Diary of a Wimpy Kid Review

Messages: The biggest message of the story is what Greg's mother tells him: "It's our choices that make us who we are," meaning that even when we've messed up or failed, we still have an opportunity to choose to ask for forgiveness or to change. Rowley and Greg's friendship shows how important it is for friendships to be unconditional, regardless of how "popular" the other person seems to be, and how it's not OK to lie to your friend and let him get punished for something you did.

Role models: Rowley isn't a perfect role model, but he's an example of someone who is just himself and doesn't try so hard to be popular, like Greg does (unsuccessfully). Same goes for Angie, who is comfortable being different and doesn't worry about how often she's in the yearbook. Rowley's also a loyal and sweet friend until Greg betrays him and hurts his feelings. Greg shows kids that it's important to own up to your mistakes and to value your friends.

Violence: A trio of teens bullies and menaces Greg and Rowley, obviously trying to hurt them. After evading them on several occasions, the bullies catch up to them and force Rowley to do something really gross. Rodrick threatens to kill Greg. A girl taunts and wrestles Greg and later beats him up in front of the whole school.

Sex: Rodrick has a (fictional) magazine called "Moto Mamas" which seems to be a skin mag of scantily clad women on motorcycles -- only the cover is shown. One middle-school boy is shown walking hand in hand with girls. Greg says he heard girls say a boy has a "cute butt." A few quick glimpses of kids sitting on toilets or peeing (no nudity, obviously).

Language: Frequently said insults include "dumb," "moron," "stupid," "clueless," "jerk," "tool," "idiot," "freakjob," and of course, "wimp." A couple uses of "crap" and "God" as an exclamation. The word "freakin'" is also said a few times. Also several scatalogical references to snot, boogers, and farting.

Consumerism: Nintendo's Wii console is mentioned and shown, as well as the video game Wii Play.

Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue