Jeff Kinney's popular kids series Diary of a Wimpy Kid has made the jump to the big screen. I had a chance to take my kids to see it over the weekend. My daughter is a big fan of the books and this won out over How To Train Your Dragon.
Will My Kids Like It?
It's a story about Middle School so there are plenty of bathroom jokes and gross out moments. If your kids find that stuff funny then they'll enjoy themselves. The main character gets himself into some pretty bad predicaments that generate a lot of laughs at his expense.
Will I like it?
If you have kids that age or remember the trials and tribulations of Middle School life then you'll get a kick out of it. I certainly had a few good laughs during the movie.
How close is it to the Book?
According to my daughter the movie was "Just like the book with a few exceptions."
How PG is it?
Like I said earlier gross humor rules. Language is pretty tame but plenty of big kids threatening little kids which could be a little disturbing to sensitive kids.
Hints at a Sequel?
Nothing in the movie suggests it but according to comingsoon.net: Writers Already Penning Wimpy Kid 2: Rodrick Rules
Any Good Trailers?
Nothing made my heart go pitter-patter but here's what they had:
Furry Vengeance: Woodland creatures torment Brenda Fraser
The Karate Kid: Same Story as the original except it takes place in China and the Kid learns Kung Fu.
Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore: Talking animals being spies
Despicable Me: This one looks like it has potential
Shrek Forever After: This is the last one
By the way the only ones not in 3D are "Furry Vengeance" and "The Karate Kid".
Anything after the Credits?
Nope nothing to stick around for — head to the exit in an orderly fashion
What's The Geek appeal?
It's the story of an outsider trying to make it in the jungle of Middle School. We've been there and some of our kids are already there.
Are the drawing from the book in the movie?
The drawings make a few appearances during the movie. Greg's viewpoint morphs from diary drawings to real life a few times during the movie.
What's the overall message of the movie?
Stay true to yourself and your real friends, because in the end none of the Middle School politics will matter. Most of Greg's problems happen when he forgets this.
