Ramona and Beezus - A Movie Review

I wonder where Ramona’s epic imagination will take us today.

Based on the book series by Beverly Cleary, Ramona and Beezus is a 2010 film adaptation. Ramona, a young girl with an overactive imagination goes on many adventures with her friends and family, learning an important life lesson.

The Ramona books by the late Beverly Cleary were my favorite stories. I looked forward to reading them every night before bed. They’re the essence of my childhood. I’ll always remember my first time watching Ramona and Beezus. Everything about it makes me smile, bringing to life a character to whom everyone can relate.

Joey King was the right pick for the curious and imaginative Ramona. She steals the show with her energetic personality. Having a unique view of the world compared to other kids her age leads Ramona to feel misunderstood. Trying to understand the world, Ramona learns to grow.

One of the best parts of the film is the sibling relationship between Ramona and Beezus (Selena Gomez). I’m sure we can all relate to moments where they endlessly bicker, share stories, and protect one another. Whether you want to admit it, siblings are a blessing.

I like how the writers focused on Beezus and not just Ramona. To me, once Cleary decided to focus on Ramona’s perspective in the books, Beezus was pushed to the sidelines. Both perspectives reflect a contrasting nature due to age. Gomez was excellent in her arc, reflecting the difficult changes of being a teenager.

The dynamic between the Quimby family was constructed well. John Corbett and Bridget Moynahan were excellent as the parents. And let’s not forget about Alia McCubbing and Zanti McCubbing as the adorable baby Roberta. The actors studied their interaction, demonstrating heartwarming and even tough moments of being a family.

I’m sure Once Upon a Time fans will recognize Ginnifer Goodwin as Ramona’s fun-loving aunt. The relationship between an aunt and niece is vital. Watching their interaction brought back memories with my late aunt as a kid.

Other credits include Josh Duhamel, Jason Spevack, Sierra McCormack, Sandra Oh, Kathryn Zenna, Hutch Dano, and an ensemble of young child actors. It didn’t matter if anyone had a small part. All the characters were fleshed out and given a moment in the spotlight.

In my honest opinion, I feel that Sandra Oh was miscast as Ramona’s teacher Mrs. Meachum. I’m not sure if it was in her direction, but Mrs. Meachum comes off as cold to Ramona. I disliked how she talked about one of her students to fellow teachers in one scene. A better characterization could have been dictated to Oh.

After a while, this film felt like snippets rather than one solid story. Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum tried to include too many storylines from the books, taking focus away from the main conflict. She did, however, drive home the moral with excellent character direction. I was impressed with how she kept the film from the perspective of a young child.

The imagination sequences were the best. They fit the childhood atmosphere. The parachuting daydream was one of my favorites. Rosenbaum conquered a child’s perspective.

Growing up is not always easy - childhood or the teen years. Ramona and Beezus contain morals about family, friendship, and being yourself. The atmosphere makes it relatable for all audiences. You’re not going to get everything you want in life. Everyone can find a way to connect to this story. We’re all a child at heart.

Ramona and Beezus is a heartfelt and fun story that always makes me smile. I had fun re-watching it. I recommend it to all audiences.