Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer

Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer. Just the name will make you cringe. From two words that rhyme in the title, spelling out a phrase so childish it begs an explanation. Alas, this is not the movie for me. It wasn't made with me in mind. Yet, I fell obligated to give my two cents about it. Because there's nothing that says I can't see it. But after reading the title a person should know if they want to see this.

It's a kids movie. That doesn't mean it has to stoop to the level of utter immaturity. It basks in the same light Nickelodeon's dreadful Television series iCarly does. It relies on repetitive, goofy phrases and dopey antics to keep the plot moving. My question is very simple and bloomed from around the hour mark; why is this summer so film worthy? Why couldn't this summer be contained to a Disney Channel project. It would've saved a lot of innocent parents a wretched trip to the theater.

To revisit my point, kid films don't have to be so immature. They choose to be since we all know it's easier to be immature than be clever. Rather than telling a sweet parable, Judy Moody relies on unfunny antics and a sickening, rambunctious color scheme to carry itself past the eighty minute mark. By thirty minutes we've had enough. At least when this airs on Nickelodeon or Disney Channel in a year or so parents will be blessed with commercial breaks to give them a break from the absolute chaotic camaraderie that just unfolded on screen.

Judy Moody is portrayed by Jordana Beatty. She is not the kind of actress one views as the cute movie girl that makes people go "aww" when something adorable happens. She's more the kind where one small facial expression on her face could bring an unpleasant one on yours. Judy is determined to have a "not bummer summer" and concocts a "Thrill Point" chart where her and her friends will earn useless "Thrill Points" if they complete some sort of cockamamie activity like riding on a roller-coaster or walking a tightrope.

With the help of her annoying brother Stink (Mosteller) and her Aunt Opal (Graham) Judy sets out to have a great summer. One problem, many of her close friends will spend the summer doing strange things no kid does. One is going to Borneo. I couldn't help but think of Survivor when I heard that, and then realized I should be watching that instead.

The biggest problem is the excessive use of mind-numbing slang words. Judy continues to drop slang words in an incoherent and maddening fashion. She says words and phrases like "mega-totally," "rare," "thrill," "thrill-a-rama," "intergalactic booger," "poop picnic," etc. All of which are harmless, but woefully unnecessary. Why does the film need so many bizarre catchphrases. Going back to iCarly, the two words that show has a love affair with are "hobo" and "nub." Why? Not sure, but all I know is neither of those words are funny. Even in the context they use them in.

The setting look to be colored in with a crayon. It reminds me of when Technicolor first came out in 1922 and companies were forcing their films into it. One of the first huge Technicolor films was in 1939 with the beloved classic The Wizard of Oz. The colors are so vibrant and bright they almost make your eyes hurt. Judy Moody uses them a lot. The bright atmosphere is another harmless add, so that will definitely keep little kids intrigued.

When recommending this film I have to say kids under six will appreciate it. Boys are girls I'm not sure. Probably more girls than boys. Despite its jolly disposition, Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer is for the most part dreadful and gives kids no knowledge or moral in return. Instead of taking a child to see something that will not further their decision making or behavior, I'd recommend renting something like Secondhand Lions or Shiloh. They'll learn a lot more, and parents will feel they've spent their money on something worthwhile. Not something tacky and void of any morals or amusement.

Starring: Jordana Beatty, Parris Mosteller, and Heather Graham. Directed by: John Schultz.

Judy says it also.

Thus, this movie is just amazing entertainment ! In the soup that's American TV (see « errand of angels » for more details), the advantage is that highly original movies just stand out easily !

So, when i was zapping channels in my hotel room, I spotted it immediately and my first impression lasted until the final credits. As « Max Keeble's Big Move », the movie is great as it really grasps what's to be a child ! Here, it's about the summer vacation and it's true that for all the kids who stays at home, this time can be dull and that finally school is better ! It's also accurate as it tells that the world seen trough child's' kids is just a endless source of thrills, surprise and fun ! You rejoice absurd club with your friends, everything can happen in your bedroom, your garden turns into a jungle and the city is a faraway country ! The movie also benefits from an amazing young cast, totally into their characters and the story ! I don't know if « Judy Moody » is an adaptation but the movie gives me interest to read her adventures so and i'm waiting for another screen adventure in Paris as they told us !

Sometimes things like the economy, gas prices, apocalypse theories, and local news reports can get you down. If you need a pick-me-up, sometimes it helps to see a kid's or family movie. The vision of reckless adventures and colorfully spirited humor can give a person a nostalgic view of the past. Yeah, that works with some kid's movies. This one, on the other hand, made the gas prices look like nothing. Not only were there serious problems with the title, poster, character names and personalities, and overall conflicts of the storyline; but the movie itself sucked too. Anyone who says that the audience wasn't massive enough, or that this movie didn't get enough credit, is horribly wrong. I saw this film with my nephew, who is 8, and he gave up and left the theater after about 30 minutes. And kids love going to the movies. He spent the remaining hour of the film walking around the movie theater lobby eating popcorn. Bottom line, This is definitely the worst theatrically released film of the summer. No questions asked. The writers of this film deserve every poor review and every lost cent. I don't personally believe in 2012, but after seeing this movie, I'm starting to seriously reconsider.

As you probably know, this film isn't very good. There are stereotypes, the plot and dialogue are basic at best, but worst of all it is almost interminably boring. The characters are vacuums for charisma and personality, with the exception of perhaps the little brother who plays the hyperactive annoying little boy role with alarming credibility. The whole 'thrill points' storyline wasn't fun or interesting.

The production department is the only one that comes out with any credit here: the bright, bold and colorful art direction injects the film with an energy and immediacy it hitherto would have lacked. The whole movie maintains this look, including the costumes and even the ice lollies - it is easily the most identifiable thing here.

Otherwise, there simply isn't enough in Judy Moody to keep a viewer of any age engrossed; if a film can't hold your attention it really has nothing. Aside from the promising first ten minutes this was a letdown.

Nine-year-old, Makai Weber Colvin, a KIDS FIRST youth film critic reviewed the new "Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer" movie and couldn't have been more glowing in her comments: I liked this movie because it has a lot of fun and action in it. The super-silly mix of animation and live action, is the perfect way to tell this story, it makes you feel like you're actually there having fun with the characters. Jordana Beatty plays the part of Judy Moody, a young girl with a really wild imagination. When her summer plans get turned upside down, Judy starts a "Thrill Contest" with her three best friends. Unfortunately, all Judy's thrills get spoiled, until she joins her brother Stink on the hunt for Big Foot, who's been seen around their town. I really liked Aunt Opal, played by Heather Graham, because she's like a kid in a grown-up body. She makes every scene exciting. Judy's teacher, Mr. Todd, (Jaleel White), is every kid's dream – he's charming and makes learning a joyful adventure. If your summer is getting boring, or if you want to make it even more fun, check out "Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer" when it comes to a theater near you. I suggest this movie for kids of all ages and even most parents will like it. I give it five-out-of-five stars. Catch Judy Moody to make your summer a "Not Bummer."