Watch Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul is a 2017 family comedy film directed by David Bowers and based on the book of the same name by Jeff Kinney. The film features an ensemble cast of young actors, including Jason Drucker as Greg Heffley, the titular "wimpy kid," and Alicia Silverstone and Tom Everett Scott as his parents, Susan and Frank.

The film opens with the Heffley family taking a road trip to attend Meemaw's 90th birthday party. Greg, his older brother Rodrick (Charlie Wright), and his parents embark on a journey that is destined to be fraught with mishaps and misadventures, as the family's dysfunctional dynamics are put to the test.

Throughout the journey, Greg is preoccupied with his seemingly impossible dream of meeting a YouTube gaming star named Mac Digby (Joshua Hoover), whom he follows obsessively. Meanwhile, his older brother Rodrick is more interested in spending time with his girlfriend, than spending time with his family. Susan, the Heffley matriarch, is trying hard to keep the road trip organized and on schedule, but her efforts are undermined by Frank, who insists on driving the family minivan despite his terrible sense of direction.

As the family journey progresses, things begin to unravel. The Heffleys' GPS system sends them down a deserted dirt road, leading to a run-in with a gang of outlaw motorcyclists, in a scene that is simultaneously thrilling and hilarious. Along the way, they stop off at a country fair, where Greg gets the chance to meet Mac Digby in person. However, things do not go according to plan, and the ensuing events lead to the Heffleys getting separated.

The family's subsequent misadventures include a disastrous visit to a run-down hotel, a visit to a petting zoo gone awry, and a series of perilous encounters with an angry truck driver. The film's comedic hijinks are brought to life by the strong performances of its cast, who are all perfectly suited to their roles. Drucker is particularly effective as Greg, imbuing his character with a likable, self-deprecating charm that makes it easy to root for him, despite his many flaws.

The movie is often compared to other family comedy films such as National Lampoon's Vacation, and for good reason. Director David Bowers expertly captures the trials and tribulations of a family on a road trip, bringing to life the various challenges and obstacles that they encounter along the way. The film is paced well, with plenty of comedy to keep the audiences entertained throughout. The film's soundtrack also adds to the humor, with a range of songs that expertly capture the various emotions portrayed in the film.

Overall, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul is a fun, lighthearted family film that is sure to entertain audiences of all ages. It is a humorous take on the familiar genre of road trip movies, with a cast of strong performances and a well-crafted script. The film's themes of family and loyalty are woven throughout, making it a heartwarming tale that reinforces the value of familial relationships in a lighthearted way. For fans of the book series, the film is a must-see adaptation that stays true to the spirit of Jeff Kinney's beloved characters.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul is a 2017 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.3 and a MetaScore of 39.