Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules

Much like the original, this is a passable and laid-back sitcom episode writ large, with not enough substance to sustain a feature length film leading to a second act turn into the third act that is rendered to a clunky series of episodic incidents rather than anything approaching a coherent narrative (probably by design as a babysitter movie, or at least one to drone on in the background). It’s still likable enough within its parameters, with relatively low-key performances by its kids and adults ensuring it doesn’t escalate to pantomime (though Harris skirts awfully close) – nice to have a kids movie that doesn’t need to end with the HOME ALONE-ing of any of its antagonists.