Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules (20th Century Fox)
A Movie About Teens That Is Clean
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules is the second film based on the popular series of books by Jeff Kinney. Once again we see the world thorough the eyes of seventh grader Greg. He is trying to survive school and also his older brother Rodrick who does everything he can to make Gregs life miserable.. The film presents his plight in a funny and adventurous way but without the usual addition of sex, drugs and alcohol. This movie is clean and fun. Wow, what a concept!
Greg (Zachary Gordon) and his best friend Rowley (Robert Capron) are no longer lowly six graders. They now are confident seventh graders. Greg even has his eye on the new girl at the school, a beauty named Holly (Peyton List). Of course he still has to contend with his brothers at home. Rodrick (Devon Bostick) is his older brother and Manny (Connor and Owen Fielding) is his younger one.
Their mother (Rachel Harris) is so desperate to have Rodrick and Greg get along that she offers them cash for good behavior. This does buy her a truce between the boys but it is not long lived. Soon the old rivalry ands antagonism surfaces.
The movie is one funny scene after another. Greg takes on the role of Rowleys magicians assistant pretty funny. His mom dances at the talent show very funny. Greg gets caught in his underwear outside his grandpas room at the old folks home hilarious.
The storyline is fun to watch and the actors all play their roles with enthusiasm. Even Gregs friend Chirag (Karan Brar) gets his moment of fun, as does Patty Farrell (Laine MacNeil).
In this movie too the parents are not idiots. Rachel Harris and Steve Zahn portray these adults as strict disciplinarians, but also loving parents. That makes a difference. They have their moments of fun but also of seriousness.
The film is rated PG for some rude humor.
If you want a movie you can take your kids to see regardless of their ages then this is the one. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules is suitable for all ages. It is clean and entertaining a type of entertainment rarely seen outside Disney movies.
I scored Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules a roaring 6 out of 10.
