I went to see this movie today and it was awesome on so many levels!
Mind you, I'm a fan of the book series - I find Jeff Kinney's writing fully encapsulates the trials, traumas and tribulations of being a pre-teen. His cute and funny protagonist, Greg Heffley is more socially aware of his surroundings than his peers, but for whatever reason, his understanding, intellect and rationale on how things SHOULD work never transpires into how things actually work.
And that's what makes Greg so endearing.
The reader is encouraged to like Greg, even root for him to succeed...maybe even identify with his frustrations and experiences.
And I think that's why the books and movie are so good.
The issue of trying to fit in and find yourself in a school of people all trying to do the same thing is something everyone goes through in their lifetime. And instead of cringing at our past embarrassing memories during this awkward phase, Greg Heffley allows us to laugh at ourselves. We can say "Been there...done that..survived..and now, look where I am"
That's why I love Greg Heffley and the Wimpy Kid series.
Even though I'm in my adult life now, I still feel like the Wimpy Kid. Whether I'm in my first meeting with the BC Lions discussing how to build a football stadium (still have no idea), having lunch with my boss (while trying not to spill all over myself) or worrying when I'll get married (what?!), I'm still going through those awkward stages where I'm unsure of myself. It's just like when I first started high school but in a different setting with different people. Even if I do get through these awkward stages of my adult life, there'll be other new moments and I'll embrace each moment as The Wimpy Kid. Because what that really means to me, is that I'm living life for all it's worth and I possess the willingness to try and discover new things no matter how uncertain it is. Embracing the Wimp means that I'm not the kind of person that will just be content with what's safe, that i'd rather put myself out there because the reward for this effort is just too great. If we only have but one life to live, why shouldn't I live it to the fullest?
I love being the Wimpy Kid :)
So, all in all.... please watch the movie. You'll enjoy it. i promise.
Useless fact: the movie was filmed in Vancouver!! i spent a lot of time trying to figure out Vancouver landmarks. The middle school where a lot of the scenes were filmed was Templeton Secondary in East Van.
