diary of a wimpy kid rodrick rules short book review

All About "Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules"

• Children's Book Reviews
• Authors & Illustrators
• Young Adult Books
• Best Sellers
• Classic Literature
• Plays & Drama
• Shakespeare
• Short Stories
• M.S., Instructional Design and Technology, Emporia State University
• B.A., English Literature, Brown University

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules is the second book in the popular series. The same tweens who made Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney a bestseller wanted more. They got it with the second book in the very funny Diary of a Wimpy Kid series , Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules .

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series Popularity

The Wimpy Kid's popularity is due to both the illustrations and diary format and the emphasis on concerns that tweens actually have. The main character, Greg Heffley, who narrates the story through his diary, shares regular issues and crises kids face. Kids really identify with Greg, a goofy, self-centered and funny middle schooler who deals with a variety of problems, many of his own making.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules : The Format

The format of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules is the same as the first book. Lined pages and Greg's pen and ink sketches and cartoons really make the book seem like an actual diary, or as Greg would emphasize, “a journal.” Greg is still not the poster boy for the perfect kid, but that adds to the fun as he suffers the consequences of some of his poor choices.

Middle-schooler Greg Heffley's diary starts with summer and the misery of being on the swim team. His friend Rowley has gone on another exciting vacation that Greg doesn't want to hear about. His little brother, Manny, and his parents are still tending to drive him crazy.

Greg's biggest problem is his big brother, Rodrick, who knows an embarrassing secret about Greg. Despite this worry, Greg continues on his goofy way, dealing with school, bullies, homework, and family, especially Rodrick.

Ultimately, the secret gets out. However, due to all the changes in the description of Greg’s secret as it passes from person to person, it’s no longer something that is an embarrassment to Greg.

Despite all the teasing that goes on between Greg and his brother, they still care for one another. By the book's end, when push comes to shove, Greg has set aside his animosity and tries to help Rodrick when he needs it.

For More About the Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series and Related Books

In addition to information about the books in the series, you'll also learn about related Wimpy Kid books. These include The Wimpy Kid Do-It-Yourself Book , The Wimpy Kid Movie Diary and  The Wimpy Kid School Planner.  If your kids enjoy the humorous diary/journal/comic book mashup format, they will probably also love the Star Wars: Jedi Academy series.

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw
• Book Review: 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days'
• 10 Things About 'Big Nate' Creator Lincoln Peirce
• Summer Reading Lists For Kids, Tweens, and Teens
• Recommend a Good Book to Me
• How to Teach Your Students to Write Biography Poems
• 5 Things You Don't Know About Anne Frank and Her Diary
• The Best Read-Aloud Books for Elementary Students
• Keeping a Diary
• 10 Works of 1940s Literature Still Taught Today
• "Reasons to Be Pretty" Act One
• Two Voice Poems for Kids, The Best Poetry Books
• Breakdown and Review of 'Where the Wild Things Are'
• Flora and Ulysses Book Review
• Goldilocks and the Three Bears - Funny Fractured Fairytales
• R.J. Palacio's "Wonder" — Book Club Discussion Questions

• Member Login
• Library Patron Login

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR

FREE NEWSLETTERS

Search: Title Author Article Search String:

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules Summary and Reviews

Summary | Reviews | More Information | More Books

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules

by Jeff Kinney

Critics' Opinion:

Readers' rating:

Published Feb 2008 224 pages Genre: Literary Fiction Publication Information

Rate this book

About this book

Book summary.

Secrets have a way of getting out, especially when a diary is involved. Whatever you do, don’t ask Greg Heffley how he spent his summer vacation, because he definitely doesn’t want to talk about it. As Greg enters the new school year, he’s eager to put the past three months behind him . . . and one event in particular. Unfortunately for Greg, his older brother, Rodrick, knows all about the incident Greg wants to keep under wraps. But secrets have a way of getting out . . . especially when a diary is involved. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules chronicles Greg’s attempts to navigate the hazards of middle school, impress the girls, steer clear of the school talent show, and most important, keep his secret safe.

• "Beyond the Book" articles
• Free books to read and review (US only)
• Find books by time period, setting & theme
• Read-alike suggestions by book and author
• Book club discussions
• and much more!
• Just $45 for 12 months or $15 for 3 months.
• More about membership!

Media Reviews

Reader reviews.

"The hilarious interplay between text and cartoons and the keen familial observations that set Diary of a Wimpy Kidapart are just as evident in this outing, and are just as likely to keep readers in stitches. Ages 8-up." - Publishers Weekly. "Kinney's clever cartoons (too slick to have actually been done by Greg) are just as funny as the ones in Diary #1." - Children's Literature. " Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Abrams, 2007) has been wildly popular, and this sequel should be an equally big hit with reluctant readers, especially boys, and anyone looking for a funny book." - School Library Journal. "As before, the text, which is done in a legible hand-lettered-style font, is liberally interspersed with funny line drawings, many of which feature punch lines in speech balloons." - Kirkus Reviews.

Author Information

• Books by this Author

Jeff Kinney Author Biography

Jeff Kinney is an online game developer, designer, the creator of Poptropica.com, and the #1 New York Times best-selling author and illustrator of the wildly popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. Born in Maryland in the 1970s, Jeff spent his childhood in the Washington, D.C., area and moved to New England in 1995. As a young reader, Jeff was inspired by the books of Judy Blume, Beverly Cleary, Piers Anthony, and J.R.R. Tolkien. Jeff attended the University of Maryland in the early 1990s. It was there that he ran a comic strip called "lgdoof" in the campus newspaper and knew that he wanted to be become a newspaper strip cartoonist. Although Jeff started writing down ideas for Diary of a Wimpy Kid in 1998, it wasn't until spring of 2007 that his book was published — and quickly ...

