PackThePJs were invited to a preview screening of Diary of a Wimpy Kid – The Long Haul. As a family of roadtrippers we were really looking forward to seeing this film. And it didn’t disappoint!
Both Toby and Millie-Mae have read many of the Wimpy Kid books, by Jeff Kinney. They knew in advance that it was going to be funny, awkward and somewhat cringe worthy at times. It was all of these things!
The story is based on the Heffley family, and specifically on Greg Heffley, a 12 year old middle school nerd. Along with his somewhat gormless older brother Rodrick, his baby brother Manny, his mum Susan and dad Frank they embark on a long road trip to attend their MeeMaw’s (grandma’s) 90th birthday party. But it was fraught from the outset as mum Susan imposed a mobile ban for the whole duration. This included husband Frank too, who hadn’t got round to telling her than he hadn’t officially booked the time off with work.
What follows is a bit of a journey from hell, with cockroach-infected cheap motels, a hilarious invasion of seagulls, the winning of a piglet, repeated confrontation with the ‘Weirdy Beardy’ family and a fair amount of lies and deception!
Even without his phone, Greg is determined to divert the roadtrip to a gaming convention. He ‘needs’ to meet a famous YouTuber. His plan is to be filmed with his hero in order to shake off his embarrassing reputation as a non-cool online meme. His does meet the YouTube star, but as expected it doesn’t go all that smoothly.
From start to finish we laughed – really laughed. Huw annoyed the people in the row in front with his belly laughs! If you’re a parent, and especially if you’ve taken your kids on a car journey, you will relate to many of the issues faced by the Heffley family!
We thoroughly recommend this film. We’ve not seen any of the previous films, so cannot compare – but this was funny from the very start.
On a last note though, we still can’t believe that ‘Fried Butter on a Stick’ actually exists … !!!
Disclaimer for Review: Diary of a Wimpy Kid – The Long Haul
We received preview tickets for Diary of a Wimpy Kid – The Long Haul in return for a honest review. Our thoughts and opinions are our own … and we think you should watch this film!
