Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules Review

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules has taken yet another form with the animated film, now streaming on Disney+. It’s fun, entertaining, and a great watch for families!

DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: RODRICK RULES 2022 movie review
Rodrick (voiced by Hunter Dillon) from 20th Century Studios’ DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: RODRICK RULES. © 2022 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules is a fun and entertaining film that is perfect for the whole family. Wimpy Kid fans will be thrilled to have yet another way to enjoy their favorite moments of the second book. Gorgeously animated and well voice acted, this version of the story might not bring too much that is new, but it certainly is a whole lot of fun to watch. Exploring the relationship between Greg and his brother Rodrick, there are some heartwarming and relatable messages thrown in.

This film focuses heavily on sibling relationships. It starts off with Greg and Rodrick’s parents leaving for the weekend and entrusting them with the house. Rodrick decides to throw a party and locks Greg in the basement during it. With Greg having evidence that he can hang over his head, Rodrick is forced to bond with his brother in order to keep him from telling on him. What follows are a whole lot of hijinks, and sibling bonding — as well as sibling rivilry. This is truly something anyone with a sibling can relate to.

(L-R): Rodrick (voiced by Hunter Dillon) and Greg (voiced by Brady Noon) from 20th Century Studios’ DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: RODRICK RULES. © 2022 20th Century Studios.

The biggest issue with Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules is the same issue that came with the previous animated film — this is a story that Wimpy Kid fans already know. Sure there are some differences here and there, and seeing it in stunning animation form is lovely, but overall the plot is the same. This means it becomes predictable with no real twists and turns or surprises. However, big Diary of a Wimpy Kid fans will likely be thrilled to have yet another medium they can enjoy. 

For those that are new to the franchise, this is a great story. One that is easy to become invested in, and it certainly helps that it clocks in at just over an hour. The pacing will keep viewers glued to the screen from beginning to end. It is suspenseful, hilarious, and even a bit emotional. Speaking of emotions, there is a lovely tribute to the late Ed Asner, who voices grandpa in the film, at the end. 

(L-R): Greg (voiced by Brady Noon) and Rodrick (voiced by Hunter Dillon) from 20th Century Studios’ DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: RODRICK RULES. © 2022 20th Century Studios.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules isn’t perfect, but it is entertaining enough to be more than worth the watch. The humor and relatability for just about everyone is what makes it special. Sure, it might seem like yet another version of the same old thing, but the animation style is unique to the franchise and with such a short length this movie is an easy choice.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules is now streaming on Disney+. 

Rating: 3 out of 5

NEXT: Brady Noon Says Joining Diary Of A Wimpy Kid Is A Dream Come True

About Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules

The riotous antics of angst-ridden, disaster-prone middle school student Greg Heffley continue in “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules,” focusing this time around on his complicated relationship with older brother Rodrick. A spikey-haired high school student, Rodrick is lazy and undisciplined and spends way too much time practicing with his rock band, Löded Diper. While he loves to torment Greg, he ultimately has a deep affection for his younger brother.

Directed by Luke Cormican (“Teen Titans Go!) and written and produced by Jeff Kinney, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules” features the voices of Brady Noon (“The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers”), Ethan William Childress (“mixed-ish”), Edward Asner (“Up”), Chris Diamantopoulos (“Silicon Valley”), Erica Cerra (“Power Rangers”), and Hunter Dillon (“Deadpool 2”). “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules” features the original song, “Can You Smell Us Now,” written and produced by Jon Levine, with lyrics by Jeff Kinney, and performed by Jimmy Tatro.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules is streaming on Disney+ now.

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