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REVIEW: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days

The third installment, based on Jeff Kinney's popular series, goes to the dogs.

By: Sarah Bauder
Published: August 6th, 2012 in Culture » Film » Reviews
Rowley, Greg and Holly in Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days

Based on the popular illustrated books, Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney, this is the third film in the franchise. Where the previous two movies were smart, fresh well-executed young adult comedies, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days, stumbles a bit. Perhaps the sweltering summer heat slightly pickled the creative juices, but who’s to know really.

In this installment, 7th grade has ended, summer vacation commenced, and our hero, Greg Heffley (played for a third time by the excellent Zachary Gordon) has two things in mind: 1) playing video games, and 2) winning the affections of classmate, Holly Hills (Peyton List). However much to Greg’s chagrin, his dad played by a still-boyish Steve Zahn, wants him to spend the summer outside, doing outside things.

The Fates intervene, when Greg’s best friend Rowley, invites him to his parents country club. Not only does Holly teach the little kiddies there how to play tennis, Greg gets a taste of how the Quality live. He tells his father he got a job there, subsequently getting Pops off his back, and is able to spend his days lounging by a near empty pool, drinking smoothies to his heart’s content. However, Greg has a penchant for lying his way out of situations, and subsequently disappointing those around him, and that’s where things become formulaic for the three movies.

There are plenty of awkward moments, some humorous ones as well; many thanks to Zahn, and things resolve themselves in the end. For what it is, a young adult comedy, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days, is light-hearted, fun summer fare.

Related articles: Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Dog Days, Zachary Gordon, Greg, Holly, Rowley, Steve Zahn, Jeff Kinney, Review, Film Review, Kid's movie, summer movie
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