by Michael R.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days (2012)
Rated PG, 1 hour 34 minutes
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days is a comedy film that continues to follow the humorous adventures of middle-schooler Greg Heffley as he navigates the challenges and mishaps of summer vacation. The film begins with Greg Heffley looking forward to summer vacation. He plans to spend his break playing video games and lounging around, but his father, Frank, has other ideas. Frank encourages Greg to step away from technology and spend more time outdoors. Greg’s best friend, Rowley Jefferson, invites him to his family’s country club for the summer. Greg sees this as an opportunity to enjoy his summer luxuriously, but his father dislikes the idea. Instead, he insists that the family will have a “staycation,” which involves spending the summer at home. Throughout the summer, Greg’s plans for relaxation are continually spoiled. His father encourages him to bond with his younger brother, Manny, by taking him to the local amusement park, where Greg ends up stuck on a terrifying ride. Greg also tries to get a job to earn money but discovers that employment comes with its own set of problems. Greg’s attempts at making money include participating in a lawn care service, offering dog-walking services, and working at a public pool. Each job results in funny mishaps and Greg’s eventual dismissal. Greg’s family goes on a camping trip to the wilderness. Unaccustomed to outdoor life, the trip is filled with challenges and humorous situations, including Greg’s failed attempts at catching fish and dealing with mosquitoes. The movie also explores Greg’s attempts to impress Holly Hills, his classmate that he has a crush on. He tries to win her over by attending the local country club, but he ends up embarrassing himself in front of her. Meanwhile, Greg and Rowley have a falling out when Greg refuses to invite him to the country club. The two friends drift apart, and Greg spends more time with his classmate Fregley as a result. As the summer progresses, Greg realizes that while he may not have had the vacation he envisioned, he has made memories and learned valuable life lessons about family, friendship, and the importance of trying new things. The film ends with Greg looking forward to the start of the new school year, where he can share his summer experiences in his journal. Overall, this was a great film that I would highly recommend to families as it teaches children the importance of family and friendships.