Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul Parent Guide
This latest entry in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid franchise is aptly named The Long Haul.
Parent Movie Review
Anyone watching this latest entry in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid franchise will have to admit it is aptly named, because getting through it (even though the runtime is only 91 minutes) feels like a Long Haul. Trading in the cast that starred in the first three films (Dairy of a Wimpy Kid, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules and Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days) for younger models, Jason Drucker now plays Greg Heffley, the journal keeper.
This tale picks up just as the family prepares for a long drive to attend the 90th birthday of Meemaw (Mimi Gould). Sadly, the only one looking forward to the party and extended family reunion is Mom (Alicia Silverstone)—until Greg realizes they will be traveling near the location of a video game convention that he would love to attend. Using a little stealth, the tween boy figures he can sneak away from the gathering and return before anyone even knows he’s gone.
With this ulterior motive, Greg straps on his seatbelt ready to endure the four-day journey. And that’s when Mom launches her next unpleasant surprise. Hoping for some family bonding time, she has decided the holiday will be tech-free. As expected, she meets with flak from her oldest son Rodrick (Charlie Wright) and her cranky toddler Manny (Dylan and Wyatt Walters). But even Dad (Tom Everett Scott) really isn’t committed to handing over his devices. After being forced to comply, plus accept mom’s hand-packed lunch full of nutritious snacks, the Heffley men hit the freeway, certain things cannot get any worse.
Of course, they’re wrong. From beginning to end, this road trip features one disaster after another. Highlights include adopting a pet pig, vomiting on an amusement park ride, being attacked by birds, getting stuck in the mud, and offending another family that then follows the Heffleys with angry threats. Slapstick kerfuffles, along with diaper and bathroom gags are abundant. And so are the lies the characters tell one another.
Unfortunately, none of the silly antics are very funny. Nor do they ever feel authentic. Gone is the charm that occasionally glimmered in some of the earlier adventures in this franchise. And although the script does eventually attempt to redeem itself with scenes of reconciliation and teamwork, it just feels like too little, too late. So, unless you’re an avid fan of the movies, or book series by Jeff Kinney upon which the script is based, you might want to steer clear of this Heffley vacation.
Directed by David Bowers. Starring Alicia Silverstone, Tom Everett Scott, Juan Gaspard . Running time: 91 minutes. Theatrical release May 19, 2017. Updated August 8, 2017About author
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul
Rating & Content Info
Why is Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul rated PG? Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul is rated PG by the MPAA for some rude humor.
Violence:
Slapstick antics are pervasive in this script about family discord. A character is frequently mocked and shamed in a video that goes viral on social media. Characters lie to one another, including a father who doesn’t tell his employer that he is taking time off work. Parents bribe their children. A man operates a van while being distracted by a phone, his children, a pet and other commotions within the vehicle: Near car accidents occur. Prankster kids get reprimanded by a police officer. Rats and cockroaches are seen in a shabby hotel. Birds attack people and they get covered in droppings. A van gets stuck and splatters mud all over a group of characters. Luggage falls off the back of a trailer causing road hazards. A boat trailer falls of the hitch of a moving vehicle while a person is aboard the vessel. Characters steal, break and enter and make threats to others. Mild property damage occurs.
Sexual Content:
The movie is full of crude bathroom humor, including diapers, smelly bowel movements, urinating into a bottle (with sound effects), and eavesdropping on a stranger using the bathroom.
Mild sexual innuendo is heard. A character gets sick and his vomit lands on another man’s face. Women are seen in revealing clothing. A boy is seen wearing only his underwear. A mom shows off pictures of her naked babies.
Profanity:
Terms of deity are used as expletives. Sexual slurs and name-calling occurs.
Alcohol / Drug Use:
None noted.
Page last updated August 8, 2017
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul Parents' Guide
Did you notice how many lies are told in this movie? What does Greg lie about? What secrets does Roderick keep? Why does Dad conspire with the boys about using his cell phone and computer? How many of their problems might they have been able to solve if they had just told the truth? How does the script use their dishonesty to create humor in the story?
Mom is desperate to have her boys put down their devices. Why? Do you have sympathy for her concerns about the way technology is eroding their family time? While she wants her older sons to break their addictions, what habit does she allow little Manny to continue? Why does her husband feel differently about these restrictions? What problems arise because of their lack of unity on these matters?
How would your family do if they had to go without devises for a whole week?
News About "Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul"
This movie is based on a book series by Jeff Kinney.
Home Video
The most recent home video release of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul movie is August 8, 2017. Here are some details…
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul releases to home video (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD) on August 8, 2017.
Related home video titles:
Cautionary tales about lying are found in Pinocchio and Little Secrets. Better family relations are depicted in the movie Ramona and Beezus.
This movie is a sequel to Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days and Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules.
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