Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Animated book-based holiday tale has peril, potty humor.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 20 parent reviews
Parents say that this film has sparked significant disappointment among viewers, particularly for those whose children still believe in Santa; many claim it can spoil the magic of Christmas and convey disheartening messages regarding the holiday spirit. While some appreciate the familiarity of the characters and the underlying themes of generosity, the overwhelming consensus is to avoid this movie if your child holds onto their belief in Santa, as it presents ideas that erode that innocence.
- Christmas magic destruction
- Santa beliefs challenged
- Poor age suitability
- Disappointing messaging
- Familiar characters
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 7 kid reviews
What's the Story?
In DIARY OF A WIMPY KID CHRISTMAS: CABIN FEVER, Greg (voiced by Wesley Kimmel, Jimmy's nephew) and Rowley (Spencer Howell) accidentally damage city property with a giant snowball that slides out of their control. Instead of 'fessing up, they try to hide the evidence. Greg needs to ensure he stays on Santa's "nice" list so he gets the new video game system he's asked for. A giant snowstorm, which knocks out electricity and forces families to shelter in place, seems the perfect scenario for hiding out, but Greg knows he needs to get across the neighborhood to find the incriminating evidence before someone else does. Rowley knows better but goes along with Greg's plan. Meanwhile, at home, Greg's parents (Erica Cerra and Chris Diamantopoulos) are going a little stir crazy locked up inside with diminishing supplies, and Rodrick (Hunter Dillon) seems close to discovering Greg's naughty secret.
Is It Any Good?
Paring down the animation to what are essentially stick figures, like the original books' illustrations, this film keeps the focus on character interactions and positive messages. And make no mistake, Greg learns lots of positive lessons in Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever. Some come in the form of his sweet do-gooder bestie Rowley, who still wears footie jammies and likes staying home and singing at the piano with his doting parents. Others emerge from contrasting the relative abundance of the Heffley family with other characters who have less, a beneficial lesson in empathy and generosity. And, despite a few too many bathroom jokes, even bullying big bro Rodrick seems softened in this film and plays a key role in making this a happy Heffley Christmas.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what Greg learns in Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever. How about Rodrick?
What does "cabin fever" refer to? Who seems to experience the most cabin fever in Greg's family?
How does Greg demonstrate empathy in this film? Would you have done what he does for Tyler? Why or why not?
How does this film compare with other films or series you've seen adapted from the books?
What can a film do better than a book? What can a book do that a film cannot?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : December 8, 2023
- Cast : Wesley Kimmel , Spencer Howell , Hunter Dillon
- Director : Luke Cormican
- Studio : Disney+
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Book Characters , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , Holidays
- Character Strengths : Empathy
- Run time : 102 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : December 9, 2025
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