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Published: 2010-07-20 23:04:41 +0000 UTC; Views: 5697; Favourites: 48; Downloads: 20
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Jr. "High School Never Ends" for some people it would appear. Having been homeschooled [which was indirectly poked fun at during this course of this film] I truly did realize while viewing this interesting film that sociological conditioning begins as early as kindergarten.Who to talk to; who not to talk to. What to say; what not to say. The allegorical 'cheese' which no one dare touches or goes near due to rumor ["Do that and you're going to hell" ring any bells? =3] Although I did not have a strong liking for the unsung protagonist known as Greg Heffley [was expecting a more positive character O.O]--I will say that it becomes rather understandable how and why this so-called "Wimpy Kid" begins to revel in the failure and discomfort of others.
He himself is conflicted and so does not desire to see anyone get past him to his 'perceived Middle School Top List' which he himself is keeps. (His scores his rules). This seems to be a coping mechanism as his older brother is your typical middle-class High Schooler who takes his subtle anger out on his younger brother by fooling him and picking on him simply just because he's older. I personally thank Our Author for not having the upbringing of Tiger M. Gales anything like this.
Although I too grew up in a middle-class family (with 4 stepbrothers biologically mind you who I actually only thought of as "full-blooded-brothers" psychologically all the way up to age 22 until I thought, "Whoa! They actually ARE my stepbrothers according to biology aren't they!? O.O)--my brothers and sister all looked out for each other so it was really challenging for me to relate to this child's lifestyle.
However. . .I did become quite empathetic. And I will say, that although his older brother does pick on him and doubt him throughout the film--it is done in such a way that it is obvious that they get along and love one another--but simply conflict to coexist? I respect the perspective emitted. Let's move on from the home on to the Westshire Middle School where most of the film does take place and is centered around. =3 My friends who completed the school system and the ultra-popular U.S. rock song "High School Never Ends" by Bowling For Soup--not to mention countless anime and light novels <.< -- have been my 'peaking hole' so to speak into the school system before college.
Although I experienced school in the following order Home-->College it is films like this that have me feel that I did not miss anything but at the same time missed a great deal of positive and negative experiences that are received one way or another anyway. I did like the general 'community' atmosphere. The 'second home' world of Middle School was both inviting and repelling.
I now understand how it is how a child like Greg grows up glad to see the 'little Indian guy' [Chirag] doing worse off than he is. 'Buck-gap-tooth' Chirag Gupa's introduction although released in a comedic light [Gupa is jumping up and down attempting to take something back that was once his from a kid taller than he is holding it over his head]--at the same time--a 'model of society' is revealed in this scene I do believe. The "Wimpy Kid" [Greg] is glad that there is the "small foreign kid" [Gupa] to point to when he feels bad because "small foreign kid" is the 'lowest in Middle School society' height wise [Chirag Gupa] so "Wimpy Kid" [Greg Heffley] feels 'that much stronger' for not being 'that small.'
Perhaps this is allegorical for how the typical North American citizen looks at immigrants. Do you ever notice that those who work hard to be upper-class or were born to a so-called privileged family or community tend to want to see those who immigrate from foreign countries to the U.S.A. to do better and be more comfortable... while 'farmer brown' and 'angry neighbor' wants to know 'what is that Indian girl doing in my neighborhood' or 'who the hell is this black guy!?' Observation.
To be honest, I thought the most of the allegedly 'antagonistic brat' who beat Greg Heffley in kindergarten for provoking her to cry by embarrassing her in front of everyone during a reading session. Although the film tends to poke towards the fact that she is a developing tomboy and 'mean girl;' I actually see an assertive young woman developing in an atmosphere where those who are bullied either 'get stronger' or 'hide off to the side.' [like Greg so many times decided to do hoping and laughing upon those doing worse off than him and denying alliances.)