... Full Biography Link to Jeff Kinney's Website

Other books by Jeff Kinney at BookBrowse

More Recommendations

Readers also browsed . . ..

• All Fours by Miranda July
• Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld
• Long After We Are Gone by Terah Shelton Harris
• The Alternatives by Caoilinn Hughes
• Held by Anne Michaels
• Long Island by Colm Toibin
• The Bullet Swallower by Elizabeth Gonzalez James
• Leaving by Roxana Robinson
• Change by Edouard Louis
• Fruit of the Dead by Rachel Lyon

more literary fiction...

Support BookBrowse

Join our inner reading circle, go ad-free and get way more!

Find out more

BookBrowse Book Club

Members Recommend

This Strange Eventful History by Claire Messud

An immersive, masterful story of a family born on the wrong side of history.

Daughters of Shandong by Eve J. Chung

Eve J. Chung's debut novel recounts a family's flight to Taiwan during China's Communist revolution.

Win This Book

Only the Brave by Danielle Steel

A powerful, sweeping historical novel about a courageous woman in World War II Germany.

Solve this clue:

and be entered to win..

Your guide to exceptional           books

BookBrowse seeks out and recommends the best in contemporary fiction and nonfiction—books that not only engage and entertain but also deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Subscribe to receive some of our best reviews, "beyond the book" articles, book club info and giveaways by email.

• Kids Videos
• KIDS FIRST!
• Movie Trailers
• Entertainment
• Brain Candy
• Take a Poll

Quiz! Test Your Knowledge on Christmas Sho...

Quiz! What is your Christmas Spirit?

Christmas Trivia Quiz!

Quiz! Test Your Black Panther - War for Wa...

Quiz! What's Your Winter Personality?

How Well Do You Know PlayStation Quiz?

Quiz! Test Your Monster Hunter Rise Knowle...

Quiz! Test Your Among Us Trivia!

Quiz! Test Your Ratchet & Clank Knowle...

Quiz! What Movie Should You Watch on Netflix?

Quiz! Think You Know Wonder Woman?

Quiz! How Well Do You Know DC Comics?

Quiz! Test Your Trolls World Tour Trivia!

Quiz! Which Holiday Movie Are You?

Quiz! How Well Do Your Friends Know You?

Quiz! Test Your Knowledge on Roller Coasters!

Quiz! What Is Your Favorite School Subject?

Quiz! Name That Tourist Destination!

Quiz! What New Summer Sport Should You Try?

Quiz! Test Your Super Bowl Smarts!

• Celebrity Vault

At The Movies

• Music Source

Bike Racing

Jewels Blitz 3

Goodgame Empire

Candy Rain 3

• Dear Dish-it
• Careers & Jobs
• Homework Help
• Quiz The Coach
• Action Sports
• Sports Gear
• Free Contests
• About Kidzworld
• What is Kidzworld?
• Advertise with us
• Site Safety
• Safety Guidelines
• KNOW ABOUT COPPA
• Parent & Teachers
• Just For You
• Connect With Us

Diary of a Wimpy Kid :: Rodrick Rules Book Review

Join wimpy kid Greg Heffley in another year of embarrassing events and hilarious cartoons. Check out the second Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Rodrick Rules.

Author: Jeff Kinney After a particularly embarrassing summer, Greg Heffley is eager to go back to school . Unfortunately, the moment he arrives, his classmates avoid him. Why? Because he still has the “ Cheese Touch ” from last year (he was the last to touch the moldy, furry, stinky cheese that rotted for years on the school’s basketball court). Fortunately, he welcomed the new kid with a hardy pat on the back, putting his cheese touch days behind him.

O' Mighty Rodrick

This year, Greg’s journal entries focus on his family . His brother Rodrick is a lazy, scamming, drum-playing slacker of a teenager. And unfortunately he’s the only person who knows about Greg’s embarrassing summer. If Greg wants to keep his secret safe , he has to treat Rodrick like a God.

Basement Party

When their parents go away overnight, Rodrick throws a party . Instead of calling his parents, Greg stands by hoping to experience his first real high school party. But in one quick trip to the icy cold basement , Greg finds himself locked in for the night . The only high school party he gets to experience is the morning after clean up ! And if Greg refuses to clean, Rodrick will spread the details of his summer horror story throughout the entire school.

Mother Mayhem

Greg’s mother is no picnic either. She constantly interferes, following him to his friends house to observe their board games , making him to take drum lessons from Rodrick, forcing him to assist a first grader in a magic act for the talent show (talk about humiliating!), and sending him to his Grandpa ’s old folks condo—the place where Greg's most embarrassing moment occurred.

The Bottom Line

Rodrick Rules is just as witty and hilarious as the first Diary of a Wimpy Kid . Greg acts wimpier than ever as he tries to keep his secret safe. But he can’t tiptoe around his brother forever. Watch what happens as Greg’s embarrassing secret unfolds . Don’t miss Jeff Kinney’s third illustrated adventure— Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw !

