Diary of a Wimpy Kid:
Rodrick Rules

This is a movie for those who download Justin Bieber songs and have to come home when the street lights turn on. That's right. The Diary of a Wimpy Kid has a sequel, whether you wanted it or not.

Zachary Gordon is back as Greg Heffley - the wimpy kid who keeps a diary of his life's ups and, mostly, downs. Now entering 7th grade, he is about to embark on one of the scariest, harrowing, most dangerous rituals in all of puberty. He wants to win the affection of the cute new girl, Holly (Peyton List). As you can imagine, it's not going well (don't worry little buddy, it rarely goes well).

On top of all of that, Greg is at war with his older brother, Rodrick (Devon Bostick), and their mother (Rachael Harris), is trying everything she can to make them spend more time together.

Will Greg win the heart and hand of his beloved Holly?

Will Rodrick break Greg's hand and heart before that is possible?

No, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules is not written for me, but couldn't somebody along the way toss in something to get the adults smiling and laughing, or, at the least, mildly interested in anything that is happening on screen?

Writers Gabe Sachs and Jeff Judah (based on the books by Jeff Kinney) keep the movie too simple, overly relying upon caricature. Grandpa is a goofy, somewhat senile guy. Dad is a moron. The gym coach is fat, but still thinks of himself as being able to give Kobe Bryant a run for his money in the physically fit category (and always wears a track suit). You get the idea (but why does the 3-year old brother always seem stoned?).

However, I could forgive some of that if the story moved along. Each plot is so thin, the audience is stuck watching lots of goofball behavior, instead of watching plot develop and pique our curiosity. Some bits are funny, and most of it is designed to be very broad to appeal to younger kids, but I wish adults didn't have to give up hope of being entertained.

Yet, I still enjoy Greg's pal, Rowley (Robert Capron). As the chubby best friend who is true to himself and everyone around him, while jumping into life with both feet, Capron is much more enjoyable to watch than Gordon. After featuring so prominently in the first Diary of a Wimpy Kid, it was disappointing to get so little of him here. They should have cut out Rodrick (just a stereotypical teen character) and given us more of Rowley. Heck, I'd root for them to change this movie series from Diary of a Wimpy Kid into Diary of a Husky Kid!

The movie hits on some of the themes you want your kids to learn, like familial bonding, standing by your friends in time of need and having the courage to talk to that cute girl (or boy), so it isn't all that bad.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules is rated PG for some mild rude humor and mischief.