When Beverly Cleary originally wrote her classic children’s novels she probably never had a thought in mind as to when and how they would be adapted for the big screen. The now 94-year-old author from Oregon gets to see the novel she published back in 1955 in cinemas this summer. Without a doubt she will be satisfied to tears with what director Elizabeth Allen has done with her beloved story.
Filled with an all-star cast, this family film has something for everyone to be excited for. Newcomer Joey King (Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs) actually has a resume that is longer than that of the director’s but this is definitely her break out role and we will definitely be seeing more of her. Talented actors such as Selena Gomez (Wizards of Waverly Place) playing Beezus have torn the door to notoriety and draw you deeper into this fun film.
The charismatic John Corbett (Sex and the City 2) and the beautiful Bridget Moynahan (Six Degrees) play Ramona and Beezus’ parents in the movie, but the true show stealers are Ginnifer Goodwin (Big Love) and Josh Duhamel (When in Rome) playing Aunt Bea and her high school sweetheart Hobart. Their on-screen chemistry and relationship dynamic was so entertaining, despite a novel never been written, it would be great to see a film about their lives after the events of this movie.
Littered with many other recognizable actors and actresses, Elizabeth Allen does a great job by not letting any of them steal the show but guiding them to truly express their characters. Joey King is the physical embodiment of Ramona’s energy and spirit that the movie can easily take us back to our childhoods in elementary school when we read these books.
Not limited to but the majority of the film is from Ramona’s perspective of things and the lines at times blur between her reality and her fantasy that so easily happen to young children. It’s displayed vivid and colorfully to entice the audience and have those who long for the free nature of their childhood to yearn for it just a little bit more. Not to be too lost in fantasy the plight of the Quimby family is something that is very real in our lives. Robert Quimby, the girl’s father, loses his job just as the family is working on extending the home so they might house the growing family easier. How too easily do we gain a little comfort in our lives before reality does something to keep us level. This movie is a great way to introduce that aspect of our world to younger audiences.
Rated G
