As a fan of the Ivy & Bean book series, I was excited to hear that a film adaptation was in the works. The Ivy + Bean film series, directed by Elissa Down, captures the spirit and humor of the books while adding its own unique touches. In this comprehensive review, I will delve into the plot, characters, and soundtrack of the film, as well as provide insights into the book-to-movie adaptation, curiosities and trivia, and recommendations for similar films and books.
Overview of the Ivy & Bean Series Film
The film series consists of two movies, Ivy + Bean and Ivy + Bean 2: The Ghost That Had to Go. The first film, released in 2019, follows the misadventures of two unlikely friends: Ivy (played by Jaycie Dotin) and Bean (played by Keslee Blalock). The second film, released in 2020, sees the girls tackling a haunted house and a ghostly mystery. Both films are faithful to the spirit of the books and are delightfully quirky and fun.
Annie Barrows – The Author of Ivy + Bean, All the Books
Annie Barrows is the author of the book series, which currently consists of 11 books. Barrows is also the co-author of the bestselling book The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. She has said that the inspiration for Ivy & Bean came from her own childhood experiences of making unlikely friends and getting into mischief. The books have been praised for their humor, relatable characters, and positive messages about friendship and individuality.
Elissa Down – The Director of Ivy + Bean
Elissa Down is an Australian film director known for her work on the films The Black Balloon and The Honor List. Down was chosen as the director for the movie because of her ability to capture the spirit of youth and her experience with coming-of-age stories. Down’s direction adds a fresh and vibrant energy to the films, making them a joy to watch.
Cast and Character Analysis
The cast is filled with talented child actors who bring the characters to life. Madison Skye Validum plays the role of Katrine, the mean girl who is always causing trouble for Ivy and Bean. Nia Vardalos plays the role of Mrs. Trantz, the girls’ eccentric neighbor who has a passion for gardening. Lidya Jewett plays the role of Nancy, a new girl in town who becomes friends with Ivy and Bean. But the true stars of the film are Jaycie Dotin as Ivy and Keslee Blalock as Bean. Dotin and Blalock have a natural chemistry that makes their characters’ friendship feel genuine and heartfelt.
Soundtrack Insights by Jeff Stockwell
The soundtrack was composed by Jeff Stockwell, a composer known for his work on films such as Bridge to Terabithia and The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys. The soundtrack is whimsical and playful, perfectly capturing the tone of the films. The standout track is “The Adventures of Ivy & Bean,” which features a catchy melody and playful instrumentation.
Book-to-Movie Adaptation
The movie films are a faithful adaptation of the book series, with the plot and characters remaining true to the source material. The films are rated G and are appropriate for all ages. The Parents Guide on IMDb notes that there is some mild language and rude humor, but nothing that would be offensive or inappropriate for children. The films take place in a fictional town and feature a diverse cast of characters. The ending of the first film sets up a potential sequel, which was delivered in the form of The Ghost That Had to Go.
Curiosities, Trivia, and Quotes from Ivy + Bean
One of the fun aspects of the movie is the abundance of curiosities, trivia, and quotes that can be found throughout the films. For example, did you know that the film was shot in Vancouver, Canada, and that many of the scenes were filmed in the same locations as the popular TV series Riverdale? Or that the line “I mean, you’re not wrong” became a catchphrase among fans of the book series? The films are filled with small details and Easter eggs that are sure to delight fans of the books.
All the Ivy & Bean Books in Order
For those who want to dive deeper into the world of Ivy & Bean, here is a list of all the books in the series in order:
- Ivy & Bean
- Ivy & Bean and the Ghost That Had to Go
- Ivy & Bean Break the Fossil Record
- Ivy & Bean Take Care of the Babysitter
- Ivy & Bean: Bound to Be Bad
- Ivy & Bean: Doomed to Dance
- Ivy & Bean: What’s the Big Idea?
- Ivy & Bean: No News Is Good News
- Ivy & Bean Make the Rules
- Ivy & Bean: Take the Case
- Ivy & Bean: One Big Happy Family
Video Games and Games Based on Ivy + Bean
In addition to the books and films, there are also several video games and games based on the Ivy & Bean series. The games include Ivy & Bean: The Game, which is a mobile game that allows players to explore the world of Ivy & Bean, and Ivy & Bean: The Musical, which is a board game that challenges players to complete tasks and solve puzzles.
