My Thoughts on Ramona And Beezus

Honestly, I can’t remember if I’ve ever read any of Beverly Cleary’s Ramona stories. Ever since Selena first announced her connection to this project over a year ago, I’ve been trying to figure out if I had or not and I’m still not sure.

So for all intents and purposes I went into the movie not really knowing the characters beforehand. That said, this was very much a character driven story. The financial difficulties of Dad losing his job shaped the primary conflict of the film, but the story was really about how the various family members, and especially Ramona, reacted to it.

Of course, the only reason why I bothered running out to see it was because of Selena. And there was way too much Ramona and not enough Beezus. Yes, Ramona is the main character and the story is through her eyes (as I quickly noticed the low camera angles) but I still would have likes to see more Selena. Of course, there was that great scene of Selena and Ramona in bed. And I did see Selena’s mole a couple times. 🙂

One of the complaints I saw from the “professional” reviewers was that the CGI effects in Ramona’s fantasies where a little over the top and I have to agree. There probably wasn’t a better way to express Ramona’s imagination on screen, but it hurt the overall flow of the movie.

I liked Ramona’s plans to save the house. It was a feeling I could relate to, unfortunately. The lemonade scene was quite well done, but the Car wash idea was even better. Although I have to say, and I admit I don’t know what kind of paint it was, but if the jeep was already wet when the paint was dumped on it, I would think it would be fairly easy to wash it off before it set.

And Ramona sure had some bad luck. The egg thing in particular. I was like, “Wait No!” seconds before she cracked it on her head. Although I must admit she made a lot of her own problems. I mean, if you’re gonna hide your report card, you should hide your sister’s too. 😛

“Who could ever love a girl named Beezus?”

If she looked like Selena? I don’t care what her name is! Despite being the one “everyone loves” Beezus had a rough time in this movie! She didn’t even get the new room! The oldest should always get first pic. And when Ramona almost set the house on fire, I know I was supposed to think Beezus was overreacting but I was more like It’s about time!

And then the cat died. 🙁 That one really got to me. Picky Picky was a very pretty cat, and was almost as much of a character as the kids. Heck, the cat had as many lines as the baby.

Finally, a few thoughts on the cool Aunt Bea. Ginnifer Goodwin was brilliant casting. She looks just like I imagine Selena will look like when we’re married she’s older. And a wedding! What a classic but not very often used way to end a movie. That plot really pulled the whole film together.

And I didn’t even realize that Hutch Dano of “Zeke and Luther” and “Den Brother” played Henry until the very end. That lucky bastard. 🙂

Finally, I found the songs they used in the film to be rather interesting. “Walking on sunshine” by Aly and AJ seemed like a strange choice. It’s a classic, but why Aly & AJ’s version? Skye Sweetnam’s “Let’s Get Movin’ Into Action” was quite unexpected! I love Skye, but I’m surprised the producers even knew that song existed! Taylor Swift got a song too. I don’t recall the title but I recognized her voice. And I liked the usage of “Eternal Flame,” a really good song.

On the whole, a good movie. Not a blockbuster by any means, but a good family film with a good cast. Honestly, I think it’s something the adults will like and relate to more than the kids. 4/5