It's been several years since I read the books, so there is much that I don't remember about them.
Overall, this was a pretty good film. I think all the actors did a good job. Griffin Gluck gave an earnest and sympathetic performance as Rafe. Andy Daly was a great villain as Principal Dwight. I like how he starts out as a seemingly innocent guy who just likes keeping things in order, then turns out to be a Lawful Evil tyrant over the school, then becomes Neutral Evil to fulfill his own desires.
However, there are a few areas where I have mixed feelings:
First, Rob Riggle as Carl. I thought his performance was great, but I'm not sure he was right for the role for two reasons.
Based on what I remember (and a little research), Carl in the book was a lot more intimidating and horrific due to being a relatively realistic portrayal of an abusive spouse. The film's version is more of a comedic sociopath. While I still liked this character and thought he was funny, he just doesn't feel like the same character from the book.
The film tries to pass Rob Riggle off as overweight, unusually hairy, and physically repulsive, and he's not any of those. This definitely feels like a case of Hollywood Homely. I can't find a picture of Carl from the book, but I think I remember him looking much more overweight and unattractive. Again, this is a weird casting choice.
Second, the animation. While I am happy that the film uses 2D, hand-drawn-looking animation, which is a dying art form at least in mainstream movies, I was disappointed that the art style looks nothing like that of the books.
I also thought it was weird that the bully's cartoon design looks nothing like the actor that plays him.
Also, there is a joke about the Kardashians. That's not something I have mixed feelings on, it's just cringe.
Buuuut... other than that, it's a good movie, especially for kids.
Literature The film: Gives me so many mixed feelings
It's been several years since I read the books, so there is much that I don't remember about them.
Overall, this was a pretty good film. I think all the actors did a good job. Griffin Gluck gave an earnest and sympathetic performance as Rafe. Andy Daly was a great villain as Principal Dwight. I like how he starts out as a seemingly innocent guy who just likes keeping things in order, then turns out to be a Lawful Evil tyrant over the school, then becomes Neutral Evil to fulfill his own desires.
However, there are a few areas where I have mixed feelings:
First, Rob Riggle as Carl. I thought his performance was great, but I'm not sure he was right for the role for two reasons.
Second, the animation. While I am happy that the film uses 2D, hand-drawn-looking animation, which is a dying art form at least in mainstream movies, I was disappointed that the art style looks nothing like that of the books.
I also thought it was weird that the bully's cartoon design looks nothing like the actor that plays him.
Also, there is a joke about the Kardashians. That's not something I have mixed feelings on, it's just cringe.
Buuuut... other than that, it's a good movie, especially for kids.