Fox 2000 Pictures presents yet another coming-of-age film.
“Ramona and Beezus” is an hour and forty-three minute long movie that dives into the experience of a young girl, Romana (Joey King), she has a wild imagination and finds the good in everything. The film starts off with Romana getting in trouble in school, embarrassing herself in front of her classmates for her imagination. Her best friend Howie (Jason Spevack) is with her throughout the movie to support her crazy ways. The movie is filled with drama, romance and comedic actions that take place. The multiple reactions around those around Romana really sets the movie in motion. As Ramona takes on third grade, things start to change throughout her life, realizing her family issues and that things aren’t always like they seem to be in fairy tales.
Something that can be gathered from this film is the importance of sisterhood. As the movie dives in, viewers see Romana and her older sister Beezus (Selena Gomez) have a rocky relationship. They have to share a room together and tend to argue a lot, but as the movie goes on their relationship only grows stronger. For instance, when Romana got her own room, she got scared to sleep alone, so she went to sleep in Beezus room, feeling safe around her older sister. The two sisters comfort each other as their family faces financial problems and have to deal with the possibility of being evicted from their home. Although the sisters might fight a lot and say hurtful things to each other, Romana really looks up to Beezus and sees her as a perfect older sister. Another example from the film is when Beezus breaks up with her boyfriend and feels like she has no one to turn to, Romana was right by her side through it all, being a shoulder that her sister could lean on.
Another thing that can be learned from watching this film is the importance of being yourself. Romana struggles with her peers around her, judging her for her crazy and wild imagination. This causes Romana to think that something is wrong with her; she feels like she doesn’t fit in because of this. A scene that represents this is when Romana goes to school for show and tell, showing her classmates a construction worker hat as she explains that her house is currently under construction, but using her imagination, she exaggerates it. This causes people to laugh at her and her teacher to get upset; the constant battle between fitting in and being herself is something that Romana struggles with throughout the film. At the end of the film, Romana’s dad helps her with a painting for school; this painting highlights all of Romana’s crazy adventures that she’s been through. Her dad shows her that she shouldn’t be ashamed of being herself; her imagination is what makes her unique.
All and all, “Romana and Beezus”is recommended for those who enjoy a good drama and comedy film. It’s mainly for younger audiences as it is G-rated.