Lately, coming attractions show all of the funny parts to films. However, I was pleasantly surprised that this wasn’t the case for Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. The movie is based on the 32 page book by Judith Viorst and the screenwriters for this film managed to produce a full-length film with solid comedic pacing and lots of laugh out loud moments throughout the entire film. Alexander’s Very Bad Day is entertaining and was actually much better than I expected. I feel that Alexander will fill the gap in the family live-action comedy genre. The movie is perfect for families with relatable moments and a nice message.
Alexander has a very bad day and he wants his perfect family to experience the type of days he usually has. He makes a wish on a birthday candle which triggers an extreme, over-the-top bad day for his parents and siblings! Do you remember that scene in Pretty in Pink where Duckie rips down the prom sign in his high school hall way? Well, Anthony (Dylan Minnette: Prisoners, Let Me In), Alexander’s older brother, doesn’t pull off that stunt and gets suspended for damaging school property! Then Alexander’s only sister, Emily (Kerris Dorsey: Money Ball, Brothers & Sisters) comes down with the flu on the day of her acting debut as Peter Pan. What else could go wrong? Plenty! Is it wrong to laugh at other people’s misfortune? Seeing, Steve Carell in a pirate’s blouse is hysterical and seeing it catch on fire is even better!
It’s hard to talk about this movie without giving away all of the crazy scenes in this film but the cast is wonderful and that green-faced baby is absolutely adorable. If you have read the book, you already know that Alexander has an infinity for Australia. His mom even assures him that, “Everybody has bad days, even people who live in Australia.” To celebrate Alexander’s love for Australia, the creative time includes iconic Australian animals such as a Kangaroo as well as a special treat from the male review “The Thunder from Down Under”. Don’t worry…it’s a PG film!
The only downside to the movie is Jennifer Garner and Steve Carell. They came off more as friends than a husband and wife team. They were awkward together and not a believable couple. BUT after seeing it for a second time, I’m wondering if this disconnect was intentional. Each member of the family is so self observed that they can’t seem to think past themselves. They seemed to be floating on their own islands rather than being a family. Thankfully, everyone reconnects at the end and realizes that, “You gotta have the bad days so you can love the good days”. And that they all do love each other.
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day is a good-humored movie that the entire family can enjoy TOGETHER!
* We attended a screening for editorial purposes.
