Diary of a Wimpy Kid

I haven't seen a film like this in ages, I can't even compare it to another. Fun for the kids and adults too. A kid starts middle school, making the transition from grade school and this film nicely deals with that chapter in a kid's life. The "cool" older brother who lives to antagonize you, the "yukky" baby brother who embarrasses you, the nerdy friend who makes you look bad, they're all there. Who can NOT relate? The direction is perfect, the film is paced properly and exactly.

Some really fantastic performances from these child actors and a storyline everyone can relate to. No foul language or sexual situations... wow! We went with two 8 year olds and a ten year old and they all loved it. For once, a film for everyone!

Films like 'Diary Of A Wimpy Kid' take you back in time. Of how, we celebrated our school days and how we cherish them today. Moving on, 'Diary Of A Wimpy Kid' is a fairly entertaining film, that makes you laugh, re-counts your memories and is cute in nature.

Based on the book in the illustrated novel series of the same title by Jeff Kinney, Thor Freudenthal has directed the film well. However, the film is not without it's minuses. It gets repetitive and is about 10-15 minutes longer then it should've actually been.

Coming directly to the acting department, Zachary Gordon is first-rate as the protagonist. He expresses the haste nature, anger and envy every kid goes through. Robert Capron is outstanding! The real scene-stealer! Chloë Moretz looks lovely, as always, and performs superbly. Steve Zahn in a brief role, has not much to do. Alex Ferris is hysterical.

On the whole, It's film that will entertain you in those 90 minutes, and expect only entertainment from this one. Nearly, A Thumbs Up!

The film was similar to "A Christmas Story" in relating the troubled life of a 'tween in school, but came nowhere close to being on the same level. I was disappointed.

Steve Zahn was just bizarre as the father. Not really funny--just strange. Some of the situations were very promising, but the comic potential was not fully realized. Through about the first hour, I smiled occasionally. But then I thought the film was really going to take off, with the scene about auditions for The Wizard of Oz. But that potential just fizzled out.

I am wondering if the film was directed solely toward pre-adolescents. Maybe they would think this film is hilarious. I found it to be pleasant, but not something I would recommend to anyone, and it's not really a film I'd care to see again.

Unlike most movies dealing with adolescence (especially in school), this one doesn't preach or condescend. And it doesn't try too hard to be a good movie, or take itself seriously (at least not too seriously). What's more: the movie is (mostly) unpredictable. Especially fun is the moldy cheese sequence! It would have been nice to get to know the parents a little more. One quibble though: What exactly is the purpose of Chloe Moretz's character? She seems to only be around to give these two boys advice (or something like that). It's never explained what kind of person she is. Anyway, if you found your middle school years to be anything but satisfying, you will not only enjoy the picture, but relate to it as well.

*** out of ****

This is a film for children. It's considered a family movie, but if you graduated from school you better skip it. The story of a 12-year-old who wants to be popular at a new school at all costs, but tries in the wrong and ugly ways, and after much peripeteia finally learns his lesson. The classic story of friendship, selfishness and sacrifice, bullying, complexes, and responsibilities ... there's nothing new that could interest anyone older than the movie's protagonists. It's not bad in any aspect, but it doesn't really stand out in any way either.

6/10