It was only last year that Diary of a Wimpy Kid hit theaters to mild success. Based on the popular book series by Jeff Kinney, the film is about middle school student Greg Heffley’s (Zachary Gordon) attempt to become popular.  In some aspects, it’s a coming of age story, even if that age is only 12.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules continues Greg’s adventure through middle school with 7th grade. It’s another new year and another opportunity to make an impression. Unfortunately, he is constantly tormented by his older brother, Rodrick (Devon Bostick) who manages to ruin just about any chance he has with the new student in class, Holly Hills (Peyton R. List). To make matters worse, mom has stepped in and created the “Mom Bucks” program that forces Greg and Rodrick to spend time with each other. We’ll see how long that’s able to last.

I’m sure everyone has memories of middle school, both good and bad ones. Rodrick Rules successfully captures that essence of being the kid who’s not part of the popular crowd but not exactly unpopular either. They’re sort of stuck in the middle, going through school unnoticed. Greg is always trying to find new ways to make a name for himself, whether that’s trying to become the latest viral video on YouTube or trying to impress Holly. Things always seem to go wrong for him at the worst moments though. For every step forward, he takes about three steps backward.

Much of that can be attributed to his brother Rodrick. We all know how older brothers can be, especially at that age. If you don’t, then consider yourself lucky. Rodrick likes messing with Greg just because it’s fun. The two do manage to bond a bit over the course of the film so everything isn’t so bad.

That being said, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules is much like the first film. It’s good, clean fun that’ll keep your kids entertained and even has a good lesson or two hidden within the context. There are some moments that take themselves too seriously and others that simply feel out of place. Getting past the fact that Ke$ha is even considered a musician, having a 12 year old lip sing about getting tipsy and brushing their teeth with Jack doesn’t seem like the brightest of ideas and not a great way to attract an older audience. Tastes in music aside, Rodrick Rules will have you laughing and reminiscing of the times where sibling rivalry reigned supreme. 

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