Diary of a Wimpy Kid (2010) Review

When Diary of a Wimpy Kid first came across my desk earlier this year, it was the first time I had heard about it. Back then, Static Mass was pretty much just horror and sci-fi, but after reading through the synopsis and watching the trailers I realised I had to follow it up, after all, I used to be a wimpy kid too and this looked like a survival guide I could have done with when I was at school!

Based on the illustrated books by Jeff Kinney, the film stars Zachary Gordon, Robert Capron, Rachael Harris, Steve Zahn, Devon Bostick, and Chloë Grace Moretz.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid follows a year in the life of Greg Heffley (Zachary Gordon) as he starts middle school. Convinced he has what it takes to climb the ladder of popularity and become the class favourite. Greg devises a series of can’t-fail schemes to assure his success. Together with his best friend Rowley Jefferson (Robert Capron), the duo put these plans into action with disastrous consequences, with each failed attempt dropping Greg lower and lower down the ladder of popularity.

Greg’s life is full with obstacles outside of school too. Specifically his older brother, Rodrick (Devon Bostick) who constantly terrorises him and his potty training younger brother Manny (played by Connor and Owen Fielding) who usually sits next to Greg at the breakfast table, on his potty, and calls Greg “Bubby”. There are also the local neighbourhood bullies who want to track him down and the group of younger kids he is in charge of while doing Safety Patrol.

His friendship with Rowley is put to the test as well. While Greg feels he knows what’s best in terms of image, planning and execution, he also secretly feels Rowley is dorky, childish and embarrassing. Greg’s inability to accept Rowley as person and not just his sidekick leaves him alienated, especially when Rowley begins to gain popularity; first with his broken arm (caused by Greg!), and then with a series of cartoons for the school newspaper (which Greg was unsupportive of).

Diary of a Wimpy Kid is filled with wonderful moments and laugh-out-loud humour, especially when clueless Rowley compliments another boy’s butt, much to the embarrassment of Greg, or when they both turn up to class in the same shirt and tie in an attempt to be cool. There’s also an important lesson too Greg must learn about friendship and acceptance of not only who you are, but also others.

Zachary Gordon as the ambitious little middle-schooler is amazing. Every time he gets an idea, his little face lights up, and whether he’s being chased around town by bullies or writing in his diary, sorry, journal, he’s is always believable as Greg. Robert Capron as Greg’s long suffering best friend Rowley also has an endearing quality to him which really makes you believe and feel for him, and even cringe along with Greg when he goofs.

As a survival guide for kids and grown-ups alike, Diary certainly has a few tips we can all benefit from. But it’s also a great movie for reminding us about how we were and how we are. Whether we’re just trying to survive the battle field of the playground or the office, I know I have at times been a bit like Greg; clueless but still filled with self assurance, thankfully though I never broke my best friend’s arm, but I did accidentally get whacked in the face by a plank of wood, so I guess that makes me more of a Rowley!

Static Mass Rating ★★★★★

Diary of a Wimpy Kid is released in the UK on August 25th 2010 and is distributed by 20th Century Fox.

Directed by Thor Freudenthal
Produced by Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson, Ethan Smith, Jeff Kinney (executive)
Written by Jackie Filgo, Jeff Filgo, Jeff Judah, Gabe Sachs
Based on the novel by Jeff Kinney
Starring Zachary Gordon, Robert Capron, Rachael Harris, Steve Zahn, Devon Bostick, Connor and Owen Fielding, Chloë Grace Moretz, Grayson Russell, Laine, MacNeil, Karan Brar

LINKS:
Official UK Site
Wimp Yourself
Fanpage