Though often self-centered and conniving, Greg remains a likable kid, and the movie entertains by pulling off over-the-top scenarios that set up digestible life lessons for youngsters.
Formulaic in adhering to the sitcom-style tone of the first two films, picture finds the chronically underappreciated Greg facing a summer break replete with parental expectations and anxiety over his first crush.
The best of the lot. It's not great, but the mean-spiritedness that permeated the first film and stuck around a bit for the second is mostly gone.
50
Slant MagazineAndrew Schenker
Slant MagazineAndrew Schenker
A half-hearted morality tale about taking responsibility for your actions as a sign of impending maturity.
38
Chicago TribuneMichael Phillips
Chicago TribuneMichael Phillips
Here and there, in the father/son scenes, you see a glimmer of an honest interaction. All in all, I'd rather watch a "Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide" rerun.