Ramona and Beezus

Di Novi, D. (Producer), Greenspan, A. (Producer), & Allen, E. (Director).  (2010).  Ramona and Beezus [Motion Picture].  United States of America: Fox 2000 Pictures.

Plot description:

Ramona is not only nine years old, she is also the middle child.  She has a classical case of jealously towards her sisters.  Ramona loves talking to Aunt Bea because she listens to her and tries to help when Ramona has issues.  Hobart, Aunt Bea’s ex-boyfriend, returns to visit his mother making Aunt Bea very distracted.  Ramona then finds out that her father has lost his job, and her mother will have to return to work to help support the family.  The money problems of the family start to take a toll on Ramona, but there is no one to talk to and no way to really help.  Ramona does try to raise some money through a lemonade stand and a car wash.  Will Ramona be able to save the family?  What will happen with Aunt Bea and Hobart?    

Brief Review: 

Ramona and Beezus was a great family movie.  I felt that the characters were relatable for the audience of tweens.  This movie not only shows the relationship of a family, but also the relationship between a tween and a teenager.  It showed that the tween and teenager can get along with each other and do love each other even though they may be at odds with one another.  Through these relationships we also see the characters taking on responsible roles in the family whether it is the cook, the babysitter, or the bread winner.  I think that tweens (and a few parents) will enjoy watching this great classic from the stories of Beverly Cleary.         

Characters/descriptions:

Ramona - middle child, 9 years old

Beezus - oldest child, Beatrice is real name; Ramona couldn’t say it when child; teenager in high school

Roberta- baby of family

Mr. Robert Quimby – vice president; sketches

Dorothy Quimby- mom, goes back to work

Howie Kemp – Ramona’s friend

Aunt Bea- really close with Ramona; younger sister of Dorothy

Susan- smart student; popular with kids

Mrs. Meacham- Ramona’s teacher

Hobart- Howie’s uncle & Bea’s old sweetheart; hasn’t been home for 10- 15 years; leaving soon for Alaska; came back for Bea

Henry – Beezus likes him

Picky Picky- cat

Genre Label:

Movie

Adventure

Interest Level:

4^th- 6^th grade

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