OK for kids 9+
More Wimpy Kid fun mixed with worthy messages, potty humor.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that the third adaptation in the series of movies based on Jeff Kinney's phenomenally popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid books is, like its two predecessors, full of the kind of physical and scatological comedy that tweens love. Language includes standard insults like "loser" and "jerk," and the violence is of the humorous ball-in-the-groin variety, with one potential jump scene when an adult scares kids during a campout. Parents wary of bathroom humor should know there are many jokes about pee, farts, boogers, dog spit, etc. There's a brief glimpse at a boy sitting on the toilet and an extended men's locker room sequence in which a lead character tries to avoid looking at all the fat, hairy, and shirtless men toweling off or taking showers. Overall, the movie (like the book) has a sweet message about father-son bonding and being honest.
- Families can talk about how the various parent-child relationships are portrayed in Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days. Which parents are more believable -- the Heffleys or the Jeffersons? How does the relationship between Greg and his dad change?
- Why are movies aimed at tween boys filled with so much potty humor? Are the fart and booger jokes necessary? Do girls like this kind of humor, too?
- Rowley is a fiercely loyal friend to Greg, but is Greg always a good friend to Rowley? What does Greg do to redeem himself to Rowley?
- Fans of the books: How does the movie compare to the Dog Days novel? Which characters were different or new? Did you like the changes?
The good stuff
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Messages: Alongside the many examples of misguided teen behavior, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days has several positive messages about family, friendship, and even early romantic relationships. Greg tends to tell lies big and small to try to get his way, but Rowley and Holly help him realize that it's more important to be true to yourself than to tell lies to try and impress people.
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Role models: Holly and Rowley are great kid role models. While Holly is pretty enough to be a "mean girl," she's not. She's kind to everyone and abhors her older sister's diva-ish behavior. Rowley is never afraid to be exactly who he is -- a sweet, obedient boy who loves his parents and shows it. Despite his initial lies, Greg learns from his mistakes and apologizes to his father and Rowley. Greg and his father grow closer by being honest about their interests.
What to watch for
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Violence: Some humorous slapstick: During a doubles tennis match, Greg and Rowley are hit in various places with an aggressively served tennis ball. They double over in pain as they're hit in the stomach and the groin. Greg has a bag full of ants crawl on him during a camping trip. During a scary campfire story, a counselor jumps out of the darkness and scares the kids.
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Sex: Greg has a crush on Holly and stares at and tries to flirt with her. They end up holding hands. Rodrick fancies Holly's older sister, Heather. While it's not sexual, there's an extended scene in a men's locker room in which Greg sees many half-dressed men taking a shower (no nudity, but their big, hairy chests and stomachs are on display). Greg is shown sitting on the toilet (no nudity).
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Language: Like the books and the previous movies, language is mostly insults like "idiot," "loser," "shut up," "midgets," "jerk," and "freak." There's also a good bit of potty and scatological humor. References to farts, boogers, and dog spit are common.
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Consumerism: Apple's MacBook Pro is displayed and used in a few scenes. Video game consoles and the Sony PSP are shown (and played). A couple of cars, like the Volvo station wagon and a Jeep, are driven by parents. Greg eats a snack of Coke and Utz potato chips.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Funny For All by dancestar 1
My ten year-old wanted to go see it and I had to be talked into going. Had a bad day, then saw this movie that made me laugh. It's has old school predictions, but sometimes that's all you need. Glad I went to see it.
4
Kid Safe And Funny To Grownups Too. by Alon Patterson
Usually, the audience for these sort of movies is confined to the ten to fourteen year old boy crowd. No so here. In fact, consistently, the "Wimpy Kid" movies have not only been kid safe but filled with real comedy. Of course, this is in addition to the gross out stuff reserved exclusively for the kids. I doubt there's a man out there who can't identify with the "Greg" character here on some level, as we've all experienced at least one or more of his "growing pains." If you're looking for a "good" movie that's safe for the kids and one the big guys can enjoy too, this is your ticket. See it. You won't be disappointed.
5
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Dog Day by Sharon2419
I took my granddaughter age 8. She has read several of the books and seen the 3 movies. She said, I liked this one best of the 3. I enjoyed the fun also and we shared some belly laughs. Well done.
Grandma in Belmont
5
Very funny! by lpka
I thought this one was the best of the three!It was really funny and my kids want to see it again! The acting was great!The kids in the film are great comedic actors
5
MUST SEE!!!!! by tylcal2
This movie was another great diary of a wimpy kid movie. Nice to see there are still wholesome, kid-friendly movies out there not only for the kids to enjoy but the parents too!!!!
4
Diary of a Wmpy Kid: Dog Days by Beth63
I took my 10 year old daughter and she laughed through the whole thing. I really enjoyed this movie. I was surprised. I thought it was going to be a silly kids movie but it actually had some life lessons in it. True friendship and forgiveness. How parents aren't always mad but we do get disappointed sometimes. I don't know that the kids would pick up on what I did.
I really enjoyed it. I didn't look at my watch at all to see how much time was left. You know it's good when it starts and all of a sudden it's done. It really was an enjoyable film. I would see it again.
5
Just love these movies! by falauri
Me and my son love these movies, so cute. Such great characters, we escpecially love Rodrick. The older brother is so naturally funny. One of our favorite scenes was the 2 boys and 2 girls playing tennis. Real belly laughing going on. You just hat that the movie has to come to an end. Keeps you wanting more! Great family film to go see! Can't wait until Diary of a Wimpy Kid #4.
5
Nothing wimpy about this movie! by chezdoodler
The movie was hysterical from beginning to end. For once as a parent, I didn't flinch at language or lack of clothes in a kids movie! Great movie for the family! :) REALLY enjoyed it! Wish they made more movies that is 100% for the KIDS! Movies can be good without swearing and 3/4 naked people!
4
Funniest So Far by daffycathy
I've seen all the movies of this series so far and this one is my favorite by far. I found the others mildly enjoyable, but I laughed consistently throughout this one. Your kids should love it. I brought my nephews and they were cracking up along with me.
5
Super Hilarious even for the Parents! by mickeywest
I must admit, I so dreaded to go to this movie. However, my kids were dying to see it. I can honestly say, my husband and I laughed more than the kids! The movie was very entertaining and I'm glad that we didnt' miss out.