DVD
REVIEW:
DIARY OF A WIMPY KID
DOG DAYS
12/15/12
SYNOPSIS:
Everybody’s favorite wimp, Greg Heffley (Zachary Gordon), is back for three times the fun in the latest film based on the super-popular book series! When Greg’s dad (Steve Zahn) threatens to send him to military school if he doesn’t stay out of trouble, Greg finds all-new ways to land himself in the doghouse! For starters, Greg’s in over his head when he pretends to work at the swanky country club where Rowley’s family has a membership. Things don’t go much better on a father-son camping trip with the Wilderness Explorers, and then there’s the Heffley’s new dog, Sweetie, who fetches even more trouble for Greg in this hilarious family film!
FILM REVIEW: Having not seen the previous movie
installments of the series, I believe I am viewing this third
installment with what I would consider to be extremely objective
eyes. Jeff Kinney's wildly successful “novels,” in the
cartoon series, puts this third release squarely in line with
the last two books. This one seems to narrow the focus more on
seventh-grader Greg Heffler's (Zachary Gordon) relationship with
his dad (Steve Zahn) and from all accounts of the previous
installments, this warm, funny "Dog Days" release
seems to be the best of the three "Wimpy Kid" movies.
There are
many things to speak about positively in this movie, but the
skillful acting by Zahn and Gordon really helps drive those
positive scenes, particularly one in which Zahn expresses his
disappointment, in his son, with so much purity and sorrow that
every parent who has ever said, "I'm not mad…I'm just
really disappointed in you," should worship him as a
‘guilt-tripping’ god. Zahn (along with his co-star in this
particular scene), really nails each and every scene and shows
the diverse side of this veteran comedic actor. Throughout the
movie, Greg and his dad intentionally participate in numerous
father/son activities that are hilarious on every level, but
also have an element of truth that combines constant fatherly
disappoint with a seemingly realistic truthful father/son
relationship.
Another point worth noting
about this flick is that there is nothing forced or
“preachy” in this movie. In fact, Greg's summer is about as
run-of-the-mill (and, to him, earth-shaking) as the summer of
most soon-to-be eighth-graders. Besides that, the film is so
observant, big-hearted and hilarious that it helps one
appreciate what a monotonous, but at the same time phenomenal
thing a family can be.
This movie is
sincere, down-to-earth, and hilarious and in my humble opinion,
“Dog Days” is an
enormous success and is probably the best non-animated
family-oriented film of the year, thus far. Moreover, I believe
it will be well received by general audiences, young and old
alike. I enthusiastically give “Diary
of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days,” an easy five out of five stars
for great performances and over the top wholesome
family-oriented entertainment.
Review
By Movie-Man Stan
DVD: The film is
presented in widescreen in a 2.35:1 aspect ration
preserving its theatrical format. The picture is just
flawless. Not only the picture looks great in
this release, also the sound it is good, a 5.1 Dolby Digital
in English, Spanish and French 5.1 Dolby Sorround that provides a
good complement to the picture. It also includes
English, and Spanish
subtitles.
VIDEO:
2.35:1 Anamorphic Widescreen 1080P
AUDIO:
English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio,
Dolby Digital,
French 5.1 Dolby Digital
Subtitles -
English, French & Spanish English SDH, French & Spanish
SPECIAL FEATURES:
Commentary by Director David Bowers
Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary by Director David Bowers
Class Clown Animated Short
Gag Reel
Theatrical Trailer
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