Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw – Can This Series Mature?

Animated family films are notoriously difficult to get right, especially when a series has been running nearly as long as some of the most enduring franchises in cinema. The latest instalment, The Last Straw, attempts to continue the misadventures of Greg Heffley, but one can’t help but wonder if it’s time for this well-worn formula to evolve.

Plot and Characters: Familiar Territory

Greg Heffley, voiced by Aaron Harris, remains the awkward, popularity-obsessed middle child. His loyal friend Rowley, played by Spencer Howell, is ever-present, while his brother Rodrick (Hunter Dillon) continues to be a persistent nuisance. Greg’s attempts to win favour with his peers inevitably backfire, much to the exasperation of his father Frank (Chris Diamantopoulos), who, after a series of mishaps, considers sending Greg to military school. The dynamic between Greg and his family, particularly his father, is meant to provide both humour and heart, but often feels forced and somewhat uncomfortable.

The film leans heavily on the classic comedic trope of a well-meaning protagonist facing humiliation, but the narrative rarely delivers the emotional payoff audiences might expect. The overbearing father subplot, in particular, struggles to resonate, coming across as more contrived than compelling.

Humour and Animation: Stuck in a Loop

Jeff Kinney, the original author, pens the script, ensuring the adaptation remains faithful to its source. There are moments of inventive physical comedy, and a few clever nods to other family favourites, such as a neighbour watching Home Alone. Yet, these gags quickly become repetitive, and the humour often descends into the sort of juvenile territory that feels out of place for a studio with Disney’s pedigree.

The animation, while distinctive, is rather stiff and lacks the expressiveness seen in more contemporary offerings. The style, though recognisable, could do with a refresh to keep pace with modern standards. The film’s reliance on familiar beats and recycled jokes leaves it feeling dated, rather than nostalgic.

Direction and Overall Impact

Co-directed by Matt Danner, making his animated feature debut, and series regular Gino Nichele, the film fails to inject new life into the franchise. The direction is competent, but the material offers little room for innovation. The result is a film that feels more like an obligation to keep content flowing than a genuine attempt to entertain or inspire.

“Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw is not worth watching. Not only is the main character annoying, a trait of any adolescent stuck in arrested development, trying to find their way, but Frank is so underwritten and lacks enough common sense, support, and heart to teach children a lesson for family entertainment. This is where the franchise earns its last straw: refusing to teach viewers lessons not only for the kids but for parents as well.”

For die-hard fans, there may be enough here to warrant a viewing, but for most, the series is in desperate need of reinvention. The Last Straw is available to stream exclusively on Disney+ from 8 December.