Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer

Like Kit Kittredge and Ramona and Beezus, this slapstick comedy is aimed directly at preadolescent girls who have outgrown Disney but are still too young for Twilight mania. Based on Megan McDonald's popular preteen books, the story begins on the last day of third grade, when spunky Judy Moody (Jordana Beatty) realizes that she's stuck in her small Virginia town while her friends have made wonderful plans, such as traveling to Borneo or attending circus camp. Adding insult to injury, Judy's parents are leaving home to help her ailing grandfather; so the strong-willed tomboy and her annoying little brother, Stink (Parris Mosteller), must spend their summer vacation with their dreaded Aunt Opal (Heather Graham). To Judy's surprise, Aunt Opal turns out to be a free-spirited guerrilla artist, urging them to create their own adventures. That means searching for Bigfoot in a van with two strangers; scaring her bespectacled pal Frank (Preston Bailey) by dressing as the Bride of Frankenstein; falling off a tightrope into a river; and enduring a vomit-inducing roller-coaster ride. Unfortunately, the script errs on the side of caricature and exaggeration, amplified by John Schultz's hyperactive direction (which is well suited to Judy's animated daydreams, but not live-action). Optional, at best. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include a “10 Things You Need to Know About Judy Moody” character featurette (6 min.), a “Flippin' Out with the Cast” featurette (3 min.), deleted scenes (2 min.), a “Join the Toad-Pee Club” interactive trivia game, the music video for “Wait and See” by Camryn, and trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release is an “Extrathrilladelic” activity booklet, and bonus DVD and digital copies of the film. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a disappointing family film.] (S. Granger)