fine; and the Jack Johnson soundtrack plays a good part in maintaining the film's serene mood.

Although some adults might be tempted to snooze because of the downplayed energy of Curious George, this movie is a welcome break from so many frantic animated features released recently. Free of any complexities, it's an engaging film that, like Curious George himself, is short and sweet.

MY RATING: *** (out of ****)

(Released by Universal Pictures and rated "G" as suitable for all ages.)