In yesterday’s post, I mentioned that I had attended a press junket for Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules that will be in theaters beginning this Friday (3/25). I focused that post on Jeff Kinney simply because I found him to be both easygoing and inspirational – a combination that I really like. (Update: Michael already finished the Wimpy Kid book that Jeff signed and sent him!) Anwyay, while at the junket, I was also able to see the movie and to be a part of a roundtable with the child stars of the movie – Zachary Gordon (Greg Heffley), Robert Capron (Rowley) and Devon Bostick (Rodrick).
The Movie
I’ll start with the movie. It’s hard for me to write about something without totally spilling everything that happens, so I’ll keep this brief. Basically, the film is about three brothers, but it primarily focuses on the relationship between the middle brother (Greg) and the oldest brother (Rodrick). The boys mess with each other so much that their mom (Susan) comes up with a plan to help them bond – it involves money in exchange for time spent together. As a mom, I could relate to the mother character in so many ways. One of the biggest desires of my heart is for my two sons to grow up as best friends. That is why I prayed for a second son – I wanted them to have each other. So far, they are very close…but then again, they are just 4 and 7. I think that it would break my heart if they grew up and had a hostile relationship. Like the mom in the movie, I would probably come up with some of my own cockamamie ideas to bring peace!
The rest of the movie kind of revolves around the results of the mom’s little experiment. Will the boys bond by spending more time together? Will they end up disliking each other even more? Or maybe, the answer falls somewhere in the middle. For the answer, you will have to see the movie for yourself. I think that parents (if just for the crazy dancing mom scene alone!) as well as kids will enjoy this movie that reinforces the importance of family bonds. If you haven’t seen it already, here’s the trailer for the movie:
The Cast
The guys (Zachary-13; Robert -12; and Devon -19) were really sweet and fun. Robert, who is from Rhode Island, was especially bubbly – much like his character in the movie. Zachary, who lives in California, had the most challenging set of auditions, but it’s obvious that they made the right pick. (Jeff Kinney had also mentioned that the Greg character was very difficult to find because they had to find a kid who could be a bit of a jerk but was also likeable.) It was also neat to realize that Zachary does the voice for Gils in “Bubble Guppies”, one of Sean’s favorite new shows.
As far as Toronto-based Devon, it was clear that he was a real find. He is so handsome and charismatic that I wouldn’t be surprised if he becomes a major teen heartthrob. I could see him in some “Twilight” type movie. Most of all, he is talented…and I’m not just talking about the great job that he does in this movie. He is only 19, but he has already been acting professionally for nine years now – including performing in the theater and art films as well as mainstream movies. In addition, he is a writer who is currently working on a movie about bike cops.
I love that all three of the young men were so articulate, grounded and enjoying themselves. I really hope that they remain that way. Each of them also did a great job with their respective roles. I definitely encourage you to go and see this movie. You won’t be disappointed.
(Post images courtesy of Fox)