Where to Watch Ivy + Bean and Similar Films
Ivy + Bean is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and Netflix. For those who enjoy the films, here are some similar films and TV shows that you might enjoy:
- Ramona and Beezus
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid
- The Baby-Sitters Club
- Anne of Green Gables
- Little Women
Similar Books and Authors to Annie Barrows
If you love the Ivy & Bean series, here are some similar books and authors that you might enjoy:
- The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall
- Clementine by Sara Pennypacker
- The Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne
- The Borrowers by Mary Norton
- The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Ivy + Bean Sequels and Spin-offs
While the Ivy & Bean book series has come to a close, there are still plenty of stories to be told in the world of Ivy & Bean. In addition to the films and games, there is also a graphic novel adaptation of the first book, Ivy + Bean: The Musical, and a spin-off series called The Critter Club, which follows a group of animal-loving friends.
The Suits and Costumes in Ivy + Bean
One of the standout features of the Ivy + Bean films is the colorful and creative costumes. From Ivy’s signature green tutu to Bean’s quirky accessories, the costumes add an extra layer of whimsy to the films. The suits worn by the girls in the second film, which are designed to protect them from ghosts, are particularly memorable.
How to Dress Like Bean Keslee Blalock
If you’re a fan of Bean’s quirky style, here are some tips for how to dress like her:
- Embrace bold colors and patterns
- Mix and match different textures
- Accessorize with fun and unusual items, such as oversized sunglasses or a feather boa
- Don’t be afraid to be a little bit messy or disheveled
How to Dress Like Ivy Jaycie Dotin
If you’re more of an Ivy fan, here are some tips for how to dress like her:
- Stick to a more subdued color palette, such as greens and blues
- Opt for classic and timeless pieces, such as a simple dress or a cardigan
- Accessorize with nature-inspired items, such as a flower crown or butterfly hair clips
- Keep your hair and makeup natural and simple
Gadgets and collectibles related to ‘Ivy + Bean’
If you’re a fan of ‘Ivy + Bean’, there are several gadgets and collectibles that you may be interested in. These include action figures, posters, t-shirts, and other memorabilia.These items make great gifts for fans of the book or movie.
‘Ivy + Bean’ screenplay by Jeff Stockwell, Kathy Waugh, analysis, and where to download it
Jeff Stockwell, Kathy Waugh wrote the screenplay for Elissa Down’s Ivy + Bean, and he does an excellent job of bringing the story to life on the big screen.
While there were some changes made to accommodate the format of a movie, the screenplay does a good job of capturing the essence of the story.
The screenplay is available for download online, and it is a must-read for anyone interested in screenwriting or movie-making. The screenplay provides insight into Jeff Stockwell, Kathy Waugh’s creative process and his approach to storytelling.
Other Films by Elissa Down and Similar Films to Ivy + Bean
If you enjoyed the Ivy + Bean films, here are some other films by Elissa Down that you might like:
- The Black Balloon
- The Honor List
- The Elephant Princess
And here are some similar films that you might enjoy:
- Matilda
- Harriet the Spy
- The Secret Life of Pets
- Zootopia
Other Books by Annie Barrows and Similar Books to Ivy & Bean
If you’re a fan of Annie Barrows’ writing, here are some other books by her that you might enjoy:
- The Truth According to Us
- Nothing
- The Best of Iggy
- Magic in the Mix
And here are some similar books that you might enjoy:
- The Ramona Quimby series by Beverly Cleary
- The Junie B. Jones series by Barbara Park
- The BFG by Roald Dahl
- The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Ivy + Bean film series is a delightful and whimsical adaptation of the beloved book series. The films stay true to the spirit and humor of the books while also adding their own unique touches. The cast of child actors is talented and charming, and the soundtrack by Jeff Stockwell is playful and fun. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the books or a newcomer to the world of Ivy & Bean, the films are sure to bring a smile to your face.
