Quartile rating: 6.5/10 · 1 rating
Ramona is a little girl with a very big imagination and a nose for mischief. Her playful antics keep everyone in her loving family on their toes, including her older sister Beezus, who's just trying to survive her first year of high school. Through all the ups and downs of childhood, Ramona and Beezus learn that anything's possible when you believe in yourself and rely on each other.
Ramona and Beezus is a warm, competent family film elevated by charming performances, particularly from Joey King as Ramona, whose energy and expressiveness carry the movie well. The plot follows a fairly predictable family-drama arc with financial struggles and sibling dynamics that feel familiar rather than fresh. Cinematography is functional and bright but unremarkable for the genre. The film adapts Beverly Cleary's beloved books faithfully but without distinctive cinematic vision, keeping Novelty low. The ending delivers the expected heartwarming resolution that satisfies its target audience without surprising anyone.