Rating:  

        

Fox 2000 Pictures, Walden Media, DiNovi Pictures and Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation.

Written by:  Laurie Craig and Nick Pustay, adapted from a series of novels by Beverly Cleary.

With such a storied and important legacy, I find it rather remarkable that legendary children’s author, Beverly Cleary, has never had one of her books adapted for the big screen.  In 2010, with Cleary now in her mid-80′s, “Ramona and Beezus” arrives; a combo platter of segments and vignettes taken from a handful of Cleary’s “Ramona” children’s literature series.  Although the film feels as if it is a best-of reel from some “Ramona” television series that was never created, the film has such a kind and sweet nature to it, that you cannot help but be amused and entertained by the entire project.

Starring newcomer Joey King as Ramona Quimby, and Disney’s latest breakout star, Selena Gomez, as older sister Beatrice (nicknamed “Beezus”), “Ramona and Beezus” takes flight with two engaging and likable lead actresses.  For the uninitiated, Ramona is a precocious and whipsmart 9-year old girl who always finds herself slightly outside of the norm.  She is constantly in trouble with her teacher, Mrs. Meachem (Sandra Oh), and tries to balance a vast and expansive imagination with the realities of a mom, a dad, and older sister, and an infant baby sister, Roberta.

Strongest when focusing on King and Gomez, there is a lot more story to unfold here then one simply about the two sisters.  The girls’ parents, Robert and Dorothy (John Corbett and Bridget Moynahan), are a loving couple who have settled into their everyday routine where Dorothy is the homemaker and Robert works long hours.  Not too surprisingly, the reality of the current economic crisis strikes the Quimby family and suddenly Dorothy goes back to work while Robert stays home.  Adapting is key to all of these characters and something that Ramona always seems to struggle with, especially when trying to understand Beezus’ crush on a lifelong friend, Henry, and her beloved Aunt Bea’s long-simmering love for high school boyfriend, Hobart (Ginnifer Goodwin as Bea and Josh Duhamel as Hobart).  As relationships and circumstances change all around her, Ramona is left to use her imagination and intelligence to guide her through a challenging period in her family’s life.

“Ramona and Beezus” is rated G and one of the rare films to be so tagged in this day and age.  In some ways, the rating works to the film’s benefit.  The screenplay adaptation by Laurie Craig and Nick Pustay matches much of the tone of Cleary’s writing style and in this film and in this world, it works.  Every character is developed, mischieveous but never cruel, and even when Robert and Dorothy argue over finances and failed job searches, the bickering happens off screen and amounts to background chattering.  Perhaps in another director’s hands, the argument would be in front of us and derail the “sweet” that this movie always has waiting in reserve. Never saccharine or all that sappy, I rather liked this storybook family – somewhat refreshing in their relative normalcy.

As indicated above, at times the structure of the movie feels like a slapdash of scenes and ideas tossed into a family film soup.  I wonder why the producers of the film felt this was necessary.  Maybe there is some kind of mindset that Cleary’s novels are unfilmable or unadaptable.  For my mind, this film would have been a richer experience had it been made from a little confidence that “Ramona” movies could develop into a nice film series.  Instead, a whole lot of plot gets cobbled together and by the third act, the film starts to buckle under the weight of its own content.

Like Ramona’s fierce and unique take on the world, the film survives it all.  As imperfect as the film may be at times, it is just so charming and kindhearted – words which would serve as the kiss of death for other projects.  Not this one though.  Sweet and nice nowadays is almost always sacrificed at the expense of easy and heavy-handed.  “Ramona and Beezus” never tries to beat us over the head with “message”…instead, it just wants to present a slice-of-life story about family, the importance of a family’s bond, and the maturity to adapt and change, while never losing a sense of self.  Ambitious goals for a G-rated kids movie in 2010, but one that in large part, “Ramona and Beezus” pulls off relatively well.

Should I See It?

Geared for young girls, the film is engaging enough for families with young kids of both sexes.  My 11-year old and 4-year old girls both liked it, keeping their interest throughout.

Fans of Beverly Cleary’s books, and those who have passed them down to their kids, will finally see her vision translated to the big screen.  Despite its haphazard use of Cleary’s books, most should be pleased with the results.

This serves as a light, simple, and well-made movie.  Parents and adults have nothing to worry about with this film and will get a well-acted and enjoyable couple of hours with it.

For many, the interest level in this will be zilch.  Cleary’s relevancy in 2010 is somewhat questionable and the muted attendance on opening weekend may bear that out.

Is it too light and simple?  When compared to what serves as entertainment to the youth of this day and age, this whole film may simply be too boring and too bland to wet kids’ appetites.

Beverly Cleary’s devoted followers may be disappointed that the film cherry picks from portions of her “Ramona” series.