You see, I have no memories of being with my mother and father. Or, I should say, being with them together, just the three of us. As it turns out, my only memories of early childhood were days out with my mother, or with my father, but never all together. My parents divorced around the time I was five years old, and I spent many, many years trying to comprehend it all. Eventually, I thought I had made peace with it all, but it wasn't until this past weekend that I realized that I missed out on (or somehow forgot) those experiences--those good times--and how important they are to a child. For a moment, I lived vicariously through my son's eyes as he ran and laughed and held his mom and dad's hands. And in the same instant, it broke my heart and filled it with the greatest love I've ever felt.

I guess I have a different perspective on it all, but as all this happened in the back of my mind, it made the big event of the day so much more special. The three of us sat there in the dark, watching Curious George and eating popcorn and for a little while, everything was perfect. I enjoyed the movie so much, probably more than any adult should.

Starting with that opening sequence, I was taken. Watching George as he played in the jungle and caused the innocent, curious mischief that he's known for, with Jack Johnson's "Upside Down" spirit-lifting tune playing underneath it, I was on such a wave of good-feelings that it almost felt magical. The best way to describe it is as a truly tender, innocent film for children and adults alike. It was appealing enough to keep my three year old son entertained and in wonder, and yet didn't condescend or play it too light for me and my wife. And my biggest praise goes to the lack of pop-culture jokes and crude humor that seems to be in so many childrens' movies these days.

With the exception of George and Ted (The Man in the Yellow Hat), all of the other characters were minor roles meant that the film was able to stay focused on George and Ted and their antics. And even though their voices are so distinctive, Will Ferrell, Drew Barrymore and David Cross keep it restrained and within the limits of the world of the film.

Comparison: The original George from H.A. Rey's books and the new George from Curious George

Something that had my attention from watching the trailer months ago was the new look of George himself and the style of animation. What can I say, George is just adorable--maybe even more than his book counterpart. Seeing him in motion with his trademark personality just adds a whole new dimension to the little guy. And the mix of computer-generated and hand-drawn techniques is well done too, bringing to mind other past successes such as Lilo & Stitch and The Iron Giant. I was duly impressed.

But what impressed me even more was the original music by Jack Johnson. Gentle and uplifting, the tracks blend so well with the look and feel of the film that it's as almost as if they provide the missing voice for George. I even went out and bought "Sing-A-Longs & Lullabies For The Film Curious George". LIstening to the 13 tracks and their messages of friendship and caring, I can't help but remember not only the film, but the entire day and how it was so special.

I have to thank the creators and producers of this film, the Reys and their character Curious George and Jack Johnson for not only making a fine family film, but for creating something that affected me deep within my heart. I have to thank them for helping me realize how much I owe it to my kids to be the best parent I can and to never leave their side.