Film Reviews

Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2: Rodrick Rules

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• Details: USA/99 Minutes (G)

Another kiddie effort with little in the way of broad appeal, this sequel should delight fans of the first film, but may feel like an over-extended sitcom episode to everyone else. The young actors hyperextend themselves trying to mug laughs, and sometimes they even succeed, but the plot centring on brotherly bonding may bore even the younger family members at points.
Since we last met our hero, Greg, he's learnt some valuable life lessons and is delighted to no longer be amongst the newbies at his school. But the cheeky youngster and his best mate Rowley are still struggling to infiltrate the popular kid gang - while he also takes a particular shine to a girl that has just joined his class. Meanwhile, Greg and his brother, Roderick, are being forced to bond by their overbearing, but well-meaning mother.
A simple film that won't vex even those kids that think glue is a viable sandwich filling; the animated inserts are the only things to really differentiate this production from something on a kiddie cable network. Even then they're not exactly stretching themselves. Regardless, this is a lesser film than the first modest effort, and the lack of plot isn't substituted with as warm a message. Sure, you should be nice to your brother, but Greg's hyper older sibling is in desperate need of a slap and he'll grate even the most patient viewer.
Of the youngsters, Robert Capron's Rowley is still the most natural performer, while lead Gordon is at his best when addressing the camera. But the young actor does that less this time out and the shenanigans that take place between him and his brother are neither fun nor amusing.
A decent enough distraction for the squirts who are fans of the books or the first film, it's still lacking the fun factor.

Review by bigscreen.ie