Writer: Anne Jamaludin

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Watch this if you liked: “Diary Of A Wimpy Kid”, “Cheaper By The Dozen”, “The Even Stevens Movie”

Based on the second book of the hit novel series by Jeff Kinney, "Diary Of A Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules" brings a way much better film adaptation than its predecessor back in 2010. Greg Heffley returns from the pages to the movie screen but this time, fans of the book series and the film will be treated to a double dose of comical scenes from the Heffleys as well as Greg's schoolmates like Rowley, Patty, Fregley and Chirag Gupta.

The movie brings a more graphic hilarity as Greg - no longer a first year junior, enjoys the ups and downs of being a second year student in middle school. He passed the phase of wanting to be the coolest kid in school and this year, he finally meets his first 'crush', a new girl named Holly who just transferred to his school. Besides that, Susan (Greg's mother), believes that her two older sons are falling apart as siblings and therefore introduce her 'Mom Bucks' system where she will reward them with Mum Bucks if they spend time together and the fake money they collect can be exchanged for real cash. Rodrick and Greg, reluctant at first, come together to truly realize that having brothers can be a great thing - at least for most of the time. The audience will be able to get to know more of Rodrick's character and how the seemingly heartless (at least to Greg) teenage drummer of own band Löded Diper, is actually an ambitious, aspiring brother. Fans of the series might not be able to see Angie (Chloe Moretz of "Kick Ass") from the first movie, but Peyton R. List as Holly Hills, Greg's potential (puppy) love interest will bring a fresh, appreciated face to the sequel.

The film elaborates more on certain parts in the original book and fans of the book is advised to 'have mercy' on the film adaptation. David Bowers ("Astro Boy") moved the series towards a more light-hearted direction compared to Thor Freudenthal's ("The Haunted Mansion") approach with its first film as the comical elements that Bowers featured in "Rodrick Rules" are far more feverish and genuinely amusing. The plot might be simple but the ride towards the end will prove to be far more enjoyable.

Zachary Gordon proves that he is the current entertainment scene's answer to the new, aspiring child star. His performance as the 'wimpy' Greg will remind the audience of once famous 90's sitcoms on television, "Malcolm In The Middle" (that had featured a potential child star Frankie Muniz) and "Even Stevens" (that introduces a very young Shia LaBeaouf), except with a less dysfunctional family and more fun, child-friendly scenes. Within the one year gap between the sequel and the first film, the audience will notice how much the child actor has grown. It will not be long before Gordon outgrows his character and while it is still possible, Gordon will ensure that "The Wimpy Kid" will be his most successful title in his filmography in the future. Meanwhile, Devon Bostick's portrayal as the initially mean but good-natured older brother Rodrick will show that this young actor has a lot of potential for bigger, lead roles of his own. Both Gordon and Bostick play the siblings roles just as natural as if they were really related off-screen in the sequel, since it offers a rather positive insight to the siblings' bond compared to the first film.

Some might love this movie, some might not but any comedy fans should not pass this movie up when it hits the theatres. The reviewer would personally dub this movie as the silver screen's "Malcolm In The Middle" and that it is a movie for fans who adore comedy sitcoms and do not be surprised if Rodrick really 'rules' the box office and it might just have the capability to turn the potential viewers into an avid book series reader. Or one could patiently wait for its next movie adaptation, if it happens.

Cinema Online, 12 April 2011