Awesome Classic!
T. Bartsch | 10/01/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I saw "Ramona & Beezus" in the theater and was thrilled! After growing up with the original "Ramona" television series, it's so neat to see a classic children's movie preserved in today's society. The innocent, creative, and curious mind of a young child will have you laughing out loud with delight! It's the perfect family movie for all ages!"
Terrific family film
E. M. Bristol | boston, mass | 10/07/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Beverly Cleary's "Ramona" books, as well as her other series and standalones are about half a dozen chapters long. Each one is carefully detailed and paced - even if the event would seem minor to an adult - it's treated with the importance as a child of Ramona's age would view it.
In contrast, this movie pitches Cleary's plots to you like fastballs. For example, first Ramona gets a bad report card and curses (Ramona the Brave), then she makes a mess with toothpaste (Ramona and Her Mother), and then her dad brings home Gummi Bears for her and sister to share (Ramona and Her Father), and so on. There's also some fantasy sequences to emphasize Ramona's runaway imagination and to give the film even more of a child's eye-view perspective.
The overall plot is basically borrowed from "Ramona Forever," as Howie Kemp's annoying Uncle Hobart tries to (re) woo Ramona's Aunt Bea. There's also a storyline (Ramona and Her Father) about their dad losing his job (which caused an audible gasp in my audience). This isn't sugarcoated, although there's a happy ending for all the characters.
Joey King does an outstanding job as Ramona, as does Selena Gomez as Beezus (although physically, she's too glamorous for my idea of the character), and the rest of the cast is solid, too.
Adult-appropriate only material: Absolutely none, although if your kids know someone who's lost their job, they might ask questions about the bank repossessing their home. So be prepared."
Great Family Entertainment
R. Penn | 10/02/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It is rare today to find a family movie that combines a great message with top-notch entertainment for kids & parents alike. This movie is safe, fun, hilarious and touching. The pacing is just right to help bring home the many vital messages needed for today's families. We loved it and will own it and give it as presents as soon as it is released!!!"