MOVIE REVIEW: Who knew the big screen adaptation of Jeff Kinney's best selling comic chronicle of middle school angst would be so entertaining? 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' is a total hit, revealing plenty of personality and honesty thanks to its sensational young cast and a winning screenplay adaptation.
Ah, youth. The beauty of telling universal stories is that every generation will get a chance to document its trials and tribulations at varying stages of life. British writer J.K. Rowling powerfully wielded the metaphor of wizardry and magic to represent the angst of growing up with "Harry Potter." America's own Stephenie Meyer's "Twilight" saga remains a veritable youthquake of emotion and influence. But, documenting that in-between stage of child and teenager remains a challenge. Save for the books of Judy Blume, few contemporary authors have bean able to capture its chaos with the style and humor of Jeff Kinney and his "Wimpy Kid" series.
Introduced online in 2004 as part of Funbrain.com, the success of "Wimpy Kid" evolved into a wildly popular series of graphic novels in 2007 with the publication of "Diary of a Wimpy Kid." Already set for a fifth installment, the original book has now been adapted into a major motion picture. And unlike the pedestrian efforts of the "Twilight" adaptations, Kinney's hilarious diary of a middle schooler's enduring several rites of passage makes a truly entertaining transition onto the big screen.
Young fans of "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" found much to relate in the journal "penned" by young Greg Heffley. As he begins his first year of middle school, Kinney offers a simple means of depicting a very complex time in a child's life. His unadorned stick figure-like drawings effortlessly capture Greg's manic desire of being popular and other life dramas at that tender age. And what could have been a turgid, sitcom-level mess is instead elevated into an extremely well acted and wonderfully tailored adaptation.
Featuring a cast of superbly chosen young talent, the screen version of "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" succeeds in preserving the best of Kinney's wryly observed portrait of middle school life. Adapted for the screen of Jeff & Jackie Filgo ("That 70s Show") and Gabe Sachs & Jeff Judah ("Freaks and Geeks"), neither team has lost any of the edge that made both shows such memorable television. As a result, "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" works best when its focus is on Greg and the gallery of friends and nemesis that stand in his way success. Zachary Gordon has been given a huge task in portraying Greg, who is practically in every scene and remains an engaging presence who mercifully doesn't lapse into cute or TV bound.
The victor of an extensive casting search, Gordon's performance is sincere and charismatic, even when the desperation of Greg's one-track mind threatens to undermine his true friendships. That Gordon is allowed to be unlikable only enhances the realism that colors some outrageous comic set pieces. (Watching a multi-racial cast of middle schoolers audition for the school musical by singing Bonnie Tyler's "Total Eclipse of the Heart" is one unforgettable example.)
However, Gordon is matched joke by joke by a winning supporting cast that possesses the most interesting faces. That these actors come across as natural comedians at such young ages is pretty remarkable. With unflagging energy that never feels forced, director Thor Freudenthal ("Hotel for Dogs") steers each child to enjoy their own shining moments. Among the standouts, Robert Capron's Rowley is a real discovery, as well as Grayson Russell as Fregley. (By the way, a sight gag involving this child and his hairy mole will make you spit out your diet Coke.)
If the film makes any kind of misstep its with the depiction of Greg's home life. It is interesting to watch Steve Zahn and Rachael Harris play parents in this context, but neither actor is really given enough to do. Zahn gets by with his usual goofy demeanor, but the possibilities of the cynical Harris as a modern mom are never fully realized. Yet, when the focus returns to Greg's school life, "Wimpy Kid" regains its momentum and spirit.
While kids will find much to laugh and enjoy from "Diary of a Wimpy Kid," adults are in for something surprising. Playing on multiple layers of commentary, it is the most clever of memory plays. Chances are you had an obnoxious power girl like Patty Farrell (portrayed by the force of nature known as Lane Macneil) or the cool Beat girl like Angie Steadman (rising star Chloe Grace Moretz of "Kick Ass" and "500 Days of Summer"). All the codes, rituals and hazing that comes with that first burst of teen awareness remains as painfully awkward as you remember, which is oddly comforting to witness.
Never trite or condescending to the age of its main characters, this "Diary" (or as Greg likes to call it, a journal) may lead you down a path you've probably haven't thought about in a while. Imagine that. A mainstream film that also manages to be be an entertaining shared experience for the whole family?
"Diary of a Wimpy Kid" is now playing citywide. L.A. moviegoers can click on Fandango for ticket and theater information.
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Watch the trailer for "Diary of a Wimpy Kid," now playing in theaters citywide.
Comments
not for kids says:
The movie is good , funny. But the whole thing about Gregs friend the chubby one, he was the main focus , He was diffrent , well example he liked riding he's Pink bike , made comments like " My mom does'nt let me play with her make up anymore" ? and in part of the movie had another friend that acted well the same , if you know what I mean, I think they should leave all grown up Agendas away from kids movies.. for that I would give it "NO" thumbs ups.
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