DIFFERENT CAST SPICES UP WIMPY FRANCHISE
BASED on the ninth book in author Jeff Kinney’s bestselling children’s novel series, this is the fourth instalment in the film franchise. It is about the titular character Greg Heffley’s family road trip that goes way off-course, thanks to his plan to become an Internet sensation.
He hopes to attend a game convention to meet his video game-playing idol, but his mother Susan suggests a long road trip to their grandmother’s instead. To Greg’s surprise, the convention is only “two inches away” from their destination. The phrase “What else can go wrong?” will come to mind a lot because the bad luck that befalls Greg never ceases.
Older viewers (or was it just me?) also won’t stop thinking “Oh no, don’t do that!” or “Can’t someone keep this boy locked up in a cage or something?” because Greg simply can’t stay away from trouble.
The storyline does get on my nerves at times, but the film is targeted mostly at children, who will probably find the misadventuresthrilling. Thedisastrousroadtrip involves a country fair, some questionable motels and a family that quickly becomes Greg’s enemy, all thanks to (you guessed it!) Greg.
Understandably, certain unfortunate events are caused by coincidences, but still, they will not have happened if Greg had behaved in the first place! Okay, my rant is done.
Despite the annoying turn of events, the film introduces educational themes such as the importance of family. Susan makes it clear that the trip will be gadget-free, so “no Instagrammy, no SnappyChat”. This of course doesn’t sit well with teenaged Greg and his mischievous brother Rodrick and it remains an argumentative issue throughout the trip.
Rodrick says “She just doesn’t know what it’s like to be a teen living in the 21st century”. If parents want to take a peek inside the minds of teenagers today, they can watch
I like the animation (based on the illustrations in the book series) that appears sporadically in the film.
The first three films in the series all featured the same cast but showcases new actors.
Zachary Gordon, who played Greg in the prequels, is replaced by Jason Drucker as the titular character.
Charlie Wright replaces Devon Bostick as Rodrick, Tom Everett Scott takes over the role of their dad Frank from Steve Zahn, while Rachael Harris is replaced by Alicia Silverstone as Susan.
Watching almost feelslike watching an entirely new film altogether, and since I am a fan of the earlier films — thanks to its wonderful original cast — it is quite tough to get used to.
For one thing, the new cast gives a somewhat odd and unnatural portrayal of their characters, but I do have to commend the casting of Drucker. His Greg, who is very concerned about his popularity and how he looks in public, looks so similar to Gordon’s with their same permanent worried, sheepish look.
Wright, on the other hand, doesn’t nail Bostick’s mischievous charm, while Scott doesn’t quite seem the comedic father. But Silverstone makes a commendable effort.
The cast change is understandable, considering the original team of actors has grown older. I guess the beloved characters from the books are timeless. So as the books gain new fans, the films will acquire new ones too.