Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules
(D+ or 1.5/4 stars)
I saw Diary of a Wimpy Kid last year. It wasn't good. It wasn't even okay -- just insubstantial. So now I give 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules' (directed by David Bowers) a shot. Annnnnnd I shouldn't have.
Greg Heffley (Zachary Gordon), is heading into 7th grade. His buddy, Rowley (an annoying Robert Capron) spends his time (when hes not in school) perfecting magic tricks for the community talent show. Greg's obnoxious brother, Rodrick (Devon Bostick), plays drums in his band ('Loded Diper' - atrocious) & has dreams of rock 'n' roll glory. The books from which this film is based are episodic in nature; so the screenwriters fashioned a more solid narrative in making this motion picture. What's this narrative, you ask? Well, it's a plot in which Greg & Rodrick hate each other, Rodrick torments his little bro, they then become allies, then pals, and Greg tries to woo the new girl in school, Holly (Peyton List). Everything in between these narrative check points is bland, cliched & irksome. And how Greg & Rodrick deal with their parents' attempts to have them bond is ... strained, to say the least.
Now, I suppose 'some' children may get a kick out of this sequel. And I suppose it could have been worse -- far worse. But I just don't care. This film did nothing for me. I liked seeing Rachael Harris as Greg & Rodrick's mom. I liked seeing Steve Zahn as their dad (though I wish he were in a superior movie). But too many things bothered me. Why do Greg & Rodrick look NOTHING like their parents? I know most people don't care about these inconsistencies (in casting). But why the hell wouldn't they find kids/parents who look like they'd possibly share the same DNA?
So yeah, I wouldn't recommend this film; even to kids. The actions & dialogue coming from these characters are so incredibly dopey that you'd pray that your own kids don't pick up their antics. Talk about a numbing of the mind. Blech.
Greg Heffley (Zachary Gordon), is heading into 7th grade. His buddy, Rowley (an annoying Robert Capron) spends his time (when hes not in school) perfecting magic tricks for the community talent show. Greg's obnoxious brother, Rodrick (Devon Bostick), plays drums in his band ('Loded Diper' - atrocious) & has dreams of rock 'n' roll glory. The books from which this film is based are episodic in nature; so the screenwriters fashioned a more solid narrative in making this motion picture. What's this narrative, you ask? Well, it's a plot in which Greg & Rodrick hate each other, Rodrick torments his little bro, they then become allies, then pals, and Greg tries to woo the new girl in school, Holly (Peyton List). Everything in between these narrative check points is bland, cliched & irksome. And how Greg & Rodrick deal with their parents' attempts to have them bond is ... strained, to say the least.
Now, I suppose 'some' children may get a kick out of this sequel. And I suppose it could have been worse -- far worse. But I just don't care. This film did nothing for me. I liked seeing Rachael Harris as Greg & Rodrick's mom. I liked seeing Steve Zahn as their dad (though I wish he were in a superior movie). But too many things bothered me. Why do Greg & Rodrick look NOTHING like their parents? I know most people don't care about these inconsistencies (in casting). But why the hell wouldn't they find kids/parents who look like they'd possibly share the same DNA?
So yeah, I wouldn't recommend this film; even to kids. The actions & dialogue coming from these characters are so incredibly dopey that you'd pray that your own kids don't pick up their antics. Talk about a numbing of the mind. Blech.