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Diary of a Wimpy Kid
By Jennifer Green,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Animated book adaptation has bullying, some gross humor.
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Diary of a Wimpy Kid
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Based on 5 parent reviews
Same old gender tropes I am sick of…
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What's the Story?
Greg Heffley (voiced by Brady Noon) is about to start middle school in DIARY OF A WIMPY KID, but his big brother Rodrick (voiced by Hunter Dillon) has scared him into thinking it's going to be terrible. Now Greg's concerned his best friend Rowley (voiced by Ethan William Childress) is too juvenile and will cause him problems at school. The two try to fit in, but they're bullied and ostracized from day one. When Rowley breaks his arm and gets a cast, his fortunes suddenly change. But Greg's have not. Will Rowley leave him behind in his new popularity?
Is It Any Good?
It's hard to go wrong with the repeatedly proven source material of this beloved series, but this CG animated version lacks some of the charm of the books and the previous live-action films. It doesn't help that the characters, sketched to look like the drawings in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books, have vacant ink-black eyes. It makes them harder to connect to, at least at first. By the end, which comes within the hour, you'll be rooting for the pair as always.
The film looks but doesn't feel like it's targeted at younger kids. Its first half sets middle school up as a seriously mean more than a humorously miserable place. Things pick up when the boys embark on trick-or-treating adventures with Greg's little brother, complete with Rowley's over-the-top, mom-approved costume, and when Rowley gains status at school for his broken arm. Greg's revenge visit to Fregley's house is hilariously wacky, though some of the dark humor could go over kids' heads. There might be better adaptations out there, but this one is still sure to draw fans. Disney has already announced a follow-up in the works.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how this animated version of Diary of a Wimpy Kid compares with other film versions. How about the books -- what does the film take and leave?
Greg lies to his mom about the game he and Rowley play in the street. Is the lie a big deal? Have you ever lied to your parents? How did you feel about it?
What did you think of the fact that Greg's inner voice is actually his mom's voice?
How is middle school portrayed here? Do you think that's an accurate representation? Why or why not? Have you or anyone you know ever been bullied, in person or online?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: December 3, 2021
- Cast: Brady Noon , Ethan William Childress , Chris Diamantopoulos
- Director: Swinton O. Scott III
- Studio: Disney+
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Book Characters , Brothers and Sisters , Friendship , Middle School
- Run time: 56 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- Last updated: February 17, 2023
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