Story
Diary of a Wimpy Kid is an adaptation of the best-selling book series by Jeff Kinney. The ‘wimpy kid’ is Greg Heffley (Zachary Gordon), whose mother gives him the diary. She thinks it might be a good idea for Greg to record his feelings about his transition to middle school. Greg wants to be popular at middle school, but his older brother Rodrick (Devon Bostick) tells him to ‘just be invisible’. Also, Greg’s child-like and ‘uncool’ best friend, Rowley (Robert Capron), is a constant presence.
We get an insight into Greg’s thoughts as he desperately tries to work his way through the perils of pre-adolescence. Bullies, girls and social mistakes await him as he tries the wrestling team, the safety patrol and the school play while trying to climb the popularity ladder. But this all comes at a cost, eventually putting his friendship with Rowley at risk.
Themes
Bullying; life transitions; relationships; individuality versus ‘fitting in’
Violence
This movie contains some violence, some of which could be imitated by children. For example:
Sexual references
This movie contains some sexual references. For example:
- Greg’s older brother has a motorbike magazine with a picture of a woman dressed in a bikini. She is draped over a motorbike. His mother discusses this with him and the attitude to women it represents.
- Greg overhears girls say that another student has a ‘cute butt’. But he doesn’t know what that means.
Alcohol, drugs and other substances
None of concern
Nudity and sexual activity
This movie contains some nudity and sexual activity. For example:
- There are no doors on the boys’ toilets, so we see boys going to the toilet. Nothing explicit is shown.
- Rodrick tries to scare Greg while Greg is going to the toilet. Greg wees on Rodrick.
- A bikini-clad girl in a magazine shows a lot of cleavage.
Product placement
None of concern
Coarse language
This movie contains some coarse language and put-downs.
Ideas to discuss with your children
Diary of a Wimpy Kid is an entertaining and discussion-provoking look at children trying to survive the social minefield of high school. The movie is likely to appeal to children who have recently made, or are soon to make, the transition from primary to high school.
The main message from this movie is to be yourself. Rowley remains true to who he is, despite Greg trying to change him to fit in with the crowd. Rowley’s warmth and sincerity shine through. These qualities help him to become popular with his peers without him pretending to be someone else. Greg, on the other hand, tries desperately to fit in and be popular without success. He ends up almost losing his friend.
Values in this movie that you might want to reinforce with your children include:
- loyalty and friendship
- self-confidence and self-esteem
- individuality
- willingness to try new things.
This movie could also give you the chance to talk with your children about real-life issues such as bullying and its physical and emotional consequences. Lying is another issue you could discuss.