KillerFilm » Selena Gomez

Ramona and Beezus – Review

Jon Peters — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 13:30:26 +0000

Now here’s a pleasant surprise; a family film that teeters on the edge between cheeky and fun, but with a fine level of depth underneath. Based on a series of books by Beverly Cleary, the film reels you in like a fisherman does a bass, a warm movie about being a child who would rather imagine than behave. Ramona (played by newcomer Joey King) looks at the world different than most. She’s gets lost in her imagination when playing and creates words to describe things, and is unable to sit still for more than a tick. Unlike her sister Beezus (Selena Gomez), who’s smart and defined, their differences clash often, but while most films of this sort go for the fluffiness of the genre, Ramona and Beezus is kind of smart in that it will please families as well as nurture them as they handle life.

Call it timely or perfect timing, but the story gains its depth and warmness after a light, playful beginning, when Ramona’s imagination is at its peak, her dad comes home and reveals he’s been laid off. Until this point, the parents had it together. They were the umbrella that kept Ramona and her sisters safe; a blanket when she gets into trouble, which is often, and the constant strength kids idealize in their parents. So when the father is jobless, the cruel reality of the norm leaving and uncertainty creeps in, the film interesting dabbles into our own lives, as children in a Recession, the way families adapt or have to adapt now, and how reality harshly interrupts fantasy. If you can find a job that pays you for being creative, tell me, the mother says to the father. Heard that before.

Casting is pitch-perfect. The adult actors anchor the film and play everything straight, which in turns, balances Ramona’s wild daydreams and antics. Joey King gleefully runs with the character, a typical kid who is okay being lost in make believe. At first the film didn’t give the talented Selena Gomez much to do, until the third act, when her depth and comedic timing is really showcased. She’s so much better than her other Disney kin, I look for her to easily break away when she does from that channel. The film is full of wonderful moments, great and small, fun and sad. To have a film that will do more than just entertain the kids for 90 minutes, by showing the it is okay to be imaginative and the tenderness of a family who’s struggles are universal, is a rare family film that’s nuanced enough to be thoroughly enjoyable by any and all.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Ramona and Beezus one-sheet

Jon Peters — Fri, 28 May 2010 17:59:58 +0000

Selena Gomez, the talented young star from Disney Channel’s Wizards of Waverly Place, is starring in a non-Disney film from 20th Century Fox called Ramona and Beezus. The film is based on children book series from author Beverly Cleary. The plot goes like this: “Young third grade-schooler Ramona (Joey King) has a vivid imagination, boundless energy, and accident-prone antics that keeps everyone she meets on their toes. But her irrepressible sense of fun, adventure and mischief come in handy when she puts her mind to helping save her family’s home.”

The film is set to be released July 23rd, 2010 and is directed by Aquamarine‘s director, Elizabeth Allen. Below, is the film’s final one-sheet.

Two more go to Monte Carlo

Melissa Molina — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 00:54:17 +0000

Katie Cassidy and Cory Monteith jump on board the ever-growing cast for the teen adventure film Monte Carlo. The story centers on a girl (Selena Gomez) who is mistaken for a socialite, resulting in her, her best friend and her soon-to-be stepsister flying to Monte Carlo for a charity auction. The story kicks into adventure mode when a million-dollar necklace goes missing and the girls must scramble to find it (THR). Included in the cast already is Leighton Meester and Andie MacDowell on this New Regency Enterprises feature.

Tom Bezucha is directing the film, based off the novel by Jules Bass. Bezucha has directed two features prior to this, those being Big Eden and The Family Stone. You can see Cory Monteith dazzle it up this month on the popular Fox series Glee. Cassidy will be appearing in the horror remake A Nightmare on Elm Street this April 30th (for those who are still giving this remake a chance/still interested).

Gomez knows What Boys Want

Melissa Molina — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 07:41:22 +0000

Variety reports that New Line Cinema just picked up a pitch to be adapted into a feature length film. “What Boys Want” was pitched by Emily Meyer and Amy Andelson who managed to get this film studio on their side. Along with this successful pitch, New Line is already hard at work, bringing in actress Selena Comez to star in the upcoming comedy. The story revolves around Gomez’ character who can hear just what guys are thinking.

Gomez is currently filming the children’s book adaptation of “Ramona and Beezus”. New Line Cinema have several properties within the next couple of years under their supervision, including Bryan Singer’s “Jack the Giant Killer” and “Friday the 13th: Part 2″.

Princess Protection Program – DVD Review

Donny Broussard — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:45:57 +0000

The Flick

Because I have children I get to watch the Disney Channel on a daily basis. So I knew about the Princess Protection Program from all the promotion the channel has been doing in anticipation of its release. When I told my kids that I was going to receive a screener to review on the site they went crazy. As soon as the DVD hit the mailbox my family was ready to pop it into the player.

The flick’s plot line is pretty far fetched, but it’s a kids show made by the Disney Channel so it’s easy to just forget about traditional movie conventions and dive head on into a world created specifically for children. Demi Lovato (Sonny with A Chance) plays Rosalinda, a princess that has to flee her country because a crazy dictator has taken over. And of course the royalty of the world have pooled their money and put together the PPP (Princess Protection Program) in order to protect the princesses of the world from the evil dictators that will always be waiting to steal their throne away from them when they least expect it. So Rosalinda is assigned to an agent that will oversee her relocation and protection. Said agent has a daughter, Carter played by the cute as a button Selena Gomez (Wizards of Waverly Plaace), a high school student with a crush on a boy and a life she takes for granted.

I was surprised by how watchable the flick was even from an adult’s perspective. The film’s leads are solid actresses that work well together. The only complaint I have is that much of the films plot devices are extremely unrealistic. Other than that I didn’t mind watching it with my kids. As a parent it tough to find middle ground when it comes to television. Most of the shows my kids watch are to kiddie for my taste, and while this flick was definitely made for a young audience it wasn’t hard to enjoy. I don’t know if I’d call Princess Protection Program a killer film but I’m positive my children would, and in the end that’s who the flick is for.

The Disc

Audio/Visual – The flick is enhanced for widescreen 16×9 televisions and looks pretty good considering it was made for the Disney Channel. The sound was crisp and clear.

Special Features

Royal & Loyal BFF’s – This is a feature about how the two leads in the film are actually real life BFF’s. Cute extra that contains cast interviews and more.

A Royal Reality – A feature that centers around real life princess India Oxenberg and details the life of a modern princess.

One and the Same Music Video – A music video featuring the films two leads.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars