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Joey King (Horton Hears a Who!) is Ramona Quimby, an accident-prone nine year old with a predisposition for embarrassment and misunderstanding. When she isn’t humiliating her teen-age sister Beezus, Selena Gomez (Wizards of Waverly Place) she is creating house-hold disasters by enacting well-intentioned schemes. She just wants to help, but everything always goes wrong. Ramona is a character that any kid can identify with.

As a big fan of Beverly Cleary’s books, there was a little apprehension about bringing this wonderful story into the 21st century, but the choices made were right on. This Klickitat Street is still warm, colorful, and insulated from the big, bad world. Ramona’s biggest worry is that her dad lost his job and that they may be losing their home. This is a big enough problem for any nine year old, but nothing like some children face. This is more of a Leave It To Beaver life, (also a Cleary book), with simple problems and easy solutions. It is innocent world, sweet, fun, full of loving parents and caring teachers. I came away from this film feeling refreshed.

The performances are sincere, the tone is pitch-perfect, and it is funny without feeling forced or cliche. Joey King is delightful as Ramona Quimby. It's easy to fall in love with the young actress with superb comic timing. Selena Gomez was winning and natural as Ramona’s frustrated big sister. John Corbett (Sex and the City) was especially enjoyable as Ramona’s father.  Bridget Moynahan (I, Robot) played Ramona’s mother and was really strong in some of the emotional scenes. And I was completely charmed by the romance of Josh Duhamel (When In Rome) and Ginnifer Goodwin (A Single Man) who plays Ramona’s Aunt Bea and her next door neighbor Hobart. Grey's Anatomy's Sandra Oh (Sideways) was also excellent as Ramona’s demanding teacher.

The film is thoroughly enjoyable and any parent would be lucky to accompany their child. And with John Corbett and Josh Duhamel to gaze at - you’ll hear no mothers complaining.

The cinematography is gorgeous and the colors are vibrant.  Eyes sparkle, hair shines, smiles warm, this is a feel good movie and a welcome escape. Thank you for this little touch of Americana. It was like having a childhood again.

Melanie Wilson 

Visit her blog at LAMelbox.blogspot.com