Related Stories:

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid :: The Last Straw Book Review
• Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book Review
• Schooled Book Review
• The King of Lost and Found Book Review

Notice: All forms on this website are temporarily down for maintenance. You will not be able to complete a form to request information or a resource. We apologize for any inconvenience and will reactivate the forms as soon as possible.

Book Review

Rodrick rules — “diary of a wimpy kid” series.

• Jeff Kinney

Readability Age Range

• Amulet Books, an imprint of Harry N. Abrams, Inc.

Year Published

Rodrick Rules by Jeff Kinney has been reviewed by Focus on the Family’s marriage and parenting magazine . It is the second book in the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series.

Plot Summary

Gregory “Greg” Heffley’s mother buys him a second diary, which he calls a journal. From the beginning to the end of it, Greg has a difficult time with his older brother, Rodrick, who is a bully. After Rodrick finds Greg’s first journal, Greg gets it back and hides in the bathroom at his grandfather’s retirement center to keep Rodrick from getting it again. Too late, Greg realizes he is in the women’s bathroom. Rodrick holds this embarrassing secret over Greg and forces him to do many things because of it.

Greg spends a lot of time getting out of things. To get out of swim practice, he hides in the locker room. To get rid of the Cheese Touch, which he got at the end of the last journal and makes classmates run from him, he gives it to an unsuspecting new kid at the school. He attempts to get out of studying by sitting next to smart kids and out of book reports by writing about short stories instead of books. He is OK with copying other people’s papers, but won’t buy an assignment from anyone unless he is desperate. The only person he can’t trick or bully is his brother Rodrick.

The one time Greg compliments his brother is when they have to rake leaves for their grandmother and are being paid per bag. Rodrick shows Greg how to only partially fill the bags so they run out of bags before the job is done and are paid for each bag. When Rodrick throws a party because their parents are gone for the weekend, he locks Greg in the basement for the duration but then makes Greg help him clean after it is over. The next time their parents leave town, the boys have to stay with their grandfather.

Because Greg won’t videotape Rodrick’s band at the talent show, Rodrick tells everyone about Greg’s embarrassing secret. Instead of being teased and humiliated at school, guys treat him well, and he is suddenly popular. The original story that Rodrick told was placed in the women’s bathroom in a retirement home but as one person tells another, the place becomes the bathroom in the high school girls’ locker room.

In the end, Greg realizes that Rodrick isn’t nice to him, but Greg doesn’t want his brother to fail science because he didn’t turn in a science project; therefore, Greg does the project for him.

Christian Beliefs

When Rodrick gives Greg a ride home in his van, Greg is tossed around the back of it because he has to sit with Rodrick’s band instruments. Greg prays that the instruments don’t hit him in the head, but in this use, it really refers to “hoping” versus a prayer to God. There is mention that the family goes to church. Greg forgives Rowley for ratting on him when a situation turns to Greg’s advantage after the truth is told.

Other Belief Systems

Greg writes a paper that includes the evolution of people versus the evolution of a moose. He also illustrates the evolution. People get arms, and the moose get horns that are worthless in Greg’s opinion.

Authority Roles

Greg’s father forces him to join the swim team, which Greg hates. His father doesn’t like when Rowley comes over because he thinks Rowley is clumsy and doesn’t want him destroying his miniature Civil War battlefield in the basement. His father sneaks out of watching romantic movies with his wife so he can work on his battlefield. His father goes to the mall on Saturdays and takes Greg with him, not to spend time together, but to get away from the noise that Rodrick’s band makes at the house. Instead of telling teens to leave his property, he puts on classical music via a boom box, and soon they all leave. Their father can’t stand the idea of Rodrick not writing a good paper for school, so he rewrites and types all of Rodrick’s papers. When Greg needs a middle school paper completed, his father tells him to do it himself. When his father can’t stand the relatives in his house on Thanksgiving, he turns up the thermostat, and they eventually leave.

For swim practice, Greg’s mother makes Greg wear skimpy racing trunks that used to belong to Rodrick. Everyone else wears swim trunks, and Greg is teased for wearing the racing trunks. His mother does not forget his “screwups” and reminds him of them. She writes a parenting column for a local newspaper and discusses Greg’s failures and problems, using his name. Greg thinks this is one way she gets back at him. He blames the reason he lies on his mother. When he was young, she deceived him by pretending to call the dentist and ask about dentures because Greg refused to brush his teeth. This lie made him brush his teeth.

Because Greg has promised his mother to be honest, he goes around being rude to others (honest from his perspective). When his rudeness hurts his mother, she no longer requires him to keep his promise not to lie. His mother went with Greg to Leland’s house to watch Leland (a neighborhood baby sitter), Rowley and Greg play Magick and Monsters. In the game, she keeps Greg from buying Meade and doesn’t support his killing of so many monsters. Still, she encourages Greg and Rodrick to play the game together.

Greg’s grandmother shows favoritism toward Manny, Greg’s younger bother, and his grandfather shows favoritism toward Greg.

Profanity & Violence

Mild words, such as jerk, sissy, dumb, geek, stupid, and freaked out, are used in a derogatory way.

After Greg calls Rodrick a jerk for making him sit in the back of the van, they get into a fight on the front lawn. Their mother makes them draw a picture of what they did wrong so they won’t do it again. Rodrick draws a picture of pushing Greg over a cliff to a waiting shark.

Greg is relieved that Rowley, his best friend, sits on the tin-foil ball with toothpicks sticking out of it that Greg’s younger brother made for Greg. Greg’s mother wouldn’t let him throw it away, and he was afraid he might sit on it himself some day. He does not empathize with Rowley’s pain.

