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Past Reviews -
Movies 2010
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Monday, 26 July 2010 00:00 |
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Ramona and Beezus Just May Steal Your Heart!
Comical, laugh-out-loud situations, on target with our times all describe the themes in Ramona and Beezus.Viewer beware as Ramona with her innocent antics and doey-eyed expressions may very well steal your heart. Ramona and Beezus is a genuine story of family, middle child syndrome and parenting. This is a surefire winner in my book as it’s the perfect family film for all ages! Fox Pictures Studio produced this fictional story based on the best selling author Beverly Cleary. Centering on two sisters: Ramona played by Joey King and Beezus (Beatrice) played by Selena Gomez (Disney TV star).
Beverly Cleary books were staples in my classroom library ever since the first day I began teaching, many years ago. Several of them were so well loved they needed to be replaced. ‘Ramona and Beezus’ was published in 1955, the first book in the series with 8 more books added to the Ramona series. (See Beverly Cleary booklist below). The film takes place in Portland, Oregon on a real street not far from Cleary’s childhood home. The stories are based on Cleary’s own youth.
Ramona’s parents are played by John Corbet (My Big Fat Greek Wedding) and Bridget Moynaham. Aunt Bea is played by Ginnifer Goodwin (HBO’s “Big Love” and Valentine’s Day). Josh Duhamel (Transformers, ‘Las Vegas’ TV Series) plays Aunt Bea’s high school ex boyfriend. Sandra Oh, (“Grey’s Anatomy” and Sideways) plays Ramona's nurturing teacher.
Ramona Quimby fans should be very pleased with the film as it is very well made and the cast is spot-on. Joey King is darling as Ramona and gives an excellent performance; no doubt we’ll be seeing more of her on the big screen soon. She plays a 9-year-old middle-child girl who is continuously getting herself into accidents, has a highly creative imagination and boundless energy.
Beatrice (Beezus), the 15-year-old sister, is stuck with the nickname given to her by Ramona years ago and plays the near perfect child in the family. She is a gorgeous girl who earns straight A’s, never gets in trouble and is very popular in school.
Ramona is by all intents and purposes a highly creative child that is very inquisitive. These traits were common of my students in my gifted literature classroom. Patience is what is needed and at times lots of patience with children of this nature. When a child’s social and emotional growth are in jeopardy the understanding guidance of concerned adults are key; particularly in fostering a healthy self esteem.
The great thing about the film is that it provides us with a sensitive teacher, an amazingly understanding mom, dad, aunt and big sister who are all portrayed as favorable role models. Realistic with our current times, Ramona’s father loses his job as part of the story line and depicts family life as they deal with the dilemma.
Love is also key here and plenty of it shines through loud and clear in the film. The unfortunate, accidental situations are truly very funny; however, it’s the reactions of the adults that are important here. Fortunately, our heroine has sympathetic and caring parents.
Bottom line: Lots to love in this film, perfect for all ages!
* Beverly Cleary Books: Source Internet Book List
Novels:
• Henry Huggins (1950)
• Ellen Tebbits (1951)
• Henry and Beezus (1952)
• Otis Spofford (1953)
• Henry and Ribsy (1954)
• Beezus and Ramona (1955)
• Fifteen (1956)
• Henry and the Paper Route (1957)
• Luckiest Girl, the (1958)
• Jean and Johnny (1958)
• Emily's Runaway Imagination (1960)
• Henry and the Clubhouse (1962)
• Sister of the Bride (1963)
• Ribsy (1964)
• Mouse and the Motorcycle, the (1965)
• Mitch and Amy (1967)
• Ramona the Pest (1968)
• Runaway Ralph (1970)
• Socks (1973)
• Ramona the Brave (1975)
• Ramona and Her Father (1977)
• Ramona and Her Mother (1979)
• Ramona Quimby, Age 8 (1981)
• Ralph S. Mouse (1982)
• Dear Mr. Henshaw (1983)
• Ramona Forever (1984)
• Muggie Maggie (1990)
• Strider (1997)
• Ramona's World (1999)
Sarah Adamson July 27, 2010 |
