A poster displays the newest Disney Original, ‘Rodrick Rules,’ that made its debut on Dec. 2 on Disney+. The film followed Greg Heffley, a self-proclaimed “wimpy” middle-schooler, and his rocky relationship with his older brother, Rodrick. “Throughout the movie, Rodrick teaches Greg his way of life, i.e., his ‘Rodrick Rules.’ Through a series of tired subplots and forgettable characters, the message could not be more apparent. Sibling relationships are essential,” Journalism I student Adah Hamman wrote. Photo fair use of Walt Disney Animation Studios
The beloved, best-selling series “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” has begat yet another movie adaptation, this one even worse than the first.
The concept of turning a best-selling book series into a movie franchise is not a new one. However, it has never been as poorly done as with “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules.”
The movie “Rodrick Rules” was released on Dec. 2 on Disney+ and followed disaster-prone Greg Heffley and his relationship with his older brother, Rodrick. Greg and his brother have always had a complicated relationship, and through a multitude of wacky hijinks, the film dedicates itself to improving their brotherly bond.
Directed by Luke Cormican and written by Kathleen Shugrue, the movie begins with Greg’s parents announcing their departure from the home so that they can celebrate their anniversary. Rodrick proposes that they have a party in their absence, and Greg is initially resilient, but he grows compliant when Rodrick insists it will bring them closer together.
A trailer advertises the movie “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules.” The movie focused on the trite theme of sibling relationships. “Through a series of tired subplots and forgettable characters, the message could not be more apparent: Sibling relationships are essential. However, hundreds, if not thousands, of movies have explored this very concept of tricky sibling dynamics and have done it better, too,” Journalism I student Adah Hamman wrote. Video fair use of Walt Disney Studios
Throughout the movie, Rodrick teaches Greg his way of life, i.e., his “Rodrick Rules.” Through a series of tired subplots and forgettable characters, the message could not be more apparent: Sibling relationships are essential.
However, hundreds, if not thousands, of movies have explored this very concept of tricky sibling dynamics and have done it better, too.
Though the movie is riddled with flaws, there are some elements included that made the original series so endearing, such as the score, composed by John Paesano. It elevated the action scenes and made for a pretty emotional climax.
However, if someone is looking for nostalgia bait, just watch the original. Or better yet, read the books.