Greg slugs Rowley for suggesting that they could be “diary twins” after Rowley buys a journal. Greg justifies treating other boys at his school poorly because he isn’t big or tall and doesn’t have many victims from which to choose.

Sexual Content

Greg’s male classmates see him as a hero because of the rumor that he not only gained access to the high school girls’ locker room, but also was there for some time. In actuality, he accidentally entered the women’s restroom in his grandfather’s retirement center.

Discussion Topics

Get free discussion questions for this book and others, at FocusOnTheFamily.com/discuss-books .

Additional Comments

Movie tie-in: Producers often use a book as a springboard for a movie idea or to earn a specific rating. Because of this, a movie may differ from the novel. To better understand how this book and movie differ, compare the book review with Plugged In’s movie review for Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules.

You can request a review of a title you can’t find at [email protected] .

Book reviews cover the content, themes and worldviews of fiction books, not their literary merit, and equip parents to decide whether a book is appropriate for their children. The inclusion of a book’s review does not constitute an endorsement by Focus on the Family.

Latest Book Reviews

Elf Dog and Owl Head

A Court of Frost and Starlight (A Court of Thorns and Roses Series)

Fog & Fireflies

The Minor Miracle: The Amazing Adventures of Noah Minor

The Eyes and the Impossible

Weekly reviews straight to your inbox.

Enjoy a better experience!

In order to receive the best web experience with our website, please use Microsoft Edge or another browser other than Internet Explorer.

We use website cheesiest cookies to ensure you enjoy our site.

The cheesiest website around.

• For Teachers
• Wimp Yourself
• Get in Touch

• Appearances
• Get to Know Jeff

Rodrick Rules

In Rodrick Rules,  book 2 of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series from #1 international bestselling author Jeff Kinney, as Greg enters the new school year, he's eager to put the past three months behind him . . . and one event in particular. Whatever you do, don't ask Greg Heffley how he spent his summer vacation, because he definitely doesn't want to talk about it. Unfortunately for Greg, his older brother, Rodrick, knows all about the incident Greg wants to keep under wraps. But secrets have a way of getting out . . . especially when a diary is involved.

ISBN: 978-1-4197-4186-9

• Published: Feb 01, 2008
• Format: Hardcover
• Price: $14.99

Where to buy

The Wimpy Kid Series.

Famed for laugh-out-loud humor through words and cartoons, the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books follow Greg Heffley as he records the trials and triumphs of middle school. More than 290 million copies have been sold around the globe!

Click or scroll through the books

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

The Last Straw

The Ugly Truth

Cabin Fever

The Third Wheel

The Long Haul

Double Down

The Getaway

The Meltdown

Wrecking Ball

The Deep End

Diper Överlöde

More from the Wimpy World.

Get ready to see the Wimpy Kid world in a whole new way with the Awesome Friendly Kid series, written by Greg Heffley’s best friend, Rowley Jefferson. And don’t miss the Special Disney+ cover editions, The Do-It Yourself Book , boxed sets and more!

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book Collection: Special Disney+ Cover Editions

Cabin Fever (Special Disney+ Cover Edition)

Rodrick Rules (Special Disney+ Cover Edition)

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: (Special Disney+ Cover Edition)

The Wimpy Kid Do-It-Yourself Book

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Blank Journal

The Wimpy Kid Movie Diary: The Next Chapter

The Wimpy Kid Movie Diary: How Greg Heffley went to Hollywood

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Special Cheesiest Edition

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Best Friends Box

Rowley Jefferson’s Awesome Friendly Book Box

Awesome Friendly Book Bundle

Rowley Jefferson’s Awesome Friendly Spooky Stories

Rowley Jefferson’s Awesome Friendly Adventure

Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid: Rowley Jefferson’s Journal

• virtual wonders
• guest posts
• review policy

Wednesday 11 August 2010

Review: diary of a wimpy kid: rodrick rules.

Browse reviews by:

• School/Group

Spaghetti Book Club - Book Reviews by Kids for Kids

Diary of a wimpy kid: rodrick rules.

Written by Jeff Kinney

Reviewed by Tucker M. (age 11)

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Roderick Rules is mainly about a kid’s childhood. His little brother and his older brother are pushing him around and giving him a hard time. His big brother is making fun of him, and Greg is just trying to fit in.

When I read the book I felt like I was being pulled into it. The main character, Greg, reminds me of a friend of mine. He is an indoor person and talks a lot. Some experiences remind me of my life. I like to play games with my friends like they do in the book.

This is the funniest book I have ever read. It’s a good book because it really describes the characters personality, and it talks about childhood.

I would recommend this book to people who just want to have a laugh. This book is for all ages.

• Awards Season
• Coming Soon
• Entertainment News
• Conventions
• Press Conferences
• BBC iPlayer
• Now and Sky
• Hulu and Star
• HBO and Max
• Prime Video
• What We Know About
• Entertainment Tech
• Technology and Culture

‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules’ (Review)

(L-R): Greg (voiced by Brady Noon) and Rodrick (voiced by Hunter Dillon) from 20th Century Studios’ DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: RODRICK RULES. © 2022 20th Century Studios.

This review was made possible due to an advance copy of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules provided to Streamr by 20th Century Studios for review. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules is now streaming on Disney+.