The scene where she is in wrestling and the only girl among an otherwise all-guy group ["Her parents were gonna sue ok..."]--as well as acting as 'Dorothy' during the rehearsal scene for the then upcoming 'Wizard of Oz' Middle School play--spoke volumes to me about how the 'forward' and 'assertive' individuals who do not take the B.S. [and I don't mean 'Bachelor Degree
I'm a fan of films such as "Goal," "Gracie," "Glory Road" and "We Are Marshall" where individuals overcome bullshit legislation and "You can't do this because..." by so-called 'upper-echelons' and do things anyway. I truly do think that although the 'Wrestling Scene' ["Women On Top" article in the school paper] is presented in a comedic light--the reality of this scene to me and only to me--is that while some kids and their parents are proverbial 'wimps' afraid of 'what society may think' or 'afraid to do doing what is wanted to be done'--take action for better change. I honestly thought that it was putrid when Greg Heffley covered his ankles and wore ankle weights to dishonestly be in the 'bulldog' scale.
Those who are 'wimps' or 'used to being downed' truly may disagree with me--but I did not see this as 'clever' but rather as very dishonest. The same was true when Greg allows his best friend to 'take one for the team' as he put it. To be completely honest--I REALLY did not expect that. Where his best friend is a loud-blabber mouth who is filled with naivety--I respected that he was comfortable with himself and his guardians.
To be completely honest--seeing the film from the perspective of 'Greg Heffley' who only saw himself as the end-means of everything--all misery sorrow and pleasure of others in an attempt to feel like he truly matter and was "more special" than any of his friends or rivals--was indeed quite enlightening. It is truly unfortunate, but there are a lot of adults who I now understand think this way as well. The only way they can win... is if someone else is overpowered. It doesn't even matter if they are in competition with the other person who has reached defeat/self-defeat or not--just the fact that someone else loses has an individual like this. . .feel better [which I find. . . pathetic <.<].
The writer girl [Angie] was an interesting character. I honestly do think highly of her as a character and individual. I was bothered by the fact that Greg did not want to talk to her because of his conflicted feelings [that is ego]. Here was someone who was already doing her own thing. I honestly believe that both Greg and his best friend Rowley Jefferson enjoyed the company of Angie, but Greg's misguided ego [kid is training himself to stay lonely pushing aside kind and willing allies like that o.o]--servers a possibly excellent friendship before it ever even starts. In fact--Angie later becomes Greg's rival--and you REALLY don't want both 'press' and 'school legislation' [the government so to speak in Middle School
He isolates himself from those around him; he attempts to change his best friend who is already happy with himself (and thus this shows through when he becomes a school favorite); and reveals his older brother Rodrick's 'secret delve into sexuality' [I was laughing very hard when his mother attempted to roast him in front of his friends who probably all had jerked off to the very same mag
I shall say that "Diary of A Wimpy Kid" is a well done movie--in fact--I am going to give it one extra point and a change of title/description [Initially gave it "Somber 7" on the GES =3 It's a 'Revealing 8' . . .will say why in one moment]. To be completely honest, I truly DO see why Greg Heffley considers himself a "Wimpy Kid" writing a diary. He does not stand up for himself--he attempts to act like he is happy when he honestly is not. Our [rightfully so] unsung protagonist does not attempt to further pursue his own happiness but would rather thwart the course of joy others seem to feel [especially those closest to him].
He is deceptive and dishonest and to be completely honest--totally and wholly--just as much of a bully as a kid who punches others and demands lunch money. To be honest, I see this poor "Wimpy Kid" fast becoming either a "dumb criminal" who somehow thinks that he will not get caught while stealing or robbing a place--or a corrupt politician, attorney, police officer or some other 'scum of the earth' which preys on those weaker than he so he may point later and laugh to his friends who will slowly leave him one by as he sits crying to himself wondering why.
I DID NOT like Greg's character. I DID however enjoy seeing the world from the perspective of your very 'typical weakling white North American child' who only does what he thinks society wants in a sad attempt to 'lose himself' until he is found [which hardly ever happens until some MASSIVE loss takes place. Like his best friend dying or his mother being in an accident].
