Film Review: Total Retread for ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days’

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CHICAGO – The month of August contain the “dog days” of summer, when the season lumbers to a hazy and hot conclusion. How appropriate that the third film of a popular series would be called ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days,’ because like summer’s end it feels lethargic. Zachary Gordon, Robert Capron and Steve Zahn star.

Rating: 2.5/5.0

This installment of the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series has a couple of distinctions – Zachary Gordon, who portrays the title character, has hit puberty, with a deeper voice and seemingly less energy to tackle wimpy Greg. Secondly, the emergence of background characters in telling the story. Greg’s Dad and brother are more importantly featured than best friend Rowley, contrary to the first two films. This all adds up to less enthusiastic “Diary,” which meanders without any spark, a contractual obligation rather than a beloved adaptation from the popular books.

Zachary Gordon reprises his role as the “Wimpy Kid,” Greg Heffley. It is the last week of 7th grade, and he plans to spend the summer playing video games. His father Frank (Steve Zahn) has other ideas, and wants Greg to do more outdoor activities, including a scout troop. This clash of ideals is the comic engine of the film, as Greg tries his hand at Civil War re-enactment, caring for the new family dog and fending off his abusive brother Rodrick (Devon Bostick).

Help comes in the form of best friend Rowley (Robert Capron), who has a country club membership and guest privileges. Greg starts hanging out there, with a eye on the girl of his dreams, Holly (Peyton List). He tells his Dad he has a job at the club, which temporarily gives him a reprieve. But he still has to sneak his brother into the club to keep his secret, spend some time with Rowley’s family at a seaside resort and go on a major camping trip with Dad to finish the season. It looks like the summer has another side.

Continue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days”

Rowley (Robert Capron) and Greg (Zachary Gordon) Hatch Another Scheme in ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days’ Photo credit: Diyah Pera for Twentieth Century Fox Films

Continue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days”