Ramona et Beezus

Ramona Quimby (Joey King) lives in a typical middle class neighborhood on the west coast. Her family consists of Father Robert (John Corbett), Mother Dorothy (Bridget Moynahan), big Sister Beatrice, er, Beezus (Selena Gomez) and a new baby sister. Also close to the Quimbys is their mother's sibling, Aunt Bea (Ginnifer Goodwin). Unlike Beezus, who is an excellent student and very mature for a budding teenager, Ramona struggles at school, especially with her no-nonsense teacher (Sandra Oh). The instructor doesn't have much patience with Ramona's penchant to coin new words, among other issues. Life at the house, also, takes a strange turn, when in the middle of home-remodeling project, Dad loses his job. Soon, Mom is working part time at her old job and Pop becomes the lunch packer and house-husband, while sending out a large amount of resumes. Aunt Bea's life, too, receives a curveball when old flame, Hobart (Josh Duhamel) moves back to his original home next to the Quimbys. Happily recovered from the long ago heartbreak of Hobart's abandonment, Bea is startled to find him lavishing attention on her once again. What's a girl to do? Beezus has love trouble, too, when a relationship with longtime pal, Henry Huggins, may turn into a romance. Ramona continues to weather storms, such as the day an egg breaks on her head, minutes ahead of the school pictures! But, biggest problem of all is the fact that they may have to move, if Dad doesn't find a job in town. What will the future bring for the Quimbys? This is very fine family flick, with plenty of humor and energy without any objectionable material. In fact, it is a shining example of how successful a movie can be without sex or bad language. Then, too, the actors do a great job, with King leading the way. What a wholesome and realistic young actress she is! Gomez, too, is a winning and lovely young thespian while Corbett, Moynahan, Oh, Goodwin, Duhamel and all of the others are lively, all-too-human and flat-out fun. The west coast setting is lovely, as are the costumes, script and all other film amenities while the direction is secure and confident. All in all, this film is one every family should have on hand, for repeated viewings, I predict, will never grow old.

I was expecting a poor movie but my friend and I both thoroughly enjoyed the film. The storyline of the misunderstood kid has been done before and this as it is designed does tug at my heartstrings. Joey King is a natural and plays her role very well easily gaining my sympathy.I liked the role Sierra McCormic played. When I watch this kind of film I don't feel comfortable with an overly aggressive villain. The relationship between Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Spevack was feel good but for an adult viewer it may make the movie a tad too feel good. Into every life a little rain must fall. All in all the cast did a good job pulling together a familiar plot. The special effects worked well. It was easy to relate to the drawn out magic that a child feels when having fun. Lauri Craig's direction showed no flaws, the movie flowed smoothly. I would have liked a bit more time devoted to the commercial contest to see how it fit into the story.

This movie, based on the books (already this will eliminate 90% of the movie-going audience) by Beverly Cleary, has no explosions, no talking dogs, no cutesy kids who sass their parents and display a maturity rivaling most 30 year olds nor a child with preternatural smarts who ends up preventing nuclear war etc. What it does have is a smart mom, a cool dad, a disaffected teenage sister, a baby, a cool auntie and some normal children. It's a story about a family who struggle with unemployment, job dissatisfaction, marital discord, self esteem, and bad sprinklers, as seen through the eyes of a nine year old girl whose idea of a bad word is "guts".

Still with me?

If you enjoy movies like Iron Giant and quality children's entertainment-you will LOVE this movie. Sadly, the people who complain the loudest about the film industry and the shallow values they encompass will probably miss this one-don't be among them. Take everybody. When I attended, everyone in the audience was clapping and crying at the end of the film , children and adults alike. Yes, it's a "little film"-meaning there are no blue aliens, no 3d stun shots, no cartoon characters passing off moral pablum as deep though. What it is a sweet story about real people. I wish there had been more people of color in the film, but I'll settle for some fantastic actors and a lovely message. See it and tell all your friends.

First Of all this is my very first review so please don't mind anything.And yessss....... I standby my word.Ramona played by "JOEY KING" is definitely the "Sun" in this movie and the whole universe revolves around her.This girl is very imaginative and artistic who thinks that her family doesn't love her because she is different.But as in real life the movie goes on and she realizes that she really is "extraordinary".

Every little move that she makes is depicted beautifully in the movie.The Writers & director knew that anything that powerful needs character building and that's exactly what they did.Joey is full of acting genes,she is a natural talent & i have very high hopes for her.

So,the cast is superb too..........most of them are whom we know & love.Ramona has a big sister "Beezus" played by "Selena Gomez"(at-last a big sister who is not "mean").The part of the father is played by "John Corbett" whom we know from "United States Of Tara" & and the mother is lovely "Bridget Moynahan".Character of aunt bea is played by "Ginnifer Goodwin" and her boyfriend is "Josh Duhamel".All of them played their part nicely.

I am surprised that this movie hasn't got better ratings on IMDb............i don't know what's happening to people.But don't get put off by that & "Trust Me".Every moment of this movie is worth watching and most of all worth enjoying.So get your pop corns and chill a little...........you'll most definitely like it.

So peace until next time.

The books come home to Hollywood,

This movie may be one of those "ya I have seen that some time may be!" films, but it has its own little beautiful moments that helps it into the collection. A great one for teenagers and kids.

And yes, you want some quality family time on weekends go ahead with this movie.

A good "feel good" movie. With a smallish story, and a realistic world. With some Good old days' charm that enchants.

Acting overall was decent. Joey King as a matter of fact acted better than Selena Gomez, who had a considerably smaller role.

Finally it is such a movie that would not be judged on its plot or screen play and performance. It would be something you would just watch for fun.

6.7/10