First, I just want to say that I love the book series and have read all 4 so far. When I heard that this movie was coming out I was so excited! Then I remembered that most book-based movies were totally screwed up.
Nevertheless, this movie is mostly faithful to the book, but there are a few changes for the worst. For example, Patty is less of a typical Hollywood Prodigy and more of a brat toward Greg. Even Greg's attitude towards wrestling and the school play changed; in the book, he would do anything not to be part of them, but in the movie, he's all for them so he can raise his reputation, something he's doesn't care about so much for in the book, where the movie is pretty much based around it.
They even introduced a new character named Angie, who braces the "School's for fools" attitude and frequently pops up in the movie and tries to help Greg (although she does humiliate him at one point). I kinda like her attitude, but I think the movie would've been better without her.
They also added one scene that was actually well though out, and another scene that they should've dropped. In the good scene, Greg and Rowley sneak into Rodrick's room to look at his school yearbook, only for Greg to be caught and chased into his room by his brother. What happens next probably shouldn't be mentioned. The bad scene involves a mother and son dance (seriously, who even thought of that?) that Greg has to attend and some weird dancing from Rowley and his Mom. Not so good.
Also, I strongly urge you not to eat while watching. There are a few parts where you'll lose your appetite, so I wouldn't suggest popcorn-and-move night over here. Save your popcorn for something less gross.
All-in-all, the movie was okay. If you like the books, you might like this. If you didn't read the books, but like crude humor and (maybe) stories about middle school, then you'll probably like this too. But only a little.
Kevin - 5/25/2010 (reply)
Agreed. And it shows the beaches in the book as being your typical warm and sunny beach. Vancouver, BC, CA isn't the warmest place in the world...