Ramona and Beezus (20th Century Fox)
The Cast Makes the Difference
Ramona and Beezus is a sweet, amusing film about a family living in modern day Oregon. The story is based on the Beverly Cleary books that were set in the fifties. Sometimes the actions and sensibilities of those years dont mesh with 2010, and so the film seems a little out of kilter. Still the actors bring the characters to life with such warmth and affection that the film will still be a treat for entire families to see.
The main focus of the film is on Ramona (Joey King), a precocious nine year old who spars with her fifteen year old sister Beezus (Selena Gomez). The two girls also have a baby sister named Roberta (Aila and Zanti McCubbing). Their parents are played by John Corbett and Bridget Moynahan.
In the film Mr. Quimby (Corbett) loses his job and this puts a strain on the family. Mrs. Quimby (Moynahan) has to return to work part time. Ramona comes up with some ideas on how to raise money but these rarely work and usually cost more than they save.
Ramona also has an active imagination and these imaginings are shown in full force in the movie. They add a lyrical charm to the film. Also adding charm are the performances by King and Gomez. King plays her role with full force exuberance while Gomez underplays her part. Moynahan is willowy and seemingly fragile as the mother while Corbett is all charm as the father.
Giving good support are Ginnifer Goodwin as the girls Aunt Bea, and Josh Duhamel as her boyfriend Hobart. Sandra Oh has a small role as Ramonas teacher. The casting is very good as each of these actors blends into the roles.
The film is rated G and is perfectly suitable for the entire family.
The big draw of the film is that the entire family can enjoy it. Young tween girls should be its biggest audience as they will identify with the rambunctious Ramona and hope someday to be like the willowy Beezus.
For adults the movie is a little too sweet and predictable. Some of the solutions offered by the plot are not acceptable in the light of day but they work within the fantasy context of the film. This is a movie that is to be enjoyed in a fantasy type structure. You have to accept that part time jobs are as good as regular ones, runaway children are safe until found, and high school sweethearts wait for years to rediscover each other again.
You can enjoy Ramona and Beezus IF you take a child with you to see it, and IF you check reality at the door before you enter.
I scored Ramona and Beezus a storybook 6 out of 10.