Many of us have grown up reading the ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ books. I’m one of those who, despite them not being for my age group anymore, continues to buy the new one every year. The main series now includes 17 books, excluding the spin-offs, and somehow Greg’s still in middle school, not learning the lessons that he should.

Following the Disney/Fox merger, Disney now has the rights to adapt the books themselves and Disney+ became a perfect home for these new animated adaptations. They’re short, faithful to the book, they’re fun, and they’re perfect for an hour of streaming.

Star Rating

As an Adaptation

I have got to be honest, the first three live action films were just too much fun. They were excellent. They were not exactly what the books were, but somehow still equally relatable and enjoyable.

The animated reboot films are taking a different route. They’re much more focused on being aimed at the kids. Watching it feels like we’re just watching the book play out with colours and 3D animation. But, the characters have a bit more depth to them. I really loved how they depicted Rodrick in this film. We got to see how he sees the world, got his point of view more than the books have ever tried to give.

Greg and Rodrick’s brotherly bond also develops deeper. With good voice acting by the cast, you feel what the text didn’t convey. Jeff Kinney, the author of the books, also wrote the screenplay, and definitely shows improvement in understanding his characters, and the process of adaptATion.

As a sequel

I had eagerly watched the first Diary of a Wimpy Kid animated movie last year. That was just 58 minutes long. I had, largely, loved it. As Josh had described in his review , it was bright, energetic, and felt creatively new. And, I’m so glad, I can say the same thing about this one as well. The animation really works, I don’t know how they pull that off. To me, the character design of Rodrick with just some small countable hair feels stupid for a 3D animated character, but yet, the authenticity to the books pays off for the fans, and sets it apart from other kid animation that’s out there.

With the short runtime, Rodrick Rules clocking in at 74 minutes including credits, the film maintains a strong pace. The books have always been a quick read, to the point that I read the 14th book, ‘Wrecking Ball’, in one go, standing in a bookstore. Or the 15th, ‘The Deep End’, waiting for a restaurant to call out my name.

My point is, the books don’t have a lot of material. Stretching them to be longer feature-length films would only impact how fun the film ends up being.

After the first one released on Disney+ last year, social media was raging, calling it too short to be a film. I don’t care, you call it a ‘special’ or a ‘short film’ or whatever name you think fits well. I am glad that they’re keeping these films short. It makes them watchable in limited time, just like the books.

What’s next?

They have another 15 books they can adapt. If they continue with one adaptation a year, they’ve got a very, very long time ahead with content secured. One Take News exclusively confirmed that ‘The Last Straw’, the 3rd book in the series, is already planned for an adaptation next for a release on Disney+. I’m glad that unlike the live action, they aren’t merging multiple books together. (‘The Last Straw’ and Dog Days were merged together into one film, and then they had just skipped to ‘The Long Haul’, letting go of four books in between.)

‘DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE LAST STRAW’ is in the works at Disney+. via: https://t.co/TLqNZscFSe pic.twitter.com/wWsU4b1dSK — The Streamr (@The_Streamr) December 1, 2022

This is excluding the spin-offs like ‘Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid: Rowley Jefferson’s Journal’, which is also something I’d like to see adapted at one point. They could animate the characters in the style of how Rowley drew them, compared to how the current animation is the 3D version of how Greg drew them in his journals.

I genuinely hope they continue to release one of these a year, beyond The Last Straw as well. Keep them all short, about 50 to 70 minutes each. I wouldn’t mind if they choose to speed up either. The adaptations give them the opportunity to take the best of the books, and improve upon it. It’s content for kids, it’s nostalgia for young adults, and it’s another project in the annual list of Disney+ content.

Final Thoughts

I’d say to give Rodrick Rules a chance even if you didn’t like how the first animation adaptation was. They’ve improved in terms of how they adapt. It feels, in comparison, less of a direct page-to-page adaptation, and adds depth to Greg and Rodrick’s characters. And it’ll only cost you a little over an hour. I had more fun watching this than I did last year, and I’ll be looking forward to another hour of stress-release next year with The Last Straw .

If there are any kids reading this, go use your mom bucks, and get permission to watch this film on Disney+.

Check out the trailer for Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules below:

‘Darby and the Dead’ Review

Streamrzine | issue #5 · december 2, 2022, aarnav gupta.

I'm a Computer Science student, but in love with movies and talking about them.

Recent Posts

• ‘Doctor Who’: “73 Yards” (Review)
• ’The Garfield Movie’ (Review)
• ‘Do The Right Thing’ and Flawed Representation
• ’Bridgerton’ Season 3 Part 1 (Review)
• Netflix Renews ‘3 Body Problem’

Boring Stuff

• Entries feed
• Comments feed
• WordPress.org

© 2024 The Streamr

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Remember Me

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Add New Playlist

- Select Visibility - Public Private

• ‘Deadpool 3’ Project Page
• Entertainment
• Featured Creators
• Privacy Policy
• TV and Streaming

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules Review

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules has taken yet another form with the animated film, now streaming on Disney+. It’s fun, entertaining, and a great watch for families!

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules is a fun and entertaining film that is perfect for the whole family. Wimpy Kid fans will be thrilled to have yet another way to enjoy their favorite moments of the second book. Gorgeously animated and well voice acted, this version of the story might not bring too much that is new, but it certainly is a whole lot of fun to watch. Exploring the relationship between Greg and his brother Rodrick, there are some heartwarming and relatable messages thrown in.