When I think 'Greg Heffley grown-up' I think that police officer who felt up the wife who was giving fellatio to her husband. When I think 'Greg Heffley grown-up' I think 'Red Mist' from 'Kick-Ass' who feels empty and lonely and later becomes a 'Public Villain' after faking being a 'Public Hero.' When I think 'Greg Heffley grown-up' I think of that short-fat-and-angry police officer who's bias lead to arresting a young man in Georgia for driving his mother's 1990 Dodge Caravan with' reasons cited: improper ID' and cracked-windshield on the passenger's side.
According to the young man' testimony, he was in-route to the local DMV and teens threw a brick and cracked the window while the vehicle had been parked in a slum. I believed him! O.O According to the story, the Georgia officer arrested the young man so tightly and with so much self-hatred--that his wrists bled and were scarred for days. [I witnessed the scars on the young man's wrist which I personally do not believe were self inflicted].
When I think 'Greg Heffley grown-up' I think 'Kevin Lomax' in 'The Devil's Advocate' who will do anything and lose anyone close to him so as long as he thinks of himself as '#1' [be it true or untrue--even in his own heart. . .] in the end. I think it goes unsaid that I do not think a lot of the character type known as 'Greg Heffley' (in youth or as an adult). What I DID enjoy about this film was seeing the world from the perspective of an individual such as this. To be honest, even though there are those who possibly saw this film for the 'harmless Middle-School/Comedy/Drama' which it truly does initially come across as [this could easily have been a 'Nickelodeon' or 'Disney' original film played on television but is based off of a book of the same name I've learned thanks to wikipedia ^_^]--I see a 'Kid's Rendition' of 'American Psycho.' I know! I know! Some may be thinking, "Greg Heffley is just a kid!" Yes. Right now he is.
But so are the other children at Westshire Middle School who find their niche and work it proudly [from 'the bratty hellion' who whips Greg at wrestling to the 'chubby-honest' kid who stays best friends even after being wronged. Rowley may one day go to deciding whether he wants to bail 'Greg' out of jail or not.
Had Greg decided to befriend Angie instead of allowing his ego to push her aside--perhaps he would have had a friend when it came to his aide when he wanted to draw the comic for the school paper. Even had Rowley still been chosen over his story--chances are--he would not have had to worry about Angie looking for an opportunity to embarrass him [when Patty outwrestles him]. He is given chance for his own redemption to speak up as a 'Safety Patrol' officer but decides not to [hidden under his friends coat he LITERALLY 'frames his own best friend' in an attempt to shield his own popularity. Truly a 'typical criminal move.']
Even his allegedly 'saving grace' at the end of the film where he lies about having eaten the cheese--is but yet ANOTHER lie [with the selfish means of getting his friend to talk to him again to boot!]. I honestly do not see any more to 'Greg Heffley' than a-day-by-day-growing 'slanderer,' 'negative schemer' [Shining Time's Station! ^_^], and 'pathological liar' who doesn't even think twice about hurting others. Greg Heffley A true 'anti-social.' In the psychological definition meaning of someone who says something or does something--even murder--simply to feel 'better' than another person [not the slang used to mean 'someone who does not get out much' or who doesn't talk to others a lot].
I saw from the box office returns versus the 15million USD budget of this film says that while this film resided in theatres--a great deal of people viewed it. I honestly can hear the children laughing and the teenagers joking how "yeah. It really was like that" which I honestly find truly amazing. I enjoy the fact that a film is capable of communicating so many ideas to so many individuals in so many very different ways in all of less than two hours time. For this specific individual though, I had not ever considered myself "A Wimpy Kid" and am glad I viewed this film to receive the "Norton of Fight Club" world perspective.
