Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules

While the first Diary of a Wimpy Kid movie had its moments and was mildly enjoyable, the follow-up is total Hell on Earth. Zachary Gordon returns as Greg, now in the seventh grade and still battling his classmates and cruel brother, Rodrick (Devon Bostick). The sequel deals more with their brotherly relationship and how much they suck as siblings. Rodrick does stuff like lock his brother in basements and allow him to sit on a chocolate bar in light colored pants before attending church. Director David Bowers, who has specialized in so-so animation in the past (Astro Boy, Flushed Away), seems lost when it comes to actual people with pulses. Steve Zahn gets a couple of laughs as the intense father, but that’s it when it comes to what’s worth watching in this film. I’d like to say this could be it for Wimpy Kid movies, but I have a sinking feeling there will be more.