Ramona and Beezus (2010) is a family-friendly comedy-drama film based on the beloved Ramona series of children’s books by Beverly Cleary. Directed by Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum, the film captures the heartwarming and often hilarious misadventures of a spirited young girl and her family.
Ramona Quimby (Joey King) is a creative, curious, and mischievous nine-year-old with a knack for getting into trouble despite her good intentions. She lives with her loving but sometimes exasperated family in a suburban neighborhood. Her older sister, Beezus (Selena Gomez), is a responsible teenager trying to balance school, friendships, and sibling dynamics.
The film weaves together several challenges faced by the Quimby family. When Robert Quimby (John Corbett) loses his job, the family faces financial struggles, prompting everyone to make sacrifices. Meanwhile, Ramona’s vivid imagination and anticsโlike creating a lemonade commercial and inadvertently causing chaos at a school eventโoften lead to unintentional disasters.
Throughout the story, Ramona feels overshadowed by her sister Beezus, whom she views as perfect. However, their sibling bond strengthens as they navigate family struggles, friendship challenges, and moments of self-discovery.
Romance is also a subplot, with Aunt Bea (Ginnifer Goodwin) reconnecting with her old flame Hobart (Josh Duhamel), adding a touch of whimsy to the story.
In the end, Ramona learns to embrace her unique qualities, and the Quimby family comes together stronger than ever, finding joy and resilience in their love for one another.