Cast
View AllBrady Noon
as Greg Heffley (voice)
Ethan William Childress
as Rowley Jefferson (voice)
Hunter Dillon
as Rodrick Heffley (voice)
Erica Cerra
as Susan Heffley (voice)
Chris Diamantopoulos
as Frank Heffley (voice)
Ed Asner
as Grandpa Heffley (voice)
Linda Lavin
as Barb (voice)
Loretta Devine
as Irene (voice)
Priscilla Lopez
as Merle (voice)
Nathan Arenas
as Mackie (voice)
Albert Tsai
as Drew (voice)
Hudson Yang
as Larry (voice)
Jimmy Tatro
as Bill (voice)
Kimberly Brooks
as News Anchor (voice)
Gracen Newton
as Manny (voice)
Crew
Director
- Luke Cormican
Producer
- Jeff Kinney
Reviews
r96sk
They just keep making these, eh? Not good when one is somewhat of a completionist when it comes to franchises.
<em>'Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules'</em> is at least a minor improvement on the original animated flick from a year prior. The run time is nice and short so doesn't really overly stay its welcome, naturally (given I'm obviously not the target audience etc.) it was a bit boring throughtout for me. I can still acknowledge it's a relatively OK film, though.
The voice cast aren't anything worth shouting from the rooftops about, perhaps with the exception of a certain Ed Asner. It shows how the live-action films from this series actually did do a good job with its casting, because I still always associate the characters here to Zachary Gordon & Co. - despite only seeing those movies once or twice.
I'm split on the animation style. On the one hand it looks dull, yet kinda still works. I remember the 2021 release had some overt continuity issues onscreen, as well as a few audio problems. This one doesn't, at least none of which I noticed, so that's a plus point, I guess!
Jul 24, 2024
Thematic Analysis
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules represents a fascinating example of Animation/Comedy/Family cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Luke Cormican brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2022, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules took approximately 16 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 74 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 122 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 14 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2022, when this film is released:
- Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Forrest Gump, which focuses more on action than character development, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like King Kong vs. Godzilla and The Rules of Attraction explore similar territory, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 2, 2022
- Runtime: 1h 14m
Where to Watch
