Review: RAMONA AND BEEZUS

Ramona’s her own person…she doesn’t care about coloring inside the lines. That’s exactly what comes across loud and clear throughout 20th Century Fox’s extremely sweet RAMONA AND BEEZUS. This faithful adaptation is based on the Beverly Cleary books which took young readers along on the adventures of young Ramona Quimby (Joey King) and her big sister Beezus (Selena Gomez). For those not acqainted with this series, Ramona calls her older sister “Beezus” because she could not pronounce “Beatrice” when she was learning to talk.

Ramona’s 3rd grade life is filled with brightly colored images and accidents a-plenty while she attempts to help the family save the house when Dad (the handsome John Corbett) is laid off from his job and Mom (Bridget Moynahan) has to go back to work. Even the littlest of Ramona’s adventures manages to cause mischief, especially at the expense of Mom’s younger sis, Aunt Bea, who’s rekindling her romance with high-school sweetheart Hobart (Josh Duhamel). Ramona’s Dad finds the solution to the family’s financial problems when he’s hired for a new job in a different state, something he’s not entirely all that enthused about. It quickly becomes a tough time for the Quimby family with the thought of leaving their home, family and friends. The connection and chemisty between father and daughter during the rough patch in both their lives is precious.

Most of what Ramona does, be it good or bad, is met with smiles and pats on the head and when she’s frustrated – watch out! She vents her frustrations by verbally spewing out such bad words like “guts”. You get em Ramona! Too bad that’s not the only thing kids say these days. Anyway, Joey King reminds me of that little actress, Louanne, from 1980’s OH, GOD! BOOK II. Both young actresses are synonymous with precocious and adorable. With a twinkle in her eye, King brings unabashed zaniness to the role and I’m looking forward to seeing her in her next movie, as well as the undoubted RAMONA sequel that’s sure to follow. By the by, the film is in glorious 2D. Big plus!

RAMONA AND BEEZUS is one of the nicest movies aimed at young girls with the best message of all – just be yourself and, remember, always color outside the lines.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 stars for a giggly, G-rated, good time!