Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Based on Jim Kinneys series, Diary of a Wimpy Kid tells the story of the scrawny Greg Heffley. Greg is taking his first steps toward Middle School with his best friend Rowely, a lovable slightly chunky red head. Rowely has the idea that just being yourself is good enough for anyone. Greg on the other hand has a different idea of how the popular Middle School student should present himself. Greg is absolutely determined to become a class favorite and will let nothing or no one stand in his way. See just how far he will go to be a favorite. He may even learn a thing or two about life along the way.

I realize this film was meant for a younger audience, Middle School age in particular, but I really had no love for this film. The lead character Greg Haffley played by Zachary Gordon was ridiculously annoying in my opinion. Gordon acting out the role of the bratty Middle Schooler with excellence, but I just couldn’t find the love for Greg. I realize the whole point of the film was for Greg to realize the things in life that really matter, but did he really have to be such a jerk along the way? I felt so bad for his little friend Rowely (Robert Capron) I just couldn’t find any love for Greg. He just really rubbed me the wrong way. I hated his attitude toward everything! The middle school thought process just isn’t there anymore to understand the whys behind his actions. Robert Capron was the sweetest little thing playing Rowley. He had a great attitude just by being himself. I was quite excited in the end when Greg takes his advice and realizes what true friendship is.

I do think the film had a good learning point to it, but at the same time I didn’t enjoy the over the top dramatization of Middle School. There were a few funny parts the whole family will enjoys, as well as a few booger jokes the younger ones will find hilarious, but it just didn’t stand out as an extremely enjoyable film for me. It wasn’t exhausting to sit through or anything, just not what I was expecting. Then again I have never read any of the series either. That may make all the difference.

The sound and picture quality were great. Being mostly dialogue driven there wasn’t a lot to show off sound wise, but the dialogue was easily distinguished having a clear and crisp sound to it.

In the end Diary of a Wimpy Kid wasn’t terrible, but nothing spectacular. I would definitely put in under the rent category, but the younger crowd and faithful Kinney readers may consider it a must. Learning the lessons of life isn’t always the most exciting thing out there, but watching Greg Heffley at times was a little funny. It would be a pretty good choice for a family night film.