🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: David Bowers
- Genre: Comedy, Family
- Release year: 2011
- Runtime (length): 1h 40min
- IMDb rating: 6.4/10 (82k votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 47%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Two brothers try to navigate middle school and their dysfunctional family while causing as much chaos as humanly possible, fueled by Mom Bucks and questionable talent show acts.
🍿 Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Starting Seventh Grade
Greg Heffley is starting seventh grade, hoping to leave behind the embarrassing moments of the previous year. He still deals with middle school struggles, including trying to be popular and navigating his complicated relationship with his older brother, Rodrick. His family goes to the roller rink where Greg develops a crush on Holly Hills.

Mom Bucks and Sibling Rivalry
Greg and Rodrick’s constant fighting leads their mom, Susan, to implement a ‘Mom Bucks’ system, rewarding them for getting along. This only exacerbates their rivalry initially. Rodrick continues to torment Greg, leading to various embarrassing situations for the younger Heffley.

The House Party
When their parents leave for the weekend, Rodrick throws a massive party at their house. Greg initially disapproves, but eventually gets involved, trying to impress Holly Hills. The party gets out of control, and they have to work together to clean up before their parents return, leading to an uneasy truce.

Talent Show
Rodrick’s band, Löded Diper, is set to perform at the school talent show, but he gets grounded after their parents discover the truth about the party. Greg, despite their issues, helps Rodrick get to the talent show and perform, showing a sense of brotherly loyalty.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Greg Heffley (Zachary Gordon): The wimpy kid navigating middle school while dealing with his older brother and embarrassing family situations.
- Rodrick Heffley (Devon Bostick): Greg’s mischievous older brother who loves to torment him but also shows glimpses of brotherly affection.
- Rowley Jefferson (Robert Capron): Greg’s loyal but sometimes awkward best friend who often gets caught up in his schemes.
- Susan Heffley (Rachael Harris): Greg and Rodrick’s well-meaning but often clueless mother who tries to force them to bond.
- Frank Heffley (Steve Zahn): Greg’s dad, who has an interest in Civil War history.
- Holly Hills (Peyton List): The new girl in school who becomes Greg’s crush and a source of both attraction and competition.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Rodrick: “Dude, you’re gonna get so busted!” – Rodrick says this frequently when Greg is about to get in trouble, highlighting their sibling dynamic.
- Greg: “I’m not sure what’s worse: being the most unpopular kid in middle school, or being related to Rodrick.” – Greg expresses his frustration with his older brother, capturing the theme of sibling rivalry.
- Susan Heffley: “This family is going to start spending quality time together, even if I have to hogtie you all to the minivan!” – Susan’s desperation to get her sons to bond leads to comically extreme measures.
- Rowley: “It’s okay, Greg. I’m sure they’ll find your underwear.” – Rowley’s oblivious but supportive nature is showcased after Greg is embarrassed at the retirement home.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $21,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $52,698,535
- Worldwide Gross: $72,526,996
💥 Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules Reviews
Personal Review
I absolutely loved this movie! Growing up with siblings, I found the portrayal of Greg and Rodrick’s relationship hilariously relatable. The house party scene was chaotic and laugh-out-loud funny. I was constantly laughing. Seeing their eventual bond form made it a feel-good movie too. This is one of my favorites to re-watch!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid book series”
- “Families looking for a light-hearted comedy”
- “Middle schoolers and young teens”
- “Anyone who enjoys movies about sibling relationships”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Mildly crude humor”
- “Some bullying themes”
- “Sibling rivalry and pranks”
Professional Reviews
- Common Sense Media: “Despite some crude humor, ‘Rodrick Rules’ focuses on sibling relationships, offering a relatable and entertaining experience for families. The movie has its funny moments, but overall it’s an above average film. The two main characters are well-acted and it is worth seeing.
- Movie Reviewer: “This movie is better than the first one. This movie is more memorable and enjoyable I think and has more too it with more development with the characters from the first film. The jokes, humour and scenarios are more elaborate and funny. The plot is focused on the brotherly love
- Cinema Fan: “While the first film had charm, ‘Rodrick Rules’ kicks it up a notch with more elaborate pranks and a stronger focus on the Heffley family dynamic. Bostick shines as Rodrick, and the soundtrack adds to the fun. Overall enjoyable with plenty of funny scenes.
