Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2: Rodrick Rules - 1 1/2 smiles

“Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules,” based on Jeff Kinney’s illustrated children’s books, comes to the screen only because the first Diary of a Wimpy Kid was a surprise hit. Unfortunately, this one, which is inane and hard to watch, should have gone straight to video. All of the main characters return for this forced, unfunny excuse directed by David Bowers. Zachary Gordon and Robert Capron, as the wimpy Greg and his best friend, are cute and a few scenes have energy, such as the slightly creepy sequence in which a half-dressed Greg is trapped in the women’s bathroom at a retirement home. But the central story about Greg’s love-hate relationship with his older brother Rodrick (Devon Bostick) is predictable, but it’s also exasperating watching the almost sadistic Rodrick continually pick on Greg. The usually entertaining Steve Zahn has nothing to do as the boys’ father, but Rachael Harris, as their mom, manages to steal the final scenes as she awkwardly dances to Rodrick’s band. “Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2: Rodrick Rules” is a collection of episodic skits, some more successful than others. I didn’t laugh much, but ten year-old boys will probably like it. 3/31/11