This film focuses heavily on sibling relationships. It starts off with Greg and Rodrick’s parents leaving for the weekend and entrusting them with the house. Rodrick decides to throw a party and locks Greg in the basement during it. With Greg having evidence that he can hang over his head, Rodrick is forced to bond with his brother in order to keep him from telling on him. What follows are a whole lot of hijinks, and sibling bonding — as well as sibling rivilry. This is truly something anyone with a sibling can relate to.

The biggest issue with Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules is the same issue that came with the previous animated film — this is a story that Wimpy Kid fans already know. Sure there are some differences here and there, and seeing it in stunning animation form is lovely, but overall the plot is the same. This means it becomes predictable with no real twists and turns or surprises. However, big Diary of a Wimpy Kid fans will likely be thrilled to have yet another medium they can enjoy. 

For those that are new to the franchise, this is a great story. One that is easy to become invested in, and it certainly helps that it clocks in at just over an hour. The pacing will keep viewers glued to the screen from beginning to end. It is suspenseful, hilarious, and even a bit emotional. Speaking of emotions, there is a lovely tribute to the late Ed Asner, who voices grandpa in the film, at the end. 

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules isn’t perfect, but it is entertaining enough to be more than worth the watch. The humor and relatability for just about everyone is what makes it special. Sure, it might seem like yet another version of the same old thing, but the animation style is unique to the franchise and with such a short length this movie is an easy choice.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules is now streaming on Disney+. 

Rating: 3 out of 5

Next:  brady noon says joining diary of a wimpy kid is a dream come true.

About Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules

The riotous antics of angst-ridden, disaster-prone middle school student Greg Heffley continue in “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules,” focusing this time around on his complicated relationship with older brother Rodrick. A spikey-haired high school student, Rodrick is lazy and undisciplined and spends way too much time practicing with his rock band, Löded Diper. While he loves to torment Greg, he ultimately has a deep affection for his younger brother.

Directed by Luke Cormican (“Teen Titans Go!) and written and produced by Jeff Kinney, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules” features the voices of Brady Noon (“The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers”), Ethan William Childress (“mixed-ish”), Edward Asner (“Up”), Chris Diamantopoulos (“Silicon Valley”), Erica Cerra (“Power Rangers”), and Hunter Dillon (“Deadpool 2”). “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules” features the original song, “Can You Smell Us Now,” written and produced by Jon Levine, with lyrics by Jeff Kinney, and performed by Jimmy Tatro.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules is streaming on Disney+ now.

Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. She is also a Freelance Writer. Tessa has been in the Entertainment writing business for ten years and is a member of several Critics Associations including the Critics Choice Association and the Greater Western New York Film Critics Association.

Comments are closed.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Advertisement

Supported by

‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules’ Review: Oh, Brother

The beloved children’s book series receives another film installment.

• Share full article

By Calum Marsh

The media franchise “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” has a long and storied history and has taken many, many forms. It started in 2004 as a kind of serialized web comic for kids on the educational website Funbrain. Its popularity led to a book deal for the author and illustrator Jeff Kinney, who turned the comics into a best-selling children’s book that combined text with crudely drawn cartoons. The book begot more than a dozen sequels; three spinoffs ; a Children’s Theater Company musical ; and six feature film adaptations, including two different versions based on the original book — one in live action, from 2010 , and one animated, from 2021 . A sequel to the animated one, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules,” streaming on Disney+, is based on the second book. It’s not to be confused with the live-action movie of the same name , from 2011. Got it?

If all that makes this latest “Rodrick Rules” sound a bit redundant, the movie itself does little to suggest otherwise. Of course, none of the earlier “Wimpy Kid” movies were particularly great, but this animated retread, in which the gawky adolescent dweeb Greg (voiced by Brady Noon) must contend with the petulant foibles of his big brother, Rodrick (voiced by Hunter Dillon), feels distinctly insubstantial.

It’s the sort of bland, innocuous trifle that will swiftly recede into the oblivion of a streaming service menu — a comedy without laughs and a family movie without heart, lacking any of the wit or charm of Kinney’s original stories. The director, Luke Cormican, keeps the action in a mild register that feels blandly televisual, hitting episodic beats that have no memorable emphasis. I imagine they’ll keep making these — why stop now? If so, let’s hope they reread the books to remember what made them endearing.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules Rated PG. Running time: 1 hour 14 minutes. Watch on Disney+.

Explore More in TV and Movies

Not sure what to watch next we can help..

“Megalopolis,” the first film from the director Francis Ford Coppola in 13 years, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. Here’s what to know .

Why is the “Planet of the Apes” franchise so gripping and effective? Because it doesn’t monkey around, our movie critic writes .

Luke Newton has been in the sexy Netflix hit “Bridgerton” from the start. But a new season will be his first as co-lead — or chief hunk .

There’s nothing normal about making a “Mad Max” movie, and Anya Taylor-Joy knew that  when she signed on to star in “Furiosa,” the newest film in George Miller’s action series.

If you are overwhelmed by the endless options, don’t despair — we put together the best offerings   on Netflix , Max , Disney+ , Amazon Prime  and Hulu  to make choosing your next binge a little easier.

Sign up for our Watching newsletter  to get recommendations on the best films and TV shows to stream and watch, delivered to your inbox.

Diary Of A Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules review

The kid is all right….

Why you can trust GamesRadar+ Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about our reviews policy.

