Diary of a WImpy Kid (2010)

Being a fan of the books, I actually did have relatively high hopes for this film. And they were met. Some parts were better, some parts were worse. So in the end, it all ended up about even. The bad news for the film is that the screenwriter, while pulling off some very impressive jokes from time to time, has some pretty awful dialogue. This can mainly be seen in the monologue in the film, delivered by the main character (Zachary Gordon, who pulls off a stellar performance) Greg Heffley, who any fans of the book will immediately recognize as unlikable, manipulative, and self-centered. The film pulls this off perfectly. The film has been bashed since its release for having a very unlikable main character, but that is the point of the film! Now, this film, battered down by the bland script and Thor Freudenthal’s bland direction, would have been a complete flop without the cast. As mentioned before, Zachary Gordon does an excellent job as the unlikable jerk at the center of the film. Also, Robert Capron, who plays Greg’s best friend Rowley, also does a very great job. All of the other small roles are filled in perfectly, but I have to say that the best job done in this film is by Chloe Grace Mortez. This being her first kids film, and playing the character that wasn’t even in the books, Mortez pulls it off great. She is coming to be a very prominent child actor, and she always hands in a stellar performance. All of that being said, the film balances out around even. There’s nothing special, but there’s nothing awful. I’d say go see it, but if you’re not a fan of the books, don’t rush.
8/10