With that said--I truly will say that individuals who perceive themselves as "Frail Wimps" and attempt to achieve something greater than themselves are highly admirable. I do NOT think however, that the perspectives shared in this fine film rendition of an apparently popular novel should be taken lightly. Of course, circumstance shapes as does that which issues situation and circumstance [Destiny and Fate]--so realizing when 'Greg Heffley' is at the 'helm of a given soul' is rather important. =3
There is a reason why 'loners' are often 'lonely.' Few want to put up with their bullcrap, self-deceit, deceit of others and negativity. I personally would not ever desire to become close friends with a 'Greg Heffley' persona... I'd be in consistent worry he'd turn out like 'Yolanda SaldΓvar ' [Murderer of Latina-American Pop Singer "Selena Quintanilla-PΓ©rez"] or 'Mark David Chapman' [Murderer of European Rock Singer "John Lennon" of "The Beatles"] in his lust to self-define an empty flesh-shell devoid of a soul! O.O
Forever In Love With All That Which Exists
(That Which Is Seen & Unseen, Known & Unknown)
-Tiger M. Gales [Wednesday]
-7:11 AM (6/2/2010)
Forever In Love With All That Which Exists
(That Which Is Seen & Unseen, Known & Unknown),
-DJ, TIGER M [Tuesday]
-7:04 PM (7/20/2010)
WHO IS TIGER M? O.O
[[link]
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Comments: 12
Kermitthefrog223456 [2014-01-05 00:07:33 +0000 UTC]
Rowley thinks he is too sexy for his shirt but he is wrong...
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MewCupcake1 [2011-09-24 10:02:14 +0000 UTC]
for a minute greg looks like mini bieber *shudder*
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Cynderthedarkdragon [2010-11-28 08:23:51 +0000 UTC]
I this movie! I'd like to read the book
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Comedy-Fan34 [2010-08-29 03:22:26 +0000 UTC]
I LOL'D AT THE PART WHERE THEY HAVE TO TAKE THE SHIRTS FOR A WEIRD REASON.
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TIGERM In reply to Comedy-Fan34 [2010-09-04 22:03:46 +0000 UTC]
Oh.
They're just kids learning to fit in I think.
A lot of it is was simple school sugar I'm thinking.
That is, simply having something more to do than study or complain about being bullied.
Glad you enjoyed the movie too! I found much of it to be an enlightening experience.
Good movie for sure. =3 Forever In Love With All That Which Exists
(That Which Is Seen & Unseen, Known & Unknown),
-DJ, TIGER M [Saturday]
-6:03 PM (9/4/2010)
Who Is TIGER M? O.O
[link]
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TIGERM In reply to Comedy-Fan34 [2010-09-05 13:32:31 +0000 UTC]
Forever In Love With All That Which Exists
(That Which Is Seen & Unseen, Known & Unknown),
-DJ, TIGER M [Sunday]
-9:32 AM (9/5/2010)
Who Is TIGER M? O.O
[link]
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pizzacringissimo [2010-07-21 22:18:05 +0000 UTC]
*claps* this was amazing
bravo!
i agree with you on most of the stuff you said!
But the movie is 10 times better for me because I have a hormonal/unhealthy obsession with Rodrick/The actor who plays him
and to the following quote you said: "and reveals his older brother Rodrick's 'secret delve into sexuality' [I was laughing very hard when his mother attempted to roast him in front of his friends who probably all had jerked off to the very same mag ] all in an attempt to fill an empty void within himself which grew more and more and more the harder he attempted to fill it."
Hurr hurrr... Rodrick's secre delve into sexuality... I'll help him get deeper in those sexual fantasies hurr hurrr
lol im sorry... I'm insane for that boy
and I hate Greg cuz he's a little douche that likes to step on people to get to the top
His brothers a smexy hottie though... but thats not the only reason I like him... I
actually see alot of potential in his character and alot of it is held back only because he's a stupid teenager with raging hormones and a huge lazy streak.... and I completely understand that for I'm the same way hurr hurr
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TIGERM In reply to pizzacringissimo [2010-07-24 13:59:04 +0000 UTC]
YAY!