With its mild moral messages and mid-level movie-making, the second film inspired by writer/ illustrator Jeff Kinney’s popular book series keeps within the well-set constraints of the modern kid-flick. More interested in emotional connections than an overarching plot, it’s episodic and flickers between “reality” and fantasy, as animated interludes bring Kinney’s bold caricatures to life. Much like last year’s Ramona And Beezus, Diary’s narrative is just a patchwork frame for the script’s explorations of both sibling love and sibling rivalry. Zachary Gordon returns as Greg Heffley, the titular student trapped in a series of increasingly mortifying social mishaps. Only this time, he’s forced to hang with his older, rumpled brother Rodrick (Devon Bostick). If any one thing elevates Diary, it’s not Gordon but Bostick’s work as the rock’n’roll Rodrick. In every scene, every line reading, and every bit of facial mugging, Bostick hurls himself into the job with the kind of fervour that suggests no one told him he was actually in a film called Diary Of A Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules. Steve Zahn also gets some nice deadpan moments as the devoted dad overwhelmed by mom Rachael Harris’ smother-mother excesses. Director David Bowers, jumping slightly clumsily from animation (Flushed Away) to (mostly) live action, keeps the film moving, stitching disparate moments into the brotherly bonding arc. Greg Heffley is hardly giving Samuel Johnson a run for his money as a diarist, but Diary offers fans of the books what they want, while offering very little to anyone else.

The Total Film team are made up of the finest minds in all of film journalism. They are: Editor Jane Crowther, Deputy Editor Matt Maytum, Reviews Ed Matthew Leyland, News Editor Jordan Farley, and Online Editor Emily Murray. Expect exclusive news, reviews, features, and more from the team behind the smarter movie magazine. 

Two JRPGs inspired by the classics are doing great on Kickstarter right now – one ended over 750% funded, and the other's fully funded in less than 48 hours

20 years after quitting Bethesda, veteran Morrowind dev returns to the funky RPG to create new mods

Over 50 hours later, one Manor Lords player builds a city so big that "the game is no longer really playable" and even the developer himself is "impressed"

Most Popular

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules – review

K ids in their early teens will enjoy this comedy based on a popular children's comic book about the humiliations and cheering fantasies of a 12-year-old schoolboy in Los Angeles with a quarrelsome elder brother, a little baby brother, a loving but over-solicitous mother and a bewildered father (a rather underused Steve Zahn). It's an episodic film, rather less interesting than its British director David Bowers's earlier work as an animator in Britain and America. His credits include Who Framed Roger Rabbit , The Prince of Egypt , Chicken Run and his feature debut as director, Flushed Away . This brightly lit film was shot by Jack N Green, a cinematographer noted for his mastery of chiaroscuro in such Clint Eastwood pictures as Unforgiven and  Bird .

• Comedy films
• The Observer
• Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Comments (…)

Most viewed.

Common Sense Media

Movie & TV reviews for parents

• For Parents
• For Educators
• Our Work and Impact

Or browse by category:

• Get the app
• Movie Reviews
• Best Movie Lists
• Best Movies on Netflix, Disney+, and More

Common Sense Selections for Movies

50 Modern Movies All Kids Should Watch Before They're 12

• Best TV Lists
• Best TV Shows on Netflix, Disney+, and More
• Common Sense Selections for TV
• Video Reviews of TV Shows

Best Kids' Shows on Disney+

Best Kids' TV Shows on Netflix

• Book Reviews
• Best Book Lists
• Common Sense Selections for Books

8 Tips for Getting Kids Hooked on Books

50 Books All Kids Should Read Before They're 12

• Game Reviews
• Best Game Lists

Common Sense Selections for Games

• Video Reviews of Games

Nintendo Switch Games for Family Fun

• Podcast Reviews
• Best Podcast Lists

Common Sense Selections for Podcasts

Parents' Guide to Podcasts

• App Reviews
• Best App Lists

Social Networking for Teens

Gun-Free Action Game Apps

Reviews for AI Apps and Tools

• YouTube Channel Reviews
• YouTube Kids Channels by Topic

Parents' Ultimate Guide to YouTube Kids

YouTube Kids Channels for Gamers

• Preschoolers (2-4)
• Little Kids (5-7)
• Big Kids (8-9)
• Pre-Teens (10-12)
• Teens (13+)
• Screen Time
• Social Media
• Online Safety
• Identity and Community

Explaining the News to Our Kids

• Family Tech Planners
• Digital Skills
• All Articles
• Latino Culture
• Black Voices
• Asian Stories
• Native Narratives
• LGBTQ+ Pride
• Best of Diverse Representation List

Celebrating Black History Month

Movies and TV Shows with Arab Leads

Celebrate Hip-Hop's 50th Anniversary

Diary of a wimpy kid: rodrick rules, common sense media reviewers.

Kids break rules, face consequences in animated adaptation.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

The film is one of many based on a book series and

Family comes first. Relationships in childhood are

Rodrick isn't nice to Greg and has a pattern of ly

The Heffley family is White. They live in an anony

Characters run into things, fall down, are thrown

Greg's parents go away for the weekend to celebrat

"Dummy," "stupid," "nerd," "I swear," "gee whiz."

The film ties into a book series and other spin-of

Parents need to know that Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules is an animated movie inspired by Jeff Kinney's mega-popular book series (and the follow-up to 2021's Diary of a Wimpy Kid). There's teasing, potty humor, mild taunts ("dummy," "stupid," and "nerd"), and misbehavior from teens and tweens. Rodrick …

Educational Value

The film is one of many based on a book series and could open up conversations about book-to-film adaptations.

