RAMONA AND BEEZUS
A little sister brings big-hearted joy to family movie night.
Should You Watch It?
Yes. Ramona and Beezus is a funny, heartfelt family film built around a child’s vivid imagination, rambunctious energy, and deep love for her family. Joey King’s endearing performance is reason enough to see it, while the whole cast shares good chemistry.
The story also takes family struggles seriously. Job loss, financial pressure, responsibility, and the fear of losing home and stability all matter here, but the Quimby family remains cohesive through love, support, perseverance, and acceptance of individuality.
This is a gentle, feel-good choice for families with children of all ages.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESRamona Quimby is the middle child of three girls, trying to find her place at home and at school while living in the shadow of her older sister, Beezus.
When Ramona’s father loses his job, she uses her imagination and sense of adventure to help save her family’s home. Her attempts to make money do not go as planned, but her love for her family keeps her trying.
Is It Any Good?
Three stars means this is a good, enjoyable film with some imperfections. The movie is creatively shot to reflect a child’s imagination while maintaining a contemporary, realistic feel that can entertain older viewers too.
Joey King is a perfect Ramona, and the cast has good chemistry onscreen. The relationships among family members, friends, and romantic interests create a true feel-good experience.
The main disappointment is that the movie combines scenes from the entire Ramona Quimby series, sacrificing many memorable moments from the books in order to make one film.
The Worldview
The film celebrates love, family, perseverance, support, and the worth of each individual. Ramona does not fit the mold set by her school or by the expectations surrounding her older sister, yet her distinct personality becomes part of what makes her valuable.
The Quimby family is portrayed as cohesive during financial hardship. The father is honored and supported as he moves into the role of primary caretaker, while the mother sacrifices staying home to work and help support the family. The story also presents romantic relationships morally: Aunt Bea and Hobart marry before living together, and friendship is emphasized as the foundation of Beezus and Henry’s relationship.
The film’s moral vision aligns with a biblical emphasis on love, family support, perseverance, and honoring others. Its central longing is for people to know they belong and matter. Scripture calls believers to “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor” (Romans 12:10).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Content Summary
Strong moral worldview with light redemptive content showing strong mother and father figures and a family structure based on love, support and faith in one another; no obscenities or profanities but some mild insults such as “jerk” and “pest” and “shut up”; comic water fight scene between
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
Ramona struggles because she does not fit the mold others expect. How does God show the value of people who are different from one another?
Psalm 139:13–14 · 1 Corinthians 12:12–18Ramona keeps trying to help her family even when her plans fail. What does perseverance look like when our efforts do not succeed?
Romans 5:3–5 · Galatians 6:9The Quimby family faces financial pressure while remaining united. How can a family show love and support during a difficult season?
Romans 12:10 · Galatians 6:2Ramona sometimes feels that her family would be better without her. What can we say to someone who doubts his or her worth?
Isaiah 43:1 · Ephesians 2:10The Final Word
Ramona and Beezus offers families a winsome, well-made story about love, perseverance, and individual worth. Its gentle humor and heartfelt family relationships make it a strong choice for viewers of all ages. WORTH THE TRIP.