Thank you SO much for taking the time to read mu'h review of Diary of A Wimpy Kid NacOfTheStoneAge!
And ya'h I actually think that Rodrick's character certainly did hold quite a bit of potential that will very certainly show in his early-20s or even after he begins college.
To say the least, he actually was probably one of the most down-to-earth and honest characters in the film to me
The book I've not yet had the pleasure of reading-- but from what I could tell, he seemed to be one who desired more consistently [just the fact that he was working so hard with his rock band said that ]
And yah... Greg Heffley REALLY has me thinking "The American Psycho: in the next 10 years or so. <.<;
But who knows... perhaps something really traumatic will take place that will help him to realize he should clean up his act.
For now though... that kid -- even the very end -- was scary to me 'cause he made it obvious that he hadn't changed
[Even getting back his best friend seemed like "Ah, if I eat the cheese I will feel good again because he won't reject me anymore."]
I think if it were not for his mother and Rodrick -- Greg would very possibly be one of those 14 year old kids with a gun like in City of God or wind up like in Alpha Dog in 2 years O.O
But yes A very good one and glad you enjoyed and took the time to read mu'h review! =3
Thanks sweetheart!
Stay totally and awesomely YOU! = D Forever In Love With All That Which Exists
(That Which Is Seen & Unseen, Known & Unknown),
-DJ, TIGER M [Saturday]
-9:58 AM (7/24/2010)
Who Is TIGER M? O.O
[[link] ]
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pizzacringissimo In reply to TIGERM [2010-07-25 01:14:42 +0000 UTC]
You are totally welcome~!
Rodrick's amazing lol.
He has som much dedication, and you're right, he'll put that good dedication to use when he goes to college or when he hits his 20s. He's also very smart and cunning, though otherwise portrayed "Stupid" in the books and online book in Greg's eyes, Rodrick couldn't be stupid if he could manipulate his parents into letting him do what he wants (which he has done in the 2nd book Rodrick Rules by doing things wrong so they would get tired of him messing up and do it for him, while he sits back and relaxes). I love the fact that he's honest and keeps things in a real perspective as well. (btw you MUST read the books they're awesome... the only prob is they're in Greg's point of view so theres alot of negative things said about the other characters)
XDDD
*shows Greg with an axe and a record*
Probably not, even then that won't fix him. Greg is a sorry shallow selfish sap who doesn't care about anyone but himself. Greg can't handle the truth (hence why he considers Rodrick to be a mean stupid stinky piece of shit), and thats what makes him so negative. I love how DOAWK shows the story from the perspective of a kid who has never and will never grow inside and he watches the people around him grow and take on life positively, while he wallows in negativity and misery. Especially reading the books, Greg is very miserable and always has something negative to say about EVERYONE. In fact, I don't think he's ever said one good thing to someone
but yes, it was worth the read\
thank you
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TIGERM In reply to pizzacringissimo [2010-09-05 10:16:47 +0000 UTC]
And Thank YOU for your passionate response =3
The "Money-Horne~y" guy in "Avatar" is a good example of the kind of person I think that Greg may grow to be.
At best, he will be the next "Norton" from "Fight Club."
His inner-peace shall be found through a "Tyler Durstin" which he just might eventually figure out is nothing more than a reflection of all the things he wish he could be and surpressed himself from being to the point of where he implodes -- my thoughts at least
His bro Roddrick is definitely the "In-Crowd" type who is satisfied with his life even when it's criticized and that honesty is what I believe is what is most attractive to individuals as yourself and I who see his candice... even if and when it is not considered 'publicly appropriate...' at least he is able to portray his actual "Self" in a world where self-conceited "Greg Hefley" seeks the downfalls in others so he may feel superior.
Interesting Conversation! Forever In Love With All That Which Exists
(That Which Is Seen & Unseen, Known & Unknown),
-DJ, TIGER M [Sunday]
-6:15 AM (9/5/2010)
Who Is TIGER M? O.O
[link]
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