RAMONA AND BEEZUS — ★★1/2 — Joey King, Selena Gomez, John Corbett; rated G (slapstick violence, slurs, mild vulgarity); in general release
"Ramona and Beezus" is a rarity.
Here's a summer movie release that's not filled with big explosions or action sequences, and one of the few films aimed at kids that isn't animated or in 3-D.
That alone earns this live-action comedy some credit. Still, like most of this summer's cinematic offerings, it's not completely problem-free. The movie is probably 15 minutes too long, and it occasionally takes itself too seriously.
(There's some discussion of a few subjects that may be upsetting to really young audiences.)
The movie has another thing in its favor, though, namely an appealing young star. She's Joey King, who plays Ramona Quimby.
This imaginative Portland resident can't stop getting into trouble. She's also a constant source of consternation to her teenage sister, Beezus (Selena Gomez).
(The younger Ramona was unable to pronounce her real name, Beatrice, and the unflattering nickname stuck.)
Their parents, Robert and Dorothy (John Corbett and Bridget Moynahan), try to maintain some sense of normalcy and sanity in the household. But then Robert loses his job, and suddenly the family is in danger of losing their home.
They're adapting a whole series of books (by author Beverly Cleary), so perhaps that explains why director Elizabeth Allen ("Aquamarine") and screenwriters Laurie Craig and Nick Pustay try to cram in so much story.
A subplot about an aunt (Ginnifer Goodwin) and her high school sweetheart (Josh Duhamel) is sweet, but it also feels like part of a different movie. (These two performers deserve more screen time than they get in this film.)
Luckily, television actress King's scenes are silly fun. And Corbett is good in what's a very different role for him. (He's usually the romantic lead, not a stay-at-home dad.)
"Ramona and Beezus" is rated G but does feature comic action (mostly pratfalls and other slapstick), use of derogatory language and slurs, and some crude digestive humor (including a vomiting gag, mostly overheard or implied). Running time: 104 minutes.
e-mail: jeff@desnews.com