Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2: Rodrick Rules

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Since we last met our hero, Greg, he's learnt some valuable life lessons and is delighted to no longer be amongst the newbies at his school. But the cheeky youngster and his best mate Rowley are still struggling to infiltrate the popular kid gang - while he also takes a particular shine to a girl that has just joined his class. Meanwhile, Greg and his brother, Roderick, are being forced to bond by their overbearing, but well-meaning mother.

A simple film that won't vex even those kids that think glue is a viable sandwich filling; the animated inserts are the only things to really differentiate this production from something on a kiddie cable network. Even then they're not exactly stretching themselves. Regardless, this is a lesser film than the first modest effort, and the lack of plot isn't substituted with as warm a message. Sure, you should be nice to your brother, but Greg's hyper older sibling is in desperate need of a slap and he'll grate even the most patient viewer.

Of the youngsters, Robert Capron's Rowley is still the most natural performer, while lead Gordon is at his best when addressing the camera. But the young actor does that less this time out and the shenanigans that take place between him and his brother are neither fun nor amusing.

A decent enough distraction for the squirts who are fans of the books or the first film, it's still lacking the fun factor.