Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +2 1/2 Content: +2

Main Actors: Zachary Gordon, Devon Bostick, Rachael Harris, Robert Capron. Director: David Bowers

FILM SYNOPSIS: Based on a popular series of children’s books by Jeff Kinney, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules is also a sequel to the 2010 Wimpy Kid movie centered around the diary of Greg Heffley (Zachary Gordon). Greg and his best friend, Rowley (Robert Capron) are excited about entering the 7th grade, expecting to be suddenly “cool.” But Greg’s teenage brother, Rodrick (Devon Bostick), makes life miserable for Greg, humiliating him in front of his classmates at every opportunity. Their constant bickering at home forces parents (Steve Zahn and Rachael Harris) to take drastic action to help the boys bond by leaving the two at home while they go away for a week end. Of course, chaos reigns as the house becomes a huge party scene for teenagers, and the brothers find themselves in big trouble when the parents return home early.

Lots of slapstick antics targeting the “tweens” angst may trigger some painful but funny memories for adults. For entertainment the school talent show makes up for the exaggerated silly stuff. The kids show just how clever and talented they are beneath all the insecurities of growing up.

PREVIEW REVIEW: Teenager Rodrick is the source of most of Wimpy Kid’s sometimes crude humor. His rock band is called “Rod’s Loded Dipers”. His often cruel bullying of his brother never escalates to physical harm, but the humiliation makes life difficult for Greg. For example, a melted chocolate bar on the car seat beneath unsuspecting Greg causes an uproar in church as he walks down the aisle. Greg is not perfect but his mischievousness sometimes creates trouble. He thinks he can handle a horror film DVD which he sneaks into his room against his parents’ orders. Of course, his utter fright exposes his deception and he learns a good lesson. At the loud, rowdy teenage party scene the kids are drinking canned beverages. Beer is never mentioned and there is no sexual behavior or drunkenness.

The parents also seem naïve, thinking they can leave Greg and Rod home alone to settle their differences without supervision. Actually, however, that week end does become the beginning of the brothers’ mutual respect. Mom writes a newspaper column on family relationships, giving the false impression that her family practices what she preaches. That, too, backfires and she is forced to publicly admit her family’s imperfections. All in all, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules can be a family-friendly entertainment event free of profanities, sexual content and violence.

Preview Reviewer: Mary Draughon
Distributor: 20th Century Fox