Viewed on 21 March 2010
I'll admit it: I like Jeff Kinney's books titled "Diary of a Wimpy Kid." They're funny, imaginative, original, easy to read, and look at the world with a tongue-in-cheek commentary--all from a middle-schooler's point of view. (This is coming from a college kid--if you need something to read just to get your mind on simpler things, pick up one of these.)
I took my brother and one of his friends to go see this movie. We saw it the weekend it came out, and the theater was packed. It was an uncomplicated, simple movie, full of observations from Greg (the main character) about life, relationships, friendships, responsibility, and learning how to survive in an unfair world. It addresses all of these problems with a lighthearted optimism, while still not fantasizing the horrors of middle school. Granted, I never personally went through what Greg and his friends have to endure--but even from watching a silly, slapstick kids' movie about it, I can tell I don't want to go there.
NEGATIVES:
>>No profanity. They skirt once or twice, and there are a few nasty names yelled out, but they're all the typical kids' names. ("Turd burglar" and "freak job" are among the list.)
>>No smoking, alcohol, or religion (with the exception of a Hallowe'en trick-or-treat adventure).
>>The older brother has a porn magazine in his room, which Greg knows about and uses to get his rotten brother in trouble with their mother. The younger kids won't know what the big deal is, but the older kids will understand at least some of what's going on. Also a joke is made (which is very funny and brings the whole thing down-to-earth) about cute butts. ("A butt can't be cute. It's a butt.")
>>Violence is awful prevalent, but it's only in the form of slapstick, ridiculous movement. Kids get tackled, fall off of things, knock each other off of Big Wheels, run away from bullies, shoved over by big brothers, a rather uncomfortable wrestling match (with a girl), and negative peer pressure.
The themes in this film are rather innocent, including responsibility for your choices (even when it involves tough consequences), learning proper relationships, discovering that using people for your personal benefit doesn't always work out, and becoming stronger even in the face of unfairness and oblivious authority. All in all, this movie was cute and enjoyable, a faithful adaptation of the books.
I give this movie 4 out of 6 stars.
So that everyone (including myself) may benefit from it, please feel free to leave your own personal opinion of this film.
Plugged In Reviews
Internet Movie Database
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