Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Kids break rules, face consequences in animated adaptation.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules
What's the Story?
Greg (voiced by Brady Noon) and Rodrick (Hunter Dillon) are left home alone for the weekend by their parents (Erica Cerra and Chris Diamantopoulos) in DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: RODRICK RULES. Rodrick immediately begins planning for a blow-out party with all his friends. Greg is sure his parents would disapprove, but he warms to the chance to be on a team with his brother on something. Of course, as soon as the party starts, Rodrick turns on him and locks him and best friend Rowley (voiced by Ethan Williams Childress) in the basement. The next morning, the parents announce they're coming home early, and Rodrick needs Greg's help to clean up. Greg bargains his help for better treatment from his big brother. And so, the boys begin a back-and-forth of favors and threats to keep the party a secret.
Is It Any Good?
With basic sketches for characters, this series installment remains faithful to the popular original comic in style and substance, but it's missing some of its heart. Sure, Greg and Rodrick admit they'll always be there for each other at the end of the shenanigans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules. And sweet Grandpa Heffley (voiced by Ed Asner, to whose memory the film is dedicated) proudly tells his son he's raising good boys. But Rodrick is extra naughty and disrespectful, and Greg takes a nod or two from him before they get caught. And in the end, they still skirt some parental rules in the name of brotherly solidarity.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how this film version of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules compares with the book and the earlier film version.
What are the pros and cons of animated versus live-action adaptations of this book series?
Do you think the punishments the mom gives the boys are fair for their actions? Why or why not?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : December 2, 2022
- Cast : Brady Noon , Ethan William Childress , Hunter Dillon
- Director : Luke Cormican
- Studio : Disney+
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Book Characters , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , School ( High School , Middle School )
- Run time : 74 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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