Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Books-inspired movie has great social messages for kids.
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Dear Dumb Diary
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 11 parent reviews
Based on 29 kid reviews
Kids say this film mainly garners mixed reactions, with many finding the main character's attitude unbearable while others enjoy its music and relatable themes. Critics highlight its confusing messages, particularly regarding beauty standards and social dynamics, whereas a significant number appreciate its humorous take on middle school life and the importance of being oneself.
- mixed reactions
- unbearable character
- relatable themes
- confusing messages
- humorous take
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In DEAR DUMB DIARY, creative, imaginative Jamie (Emily Alyn Lind) is fed up with being average and withering in the shadows of the world's beautiful people, like her popular classmate Angeline (Sterling Griffith), who always manages to turn the head of Jamie's crush, Hudson (David Mazouz). Frustrated and at her wit's end, Jamie confides in her shrewd best friend, Isabella (Mary-Charles Jones), and in her diary, which holds her secret thoughts about Hudson and her plots against Angeline and the rest of the so-called perfect people. Determined to capture the spotlight –- and Hudson's affections –- for herself, Jamie enters the school's Jump-a-thon fundraiser and sets out to save the school's art program with the prize money and score a hit for ordinary folks like herself. To her surprise, though, her zeal for doing good has an unexpected effect on her outlook and lets her see Angeline in a new light.
Is It Any Good?
This delightful movie about issues that will resonate with kids provides families with a segue into meaningful conversations about issues like self-esteem, dating, social status, and peer pressure. Dear Dumb Diary is product of Walden Family Theater, a joint endeavor between the Hallmark Channel and sponsors Walmart and Procter & Gamble that's intended to provide families with quality entertainment for viewers of all ages. Not an easy task, to be sure, but they hit the nail on the head. Jamie's struggles with her self-image will sound familiar to a lot of viewers –- kids and parents alike -– and the process by which she learns to cope with her insecurities has value across the board.
What makes this story so appealing –- besides the creative incorporation of the books' illustrations and the breakout music video sequences -– is that Jamie is no saint. She breaks some rules, hangs with a questionably influential BFF who gets her involved in sketchy schemes, and turns her own unhappiness into vengeance against an unwitting classmate. In other words, she's relatable. But each incident forces her to take a good hard look at her actions, and eventually she comes to appreciate who she is, which helps her relate better to others.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the characters' experiences compare to kids' own. Kids: Have you ever felt "invisible," like Jamie does in Dear Dumb Diary? Are you ever jealous of other kids for what they have or who they are? Does that influence how you relate to them?
Kids: What unique qualities are you most proud of in yourself? What opportunities exist for you to showcase your talents? How do your friendships reflect your personal values?
Talk with your kids about issues like peer pressure and status. How is popularity determined? What criteria is typically used? How does the desire for popularity influence how you dress and act? Does this ever conflict with your true inner nature? Why are we drawn to want popularity?
If your kids have read the books, talk about how the movie compares. Were the characters like what you imagined? Did anything disappoint you in the movie version? Do you like to read? What types of books are your favorites?
How do the characters in Dear Dumb Diary demonstrate communication and compassion? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 15, 2013
- Cast : Emily Alyn Lind , Mary-Charles Jones , Sterling Griffith
- Director : Kristin Hanggi
- Studio : ARC Entertainment
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Book Characters , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion
- Run time : 84 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some mild rude humor
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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