This latest in a series of adaptations of Jeff Kinney’s comic books about mopey youngster Greg Heffley (Zachary Gordon) is slightly better than its predecessors – although it’s still the same disjointed fluff about an aloof American middle-class kid with a bunch of hang-ups.
This third film centres on Greg’s (Zachary Gordon) desire to spend the summer lazing by a pool with his pal (Robert Capron), his strained relationship with his jovial but awkward father (Steve Zahn) and his hankering after a blonde airhead (Peyton List). Once again Greg’s older, bullying brother (Devon Bostick), provides the only real laughs. Kinney’s graphic novellas are humorously illustrated and perceptive, so it’s a shame that Hollywood felt the need to pander to baser instincts by turning them into a series of live action films that bear little relationship to the world on the page. Derek Adams
Length: 105 minutes
Year of production: 2012
Director: David Bowers
Cast: Steve Zahn, Devon Bostick, Peyton List, Zachary Gordon
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