Summer vacation looms for Greg Heffley, played by Zachary Gordon, and his grand plans for endless video games and relaxation are quickly derailed by his father's vision of outdoor family bonding. Caught between his dad's enthusiasm for "character-building" activities and his own desire for a lazy, air-conditioned season, Greg concocts a series of well-intentioned but disastrous schemes to improve his lot. He navigates the perils of a country club membership he can't afford, attempts to impress his crush Holly Hills (Peyton List (II)), and endures the chaotic antics of his best friend Rowley (Robert Capron) and his troublemaking older brother Rodrick (Devon Bostick). Under the direction of David Bowers, this family comedy captures the hilarious and relatable misadventures of a boy just trying to survive what should be the best time of the year, all while dealing with the well-meaning but often embarrassing efforts of his parents, portrayed by Steve Zahn and Rachael Harris.