Dir. David Bowers, 2010, 94 mins, USA
Cast. Zachary Gordon, Devon Bostick, Rachael Harris, Robert Capron, Steve Zahn, Peyton R. List
Review by Michelle Moore
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules is a sequel to 2010′s Diary of a Wimpy Kid, which was based on the book of the same name by Jeff Kinney. It focuses on sibling rivalry, in particular that of brothers Greg (Gordon) and Rodrick (Bostick) Heffley, and their mother’s attempts to persuade her squabbling sons to get along with each other.
The movie starts with a new school year as Greg, his best friend Rowley (Capron) and their classmates are entering 7th grade. But things never go smoothly at that age, especially when you have your eye on a new girl by the name of Holly Hills (List) and an older brother who is out to make your life hell. It is the teasing, arguments and squabbling between the brothers that make up much of the narrative of the film, along with their mother trying out different scenarios to deal with their disagreements.
What makes the movie interesting is the development of the relationship between the brothers. Many members of the audience will have a sibling, either older or younger, so most will feel a connection with either Greg or Roderick; the younger brother wanting to bond with his big brother and be one of the lads, or the older one, who wants to hang out with his mates and not be pestered by the younger. Although the brothers do appear to bond at some points, such as when Rodrick hosts a party when their parents are away, there is always something that brings that bonding to an end. It’s a consistent pattern of one step forward and two steps back, and when the boys are punished for the party, it is more like five steps back with Rodrick banned from playing in the talent show – he dreams of being a musician. However, the sentiment comes when the two finally find out that they can be friends as well as siblings and can get along with each other, without having to argue or be bribed by their mother. Greg makes his brother’s dream come true through an act of goodwill and their sibling relationship finally starts to get on track.
A lot of the film is very funny and well played by the young cast. Much of the humour will appeal to children, as in scenes featuring an echoing microphone and chocolate on a car seat. It’s good to see Gordon and Bostick again, reprising their roles from the original movie, which gives this second movie a satisfying continuity with the first. However, having said that, if you have not seen the previous film, this one works fine as a stand alone movie, as the characters are nicely introduced at the start and there is a helpful narrative as told by Greg though his diary.
There’s talk of a third Wimpy Kid film, which could be in production later in the year. Based on the quality of this one, let us hope so.
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