Ramona and Beezus (G, 2010)

Our 5 year old daughter is very sensitive to scary themes and intense drama (losing a parent, getting lost, etc.) and this was a great first theater experience for her. Fairly entertaining for adults too! A few specific comments on things to be aware of: - There are a few uses of "dumb" and "stupid" but overall we were okay with the language - There are two romances going on in the movie, one between her Aunt Beatrice and Howie's Uncle Hobart and one between Beezus and Henry. Both are handled in very innocent and age-appropriate ways. - The girls are home alone when they find that their beloved cat has died. They don't actually show a close-up of the dead cat but they do imply that the cat has been buried and they show a homemade grave market and lots of tears. Again, we thought this was an age-appropriate handling of what happens when a pet dies but it might be something to discuss with your child before the movie, especially if you have pets or if you have recently lost a pet. - There are several scenes where Ramona is imagining and gets into "larger than life" situations. Our daughter had to be reminded that this was her imagination and not things that were actually happening. - The theme of the movie is actually a very nice one - that it is okay to be different - and this is articulated by a teenage Beezus. We liked that Beezus was pretty but not over the top glamorous. Beezus was the character that our daughter was most in awe of and we appreciated that she was overall a very positive kid who finds her sister annoying but also clearly loves her. - True to the books, which were written in the 70s and 80s, there is very little cultural diversity in the film. I think a few kids in the school scenes are ethnicities other than white but none of the main characters are. Also, we have read the first two Ramona books out loud to our daughter and she enjoyed finding parts of the movie that were the same as the book and parts that were different. For example, in the movie she is a third grader but some of her experiences actually happened in the book written when she was in kindergarten.

This was a pretty wholesome movie. I liked how the characters were all dressed in a fashion forward way, but not "sexy." The movie did a great job of blending the book material together. Based on other reviews, I was able to talk to my kids ahead of time and explain that there were some "imagination" scenes in the movie that weren't real and also explain that Pickypicky the cat dies. Really appreciated that feedback and my girls loved it.

SANDIE ANGULO CHEN WILL RATE IT IFFY FOR AGE 14-15, OFF FOR 14 AND UNDER, AND ON FOR 15 AND OVER, SHE PROMISE, I SAY YOU CAN WATCH RATED G AT ANY AGE.

I'm a mom who saw this movie with my two daughters, ages 9 and 5. We all loved it! There are some emotional parts and we all cried and then talked about it during the drive home. Be prepared and bring tissues just in case...especially if you are a pet owner. There is a small part too in which the older sister tried to scare the younger sister with a story just before bedtime. So just because of that, I don't think it would be good to take anyone younger than 5. I thought the topics were handled very well though. A great family movie! I think even my husband would like it. I want to see it again and plan to purchase when it is released for home viewing.

It was absolutely fabulous. I went with my daughter (7) and my mom (67) - three generations who loved it and needed tissues with Picky-Picky died. I have not read the books for decades, but the flavor of them was definitely captured in this movie. Selena Gomez is perfect as Beezus, and I'm relieved to see that she can play a character other than bratty Alex Russo - it will give us a good lesson in how actors do not equal their characters. Joey King is a great actress for her age; often they are so stiff at that stage. Overall it was a great movie with a great message and I am so glad we made it the end of a Girls' Morning Out.

The Father's role is a wonderful model. The female roles are embarassing. No depth. Long drawn out negative saga. "Bullying because I think differently" "My sister is perfect" "ugh messages." Disappointing and un-engaging. There's more to life. Good acting.

ok let me just say i know i put it was not good for kids under 11 but its fine if and only if they are not sencetive to the following subjects dad loses job parents almost seperat the pet dies and tne young girl runs away but other than those tough subjects it is a great funny and just all around fun family movie that i will surley watch agin and mabye agin after that lol bye now

Brothers,sisters,and siblings,yes they can be annoying,but sometimes we could show some respect for our siblings.In Ramona and Beezus, Ramona is trying to get along with her sister Beezus,who is trying to have a good life in her begging year in high school.Newcomer Joey King is sweet and funny as Ramona,who is sort of a trouble maker.Selena Gomez plays a nice performance as Beezus,(Ramona's sister). Josh Duhamel is terrific , and funny as the goofy Hobart.This is a film for everyone to see. It's funny, sweet,entertaining, with terrific performances from Joey King, and Josh Duhamel. I was surprisingly and completely entertained by the welcoming performances, funny and sweet moments,and the nice ending. This is a perfect film for young kids 6+. NOTE:This film involves a sad,but off-screen(you don't visually see it,but you do hear it a few times)death of a family pet,but is handled gently,and quickly. Overall: A Funny,sweet, entertaining movie with very nice performances from newcomer Joey King and Josh Duhamel. I give this film an A- to a B+.I give this an ON for young kids 6+. This is a film that is wonderfully acting and a pleasing surprise. Plus, Gennifer Goodwin is also gives a wonderfully terrific performance as Aunt Bea(Aunt Beatrice). What a great family film this is.Surprisingly well-done.Parents: Let your young kids see this great family film. I'm sure the young kids will enjoy it as much as any parent will. So See IT!

Loved it - and our daughter did too, and she is very iffy about movies in general. Wish there were more like it!