As a dad of two kids, I see a lot of family films (all?), but this was the first time I saw
one without my kids. And seeing Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules, at a press event gave me an opportunity to take a good look at the film. This follow up to the original film, based on the best-selling books by Jeff Kinney, follows wise-cracking Greg Heffley (Zachary Gordon) as he starts his second year at middle school. The film spotlights Greg’s growing pains as he wades into the world of the fairer sex.
In spite of that, in a way it’s a boy meets boy, boy gets boy, boy loses boy, boy gets back boy, story between Greg and his older brother Rodrick, as Rodrick helps (sort of) Greg learn about girls and life. The forced attempts a brotherly bonding created by the boys’ mother flop of course, but left to their own devices, they manage to connect, only to default back to their dysfunctional ways based on the inevitable betrayal. The learning moment at the end comes with multiple rewards for Greg and provides a good opportunity for family discussion and sharing.
In the first film, I found Greg a bit too mean spirited, and the redemption at the end was too little too late. In this film, Greg is the victim of Rodrick, and even his younger brother Manny, and thus a more like able character. In turn, Rodrick as the bully is also more human and likeable. Devon Bostick who plays Rodrick is quite good in the role. The parents, played by Steve Zahn and Rachael Harris, are secondary, though Rachael’s embarrassing mom moments are over the top, they have enough honesty to keep them funny and relatable. And as a parent, you can sympathize with their trials and tribulations as they usher their boys through life.
Growing up is hard, and the early teenage years of middle school are brutal, so the film is chock full of embarrassing moments, sure to make the kids laugh, and some adults cringe, but it’s never too over the top and all remains family friendly. At the big high school party, the kids over-indulge in soft drinks, and Greg doesn’t even hold hands with his girl crush. In the days of spectacular animation and special effects, a real film with real actors and a decent moral tale is a refreshing pause. Expect the potty humor, look for the family bonding, both in the film and with your own kids, and go see it as a family. I’ll gladly see it again when I take my kids when it opens March 25th.
