Diary of a Wimpy Kid (2010) Middle school isn’t all it’s cracked up to be for self-described “wimpy kid” Greg Heffley, who discovers a frightening new world teeming with boys who are taller, tougher and hairier than he is — and decides to document it all in his diary. In this film adaptation of Greg’s life, however, a team of writers and an uninspired director are responsible for his woes, translating his tale to the screen with little verve, wit or grace. This “Diary of a Wimpy” kid is too often dull, unappealing and clumsy, hobbled by unnecessary changes and inventions that add no charm, energy or, truly, point. Zachary Gordon and Robert Capron play Greg and his doofy best buddy Rowley, and they’re fine for the most part. But director Thor Freudenthal (“Hotel for Dogs”) is a klutz, unable to do much of anything except watch along with us. The thing in this film that feels most alive is a slice of cheese rotting on a playground blacktop — which would be a funny joke if it was intentional.
