"Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever"

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever is a 2023 animated movie based on the novel of the same name. Jeff Kinney started working on this film 13 years ago. Compared to other animated movies in the franchise, this film is an original animated movie that follows the events of the book ‘Cabin Fever’. This article will discuss elements of the film.

For one, Greg Heffley experiences getting snowed in with his family for the holidays, hence the title, “Cabin Fever.” As shown in the book and one scene, Greg is stuck inside his house when a strong blizzard hits his hometown during the holidays. He has to deal with his older brother Rodrick and his younger brother Manny, which is the central conflict of the movie. The central conflict shows viewers that the holidays can be a stressful time for some kids.

In the beginning, the Nutcracker on the television sings a song about why being good is important during the Christmas season. This emphasizes Greg’s conflict of being on his best behavior, as stated by his mother, Susan Heffley. In addition, Susan’s statement on being on one’s best behavior draws a parallel to the book ‘Cabin Fever’ where Greg has the pressure of being good despite dealing with his brothers.

Greg wants a video game console that he saw in a magazine for Christmas this year. He states the console he already has is completely outdated. However, he has to be good for one month in order to receive the game console. During a snowy day outside, he and Rowley accidentally damage government property, which could leave them to a life behind bars. Greg is torn between keeping quiet and telling the truth.

The sketches of the suspects responsible for government property damage are similar to the sketches of the suspects for vandalism in the ‘Cabin Fever’ book. The Santa’s Scout doll looks identical to the one in the book of the same name. Greg notices Susan bought him the new game console and hid it in the closet, but is afraid to bring up the subject.

When the electricity is cut, Greg sees this situation as his nightmare, but Susan sees this as an opportunity for family bonding. Furthermore, Greg notices the snow is piling up on the roads in his town.

Greg learns what it means to be good during the holiday season when he gives his new game console to a little boy named Tyler. The message of this Christmas movie is to do good deeds for others and to think of others.

All of the scenes in this film reference the events in the book ‘Cabin Fever’. Though this animated movie is amazing, viewers see no clear representation of people of color. All of the characters and actors are white.