Positive Messages

Family comes first. Relationships in childhood are carried over into adulthood. Bad behavior has consequences. Rodrick says "nerd stuff" like apostrophes will "get you beat up at school." He calls cheating merely "gaming the system." Rodrick is a poor student. "Life's not fair."

Positive Role Models

Rodrick isn't nice to Greg and has a pattern of lying and cheating to get what he wants, but he knows when he's gone too far, like reading and sharing parts of Greg's diary. He shows disrespect by throwing a raucous party in his parents' home while they're away. Greg takes some lessons from Rodrick in skirting rules and taking revenge. When he suffers negative consequences for these actions, he seems to learn his lesson. The brothers' parents and grandfather try to support their relationship. The parents also mete out fair consequences for bad behavior. Greg worries Rowley will embarrass him by acting his age around older boys.

Diverse Representations

The Heffley family is White. They live in an anonymous suburb. There are some racially diverse animated characters in the background of scenes.

Did we miss something on diversity? Suggest an update.

Violence & Scariness

Characters run into things, fall down, are thrown out of a house, have things fall on them, and make vomiting noises. Rodrick teases and insults his younger brother, gives him noogies, locks him in the basement, and threatens him. The parents drive crazily to get home quickly, going off-road and vaulting over a ravine. Greg is chased by security guards and elderly women.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Greg's parents go away for the weekend to celebrate their anniversary. The lead singer of Rodrick's band says he's "got the mom vote -- not to brag." Greg is chased in his underwear by a group of elderly women accusing him of being a "peeping Tom."

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

"Dummy," "stupid," "nerd," "I swear," "gee whiz." Rodrick's band is called Löded Diper. Bandmates laugh when "somebody farted."

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Products & Purchases

The film ties into a book series and other spin-off films.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules is an animated movie inspired by Jeff Kinney 's mega-popular book series (and the follow-up to 2021's Diary of a Wimpy Kid ). There's teasing, potty humor, mild taunts ("dummy," "stupid," and "nerd"), and misbehavior from teens and tweens. Rodrick (voiced by Hunter Dillon) and Greg ( Brady Noon ) throw a party while their parents are out of town. Characters fall down, run into things, and drive wildly, but nobody gets injured. Rodrick is generally not nice to little brother Greg, and he teaches him how to lie and cheat. The brothers get caught regularly and face consequences for their actions. Their parents and grandfather try to support their relationship while teaching them life lessons about honesty, duty, and the importance of family. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

Where to Watch

Videos and photos.

Community Reviews

• Parents say (5)
• Kids say (3)

Based on 5 parent reviews

More negative takeaways than positive ones

It shows kids about thow the real world is., what's the story.

Greg (voiced by Brady Noon ) and Rodrick ( Hunter Dillon ) are left home alone for the weekend by their parents (Erica Cerra and Chris Diamantopoulos ) in DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: RODRICK RULES. Rodrick immediately begins planning for a blow-out party with all his friends. Greg is sure his parents would disapprove, but he warms to the chance to be on a team with his brother on something. Of course, as soon as the party starts, Rodrick turns on him and locks him and best friend Rowley (voiced by Ethan Williams Childress) in the basement. The next morning, the parents announce they're coming home early, and Rodrick needs Greg's help to clean up. Greg bargains his help for better treatment from his big brother. And so, the boys begin a back-and-forth of favors and threats to keep the party a secret.

Is It Any Good?

With basic sketches for characters, this series installment remains faithful to the popular original comic in style and substance, but it's missing some of its heart. Sure, Greg and Rodrick admit they'll always be there for each other at the end of the shenanigans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules . And sweet Grandpa Heffley (voiced by Ed Asner , to whose memory the film is dedicated) proudly tells his son he's raising good boys. But Rodrick is extra naughty and disrespectful, and Greg takes a nod or two from him before they get caught. And in the end, they still skirt some parental rules in the name of brotherly solidarity.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about how this film version of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules compares with the book and the earlier film version .

What are the pros and cons of animated versus live-action adaptations of this book series?

Do you think the punishments the mom gives the boys are fair for their actions? Why or why not?

Movie Details

• On DVD or streaming : December 2, 2022
• Cast : Brady Noon , Ethan William Childress , Hunter Dillon
• Director : Luke Cormican
• Studio : Disney+
• Genre : Family and Kids
• Topics : Book Characters , Brothers and Sisters , High School , Middle School
• Run time : 74 minutes
• MPAA rating : NR
• Last updated : July 10, 2023

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Suggest an Update

Our editors recommend.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Movies Based on Books

Books for reluctant readers, related topics.

• Book Characters
• Brothers and Sisters
• High School
• Middle School

Want suggestions based on your streaming services? Get personalized recommendations

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules (2011)

• User Reviews
• www.moviexclusive.com

Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews

• User Ratings
• External Reviews
• Metacritic Reviews
• Full Cast and Crew
• Release Dates
• Official Sites
• Company Credits
• Filming & Production
• Technical Specs
• Plot Summary
• Plot Keywords
• Parents Guide

Did You Know?

• Crazy Credits
• Alternate Versions
• Connections
• Soundtracks

Photo & Video

• Photo Gallery
• Trailers and Videos

Related Items

• External Sites

Related lists from IMDb users

Recently Viewed