Review of Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer (2011) by Mark E — 22 Jun 2011

Judy Moody and the Not So Bummer Summer. Words can (almost) not describe. People have always asked me, "Mark, when is cinema going to get it's next Citizen Kane, or Casablanca for that matter!" Well I think it's safe to say the wait is over. And yet this film came out of no where, in fact most people wouldn't expect such a work of art to come out of a kids film, but with a tomatoe reading of 15%, it clearly shows that this film is way ahead of it's time like Ridley Scott's Blade Runner before it. On another note, this film is just moving, I know for a fact I was sobbing like a baby at the hardships that befall the protagonist. Let it be said that each actor brings someone unique to the table not letting a single character come off as needless and giving a well rounded amount of dept to even the most miner characters. We should expect young actress Jordana Beatty (playing Judy Moody) will be up for an oscar this year, not since Dakota Fanning have we seen such raw talent in such a young actress, but I think it's not only I who agrees that she far surpasses the once famous child star.

The way the film plays out is much like Citizen Kane, only handled better and artsy enough to not be so pretentious. It starts with a child wanting the fame and glory of the best summer ever, you could almost say, a NOT SO BUMMER SUMMER. I won't give away any spoilers, but know this, I may have said this movie was moving before but I don't believe that touches on the subject matter well enough. It's inspiring, it's warm and uplifting and frankly it's so damn good that I honestly feel spoiled. That's right, I feel like this film was so good it ruined other great films that don't quite hit the mark like Judy Mood and the Not So Bummer Summer does. Right after the midnight screening of Judy Moody (which strangely enough I was the only one to show up to) I went home feeling good about myself thinking I should see another film which I previously thought was just as good, like 'It's A Wonderful Life' as I watched my once beloved movie I began to vomit and exit my bowels in disgust for such a pitiful attempt at topping Judy Moody in it's sheer brilliance.

The title rolls off the tongue, the CGI was so good that I thought I had time traveled 20 years in the future to see this film. It's just the perfect movie in every way. Plus! It got rid of my bad ache and made my stamina in the bedroom grow to 10 fold. Thank you Jody Moody and the Not So Bummer Summer, you truly made me a better man, and a better father.

Judy Moody you truly are Supermegatotallythrilladelic! (as your tag line says).

I give Judy Moody and the Not So Bummer Summer. 30 Hotdogs and 20 Hamburgers out of a packet of 12 and 2 barbeques.

Review by Mark English.