Even the gags we've all seen before are handled so deftly you almost forget how ancient they are.
75
Boston GlobeTom Russo
Boston GlobeTom Russo
Credit Bowers and company, finally, for making some good calls about where to follow the leads furnished to them by the book and the first movie, and where to get creative.
In the lead, Gordon has the wide-eyed appeal of a young Matthew Broderick: He looks nothing like Kinney's crudely rendered cartoon character.
50
Orlando SentinelRoger Moore
Orlando SentinelRoger Moore
It just takes a very long time to get going. Apparently seventh grade doesn't pack as much potential for amusing, scarred-for-life trauma as sixth grade.
The sequel, Diary Of A Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules, isn't motivated to change the formula in the least, but it's ever-so-slightly more palatable, if only for being less of a total spazz.
50
Chicago TribuneMichael Phillips
Chicago TribuneMichael Phillips
I didn't laugh much, nor did my 10-year-old companions, but nobody had their soul crushed by the experience. This is the film industry's Hippocratic oath: First, crush no souls.
42
Tampa Bay TimesSteve Persall
Tampa Bay TimesSteve Persall
Nothing to skip school over but at least it's not in 3-D. No sense in paying an extra ticket charge for something belonging on TV, anyway.
40
The Hollywood ReporterKirk Honeycutt
The Hollywood ReporterKirk Honeycutt
This time, tedium sets in early and never loosens its grip. The gags are obvious, predictable and dull.