Audience Reactions
The talent show scene was a hilarious highlight, with Rodrick’s band stealing the show.: Many viewers loved the focus on the brotherly relationship and found it relatable and heart-warming.
Devon Bostick’s portrayal of Rodrick was praised for its comedic timing and energy.: Fans agreed that this sequel improved upon the first movie, offering a funnier and more engaging experience.
Overall Consensus: A funnier and more engaging sequel that focuses on sibling relationships, providing a relatable and entertaining family movie experience.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Devon Bostick, who plays Rodrick, actually learned to play the drums for the film, giving his character’s band scenes a more authentic feel.”
- “The film incorporates 2D animation and sketches directly from the ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ books, seamlessly blending them with live-action scenes to maintain the book’s visual style.”
- “Many of the child actors returned to reprise their roles, helping to maintain the continuity and familiarity that fans loved from the first movie.”
🖥️ How to Watch Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules?
Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2: Rodrick Rules is available to stream on platforms like Disney+, Apple TV and Prime Video. You can also rent or purchase the movie from these services. Check your local listings for availability.
🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules, you might like these similar films:
- Ramona and Beezus (2010): Both movies explore the dynamics of sibling relationships, particularly the challenges and heartwarming moments between sisters/brothers.
- The Middle (2009-2018): Shares a similar comedic take on family life and the struggles of growing up in a suburban setting.
- Cheaper by the Dozen (2003): Focuses on the humorous chaos of a large family, appealing to fans of family-centric comedies.
- Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging (2008): Captures the awkwardness and humor of teenage life, with a focus on friendships and crushes.
🛒 Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules Related Products
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules (Hardcover): The original book that inspired the movie, featuring Jeff Kinney’s signature illustrations and humor. Perfect for young readers and fans of the series.
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid Movie Collection (DVD): Includes all Diary of a Wimpy Kid movies, this collection is great for family movie nights. Enjoy hours of laughter and relatable middle-school adventures.
- Löded Diper T-Shirt: Officially licensed t-shirt featuring the iconic ‘Löded Diper’ band logo. Show your love for Rodrick’s band and the movie.
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid Mad Libs: Fill-in-the-blank word game featuring characters and situations from the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. Fun for kids and adults alike.
🎧 Soundtrack
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Norgaard” – performed by The Vaccines
- “Loaded Diper (Explöded Diper)” – performed by Löded Diper
- “Jump in the Line” – performed by Karl Zero (Cover)
- “TiK ToK” – performed by Ke$ha
- “This Is War” – performed by Ben Kweller
- “Nah Nah Nah Nah Nah” – performed by The Mighty Mighty Bosstones
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
You can stream Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules on Disney+, Apple TV and Prime Video. Rental and purchase options are also available through these services.
Yes, it’s generally appropriate for kids, with mild humor and themes related to sibling rivalry and middle school experiences. Some scenes might be slightly embarrassing for younger viewers, but there’s no inappropriate content.
The main actors are Zachary Gordon as Greg Heffley, Devon Bostick as Rodrick Heffley, Robert Capron as Rowley Jefferson, and Rachael Harris and Steve Zahn as the parents.
🔥 Bonus Content
DIARY OF A WIMPY KID – Diamondbolt
Ever wondered what’s so great about Diary of a Wimpy Kid? Diamondbolt’s hilarious take on the movies will have you laughing and questioning everything you thought you knew. Honestly, it’s worth a watch just for the nostalgia!
Rodrick Rules doesn’t make any sense
Think ‘Rodrick Rules’ is a cinematic masterpiece? Alex Meyers hilariously breaks down all the plot holes and inconsistencies. You’ll never look at the movie the same way again, and trust me, it’s funny!
rodrick heffley being the original e-boy
Want to appreciate Rodrick Heffley for the icon he truly is? This video argues that he was the original e-boy and it makes a pretty convincing case. I mean, it’s a fun and short appreciation of a memorable character!
Everything Wrong With The Heffley Family…
Ever feel like the Heffleys are a bit… dysfunctional? This video dives deep into all the messed-up things about Greg’s family. Get ready to see them in a whole new (and maybe slightly disturbing) light!
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