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Diary of Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever
By Jennifer Green,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Animated book-based holiday tale has peril, potty humor.
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this movie.
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Diary of Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever
Community Reviews
Based on 3 parent reviews
Ruins Santa
Do not watch if your child believes in santa😔
What's the Story?
In DIARY OF A WIMPY KID CHRISTMAS: CABIN FEVER, Greg (voiced by Wesley Kimmel, Jimmy's nephew) and Rowley (Spencer Howell) accidentally damage city property with a giant snowball that slides out of their control. Instead of 'fessing up, they try to hide the evidence. Greg needs to ensure he stays on Santa's "nice" list so he gets the new video game system he's asked for. A giant snowstorm, which knocks out electricity and forces families to shelter in place, seems the perfect scenario for hiding out, but Greg knows he needs to get across the neighborhood to find the incriminating evidence before someone else does. Rowley knows better but goes along with Greg's plan. Meanwhile, at home, Greg's parents (Erica Cerra and Chris Diamantopoulos) are going a little stir crazy locked up inside with diminishing supplies, and Rodrick (Hunter Dillon) seems close to discovering Greg's naughty secret.
Is It Any Good?
Paring down the animation to what are essentially stick figures, like the original books' illustrations, this film keeps the focus on character interactions and positive messages. And make no mistake, Greg learns lots of positive lessons in Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever. Some come in the form of his sweet do-gooder bestie Rowley, who still wears footie jammies and likes staying home and singing at the piano with his doting parents. Others emerge from contrasting the relative abundance of the Heffley family with other characters who have less, a beneficial lesson in empathy and generosity. And, despite a few too many bathroom jokes, even bullying big bro Rodrick seems softened in this film and plays a key role in making this a happy Heffley Christmas.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what Greg learns in Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever. How about Rodrick?
What does "cabin fever" refer to? Who seems to experience the most cabin fever in Greg's family?
How does Greg demonstrate empathy in this film? Would you have done what he does for Tyler? Why or why not?
How does this film compare with other films or series you've seen adapted from the books?
What can a film do better than a book? What can a book do that a film cannot?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: December 8, 2023
- Cast: Wesley Kimmel , Spencer Howell , Hunter Dillon
- Director: Luke Cormican
- Studio: Disney+
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Book Characters , Brothers and Sisters , Friendship , Holidays
- Character Strengths: Empathy
- Run time: 102 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: December 4, 2023
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