Watch Kids' Reviews of
DIARY OF A WIMPY KID

Diary of a Wimpy Kid shows us wimpy is cool and in style. You may say, "no it isn't" but you are wrong. It shows us the ups and downs of middle school and trust me, it is all in there. One thing I was disappointed about before I saw it was it wasn't animation. But now, I am standing corrected. Zachary Gordon is actually what I would imagine Greg Heffley would be in real life. This is a movie I definitely recommend and Thor Freundenthal (director), Jackie & Jeff Filgo (screenwriters), and last but not least, Jeff Kinney (the book's author and executive producer) all did a great job.

"Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days" is an entertaining movie well suited to children ages 8 - 15. Children could find themselves being able to empathize with and cheering for the main characters. The film's language is suitable for its intended audience and there is no foul language during the movie. Though not significant in terms of its educational benefits, nevertheless the film does offer some moral dilemmas that may lead to thought provoking discussions among viewers. Overall, a lighthearted film that would be enjoyable for both youth and their caregivers.

The most appealing aspect of this film was the generally sweet and positive activities of the kids in the show. The relative innocence of the main characters, the kids, was refreshing. It was also relaxing to be able to view a film that did not contain any foul language. The unappealing aspect of the film was the slightly strained acting of the father character. At times he seemed somewhat immature and though he did not harm his son in the movie, his insensitivity to the boy was apparent during most of the film.

Based on the best-selling illustrated novel by Jeff Kinney, the film chronicles the adventures of wisecracking pre-teen Greg Heffley, who must somehow survive the scariest time of anyone's life... middle school. Convinced it's the "dumbest idea ever invented," Heffley considers junior high school a place rigged with hundreds of social landmines, not the least of which are wedgies, swirlies, bullies, lunchtime banishment of the cafeteria floor and a festering piece of cheese with nuclear cooties that he must overcome to become popular. His diary - or "journal" - chronicles his thoughts, tales of family trials and tribulations, and (would be) schoolyard triumphs.
From its origins as a series of online cartoons, Diary of a Wimpy Kid exploded onto the pop culture scene when Jeff Kinney's first novel was published in 2007. Selling over 30 million copies in print, Diary of a Wimpy Kid spent almost three years on The New York Times' children's best-seller list and has been translated into 33 languages.
From director Thor Freudenthal (Hotel for Dogs) and producer Nina Jacobson (The Game Plan), Diary of a Wimpy Kid features rising stars Zachary Gordon (National Treasure: Book of Secrets), Robert Capron (Bride Wars) and Rachael Harris (The Hangover), as well as Steve Zahn ("Treme").