Ramona and Beezus

Beverly Cleary's award-winning series of charming children's books revolving around precocious 10-year old Ramona Quimby and her older sister Beezus forms the basis for this amiable family movie. Although the books hail from 1955-99, the episodic script moves the action to the present day, where perky Ramona's shenanigans—such as trying out for a TV commercial or making a mess of dinner—take center stage. Ramona's dad (John Corbett) tends to look on his daughter's innocuous mischief with indulgence, while her sibling becomes more exasperated at her antics (although lovingly so). A few secondary story threads are interwoven throughout the childish misadventures, including Beezus' incipient romance with long-time pal Henry, the relationship between Ramona's aunt and a handsome ex-boyfriend (Ginnifer Goodwin and Josh Duhamel), and the family's financial slide when dad loses his job. But director Elizabeth Allen makes impish Ramona (a fine turn by Joey King) the driving force, and while Disney Channel staple Selena Gomez seems awfully Hollywood for Oregon girl Beezus, her winning personality ultimately comes through. For those who have enjoyed the Ramona stories over the decades, Ramona and Beezus will be a nostalgic treat. Recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include “Show & Tell Film School” with director Elizabeth Allen (7 min.), deleted scenes (6 min.), a “My Ramona” segment with author Beverly Cleary (4 min.), a gag reel (3 min.), and trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are the Fox Movie Channel-produced “Life After Film School” with Allen (22 min.), “A Day in the Life of Joey King” with the costar (5 min.), “Selena & Joey Audition Footage” with King and costar Selena Gomez, (2 min.), bonus DVD and digital copies of the film, and the BD-Live function. Bottom line: a fine extras package for a solid family film.] (F. Swietek)