Top critical review
3.0 out of 5 starsClear attempt to tone down Greg's psychopathic behavior...
Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2017
I'm not sure if those reading are aware of the video posted on YouTube that attempts to dissect the idea that Greg Heffley, star character of the Wimpy Kid books, is an emerging psychopath. I honestly feel that video makes some great points about the character and I always thought Greg was a big brat, but this book honestly makes me feel that Kinney has been made aware of this fan theory in the YouTube video and is attempting to curb how people view Greg's behavior a negative light.
The thing is, Kinney didn't need to do this. Yes, when you look at some of the things Greg had done in past books, he does exhibit some traits of a emerging psychopath (which I chose to see/classify as "bratiness" before seeing the video) but the fact that Greg held so few things in personal regard (other people's feelings, etc.) is why many people loved/still love the character. In The Getaway so much of this is stripped away and there is a much bigger focus on situational comedy which makes this book feel very plebeian. It's kind of fitting that the picture on the front is of a plane because the entire books feels like it is on autopilot.
I know that others (older) readers will say the books have been slipping in quality over time, but I honestly didn't mind or see this until this one. Again, their are some clear shifts in tone and characterization here, and yes, younger readers might gloss over that, but The Getaway is a turning point/crossroads for the franchise. I'm eager to see where things go from here, but again, while we all know Greg is rather ungrateful and unfeeling -
that's kind of what we want.