She just wants her boys to get along.
You know, hang out, and like each other.

At most she wants them to be. . . . .Friends.

At least she would like them both to survive adolescence so that their children can have Uncles.

Is that too much to ask?

Well. . . . . . . .

Maybe.

The Wimpy Kid Cast, adapted from the popular book series, Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney,  is back and with a new array of problems.  The second movie installment, titled the same as the book, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules, proves to be entertaining.

The preteen hero, Greg Heffley (Zachary Gordon) returns to the 7th grade feeling like he’s on top of the world, no longer carrying around the cheese touch and having a good handle on Middle School, is dealt a new hand in misery.

1.) He’s fallen in “like” with the new perfect girl in town Holly Hills (Peyton List). And of course, he doesn’t know how to deal with it.

2.) His mother Susan Heffley (Rachel Harris) is determined to help her boys bond. And of course, they. ain’t. so. willing.

3.) He still has an older brother Rodrick (Devon Bostick), who is problematic. Problem 1: Rodrick is trying to kill Greg. Not really. He just wants Greg to wish he were dead.

Common predicaments of a Wimpy 12 year old, 7th Grader.

Or any seventh grader for that matter.

No big shocks, no big surprises, but full of laughs and feel good moments.  The director, David Bowers,  fashions the beginning of the movie into some crazy 70’s sitcom flashback.  It had my 10 year daughter rolling with laughter.  As the movie progresses, it’s full of predictable scenarios and outcomes.   A new pretty girl is introduced, and Greg is falling all over himself trying to get noticed. He and Rodrick are not getting along, and are left alone for a weekend to work it out. . . .and what do you know. . . .they throw a party.  Mom and Dad return home unannounced, but not before Rodrick and Greg frantically clean up the disheveled house.

While I didn’t find the second movie as funny as the first, I left feeling entertained, sated, and delighted that all was well in the ever imperfect Heffley family.

Was it a little bit corny?  Maybe.

Was Rodrick Heffley the scariest big brother ever? At times.

Did sibling love and wimpyness prevail and conquer all?  Definitely.

Charming is the word that I would use to describe this movie.  Go see it, and enjoy hearing giggles abound from your favorite kid’s lips. You’ll probably find yourself chuckling a bit too.