Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules

Since the first film based on Jeff Kinney's YA books about the horrors of middle school was a hit, this sequel is hardly a surprise. Zachary Gordon returns as Greg, who's survived sixth grade, along the way learning some valuable lessons about friendship and honesty. While his best pal is still chubby, naïve Rowley (Robert Capron), the emphasis here is on Greg's relationship with older brother Rodrick (Devon Bostick), who bullies Greg mercilessly. The siblings bond when left home alone for a weekend, with Rodrick throwing a big party and Greg helping him hide the fact from their parents (Steve Zahn, Rachael Harris). Although the secret slips out and Rodrick's assaults begin again, eventually the boys realize the importance of brotherly love. Directed by David Bowers, the film features plenty of formative humiliating moments as Greg journeys towards maturation—being caught outside in his underwear, for instance—but the gags are generally mild. To be sure, Greg remains intent on becoming popular, while Mom and Dad are still blithering idiots, but that's standard in such fare. With utilitarian production values and obvious messages, Rodrick Rules feels like a family-oriented cable movie, albeit one that is better than average. Recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include two “My Summer Vacation” update shorts (3 min.) and trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are audio commentary by author Jeff Kinney and director David Bowers, deleted scenes (10 min.), five more “My Summer Vacation” shorts (6 min.), a gag reel (5 min.), an alternate ending (2 min.), trailers, bonus DVD and digital copies of the film, and the BD-Live function. Bottom line: a decent extras package for a solid family film.] (F. Swietek)