Blu-Ray Review – Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days

Blu-ray Reviews

The Diary of a Wimpy Kid phenomena continues on, proving that wimpy kids finish first (and that kids actually read). For years, the series by Jeff Kinney has been wildly successful with young boys – a demographic that typically shies away from reading – who relate to the main character Greg Heffley and his daily mishaps. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days is the third film in the franchise, and based on the third and fourth books which take place over the awkward summer between the 7th and 8th grades.

It’s the last day of seventh grade, and Greg (Zachary Gordon) is consumed with getting the phone number of the beautiful Holly (Peyton List) before school gets out for the summer. But the bell rings as she is writing her phone number in his yearbook and she doesn’t finish, leaving Greg to his own devices to track down his crush. But first, as with every seventh grade boy, Greg’s priority is video games, which his dad despises.

Greg’s summer consists of several notable incidents, including an incredibly boring vacation with Rowley’s family, but largely focuses on the conflict and relationship between him and his father. Greg’s father Frank (Steve Zahn) expects a lot from his son, but Greg can’t seem to measure up.

The Diary of a Wimpy Kid movies and books are targeted at the tween audience, and always fare extremely well. For family movie night, you can do no better than to watch these movies with your tween and be able to see life from their perspective. Often it has been too long and parental gear kicks in too much for parents to really remember just how horrible growing up can be.

The video and audio quality of this Blu-ray release don’t seem too much more superior to the DVD copy included in the combo pack. Too bad, especially considering how proud the studio seems of its Blu-ray and 3D releases given by the two separate commercials included.

The extras are pretty hefty though, and are plenty to satisfy the kid fans of the Wimpy Kid series. Deleted scenes with optional commentary by the director include scenes taken straight from the books that kids will recognize. The Class Clown and the FX Movie Channel Presents: Wimpy Empire featurettes are both engrossing for kids and parents. The latter was my favorite, and featured author Jeff Kinney (and creator of kid friendly website Poptropica) at home with his kids. A five minute Gag Reel is also included, which is always a kid favorite. An optional commentary by director David Bowers rounds out the extras.

Trailers include: Parental Guidance, Ice Age: Continental Drift, Chasing Maverick, and Crooked Arrows

20th Century Fox presents Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days. Directed by: David Bowers. Starring: Zachary Gordon, Robert Capron, Steve Zahn, Rachael Harris, Peyton List. Written by: Maya Forbes, Wallace Wolordarsky, based on the books by Jeff Kinney. Running time: 94 minutes. Rating: PG. Released: December 18, 2012. Available at Amazon.com.

Jenny is proud to be the First Lady of Inside Pulse Movies. She gives female and mommy perspective, and has two kids who help with rating family movies. (If they don't like 'em, what's the point?) She prefers horror movies to chick flicks, and she can easily hang with the guys as long as there are several frou-frou girlie drinks to be had.