Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer (2011)
Directed by John Schultz
Written by Megan McDonald, Kathy Waugh
Starring Heather Graham, Paris Mosteller, Preston Bailey, Jaleel White
Release Date June 10th, 2011
Published June 11th, 2011
"Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer" arrives in theaters on Friday, June 10th and while author Megan McDonald, who originated the character Judy Moody in a series of Kid-Lit books in 2000, has a book out now of the same title, in a rare break with convention, the story of Not Bummer Summer was created specifically for the Judy's big screen debut.
Judy Moody The Movie
"Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer" stars newcomer Jordana Beatty as Judy Moody, a quirky pre-teen with big plans for a thrilling summer. Judy has devised a game for her friends that involves earning thrill points. But, when Judy's best pals each have to leave for the summer and Judy is suddenly left with her little brother Stink in the care of their unusual Aunt Opal (Heather Graham), Judy's summer looks like a bummer.
In 2009 producers with Smokewood Entertainment approached author Megan McDonald about bringing Judy Moody to the big screen. Many of the biggest movie studios in Hollywood chased the project but it was Smokewood that offered the most unique and daring opportunity for the author.
A Break from Convention
In an effort to stay true to the spirit of Judy Moody, Megan McDonald was offered the chance to author the screenplay herself with the aid of her longtime friend, and professional screenwriter, Kathy Waugh. Together, McDonald and Waugh launched a story that, in a break with Hollywood convention, was not a direct adaptation of an existing Judy Moody book but a new story that launched from the existing characters.
Producer Sarah Siegel Magness, who was producing the Oscar Nominated drama "Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire" when she obtained the rights to Judy Moody, says "We drew inspiration from the existing books without repeating actual storylines." That means that fans of the Judy Moody books are in for an entirely new Judy adventure on the big screen.
Heather Graham is Aunt Opal
Heather Graham co-stars in "Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer '' as Aunt Opal, a character that Judy Moody fans will get to know for the first time in Judy's first big screen adventure. Says author Megan McDonald of Aunt Opal, "We spent a good deal of time developing (Aunt Opal) and writing a whole backstory for Aunt Opal." "She's very artistic and a little bit outside the box but not wacky, she sparkles with energy."
Your Judy Moody Favorites
Aside from Aunt Opal, each of your favorite Judy Moody characters are back in '˜Not Bummer Summer' including Amy Namey (Taylar Hendar), Rocky (Garrett Ryan), Frank (Preston Bailey), Stink (Paris Mosteller) and Judy's favorite teacher, Mr. Todd (Jaleel White.)
Characters new and well known will enjoy a '˜Not Bummer Summer' in theaters nationwide Friday, June 10th.
