Family Movie Review: "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day"

My sons had a day off from school today and top of our agenda was to go see Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.  Let me start off by saying that we have not one, but TWO copies of this children's classic by Judith Viorst in our home library.  The movie, however, is only loosely based on the story. In actuality, it is the book on steroids!  

My 12-year-old said he primarily came to see it because Steve Carell, his favorite actor, stars as Alexander's father, and was, undoubtedly, the character that received the most laughs from him. Envision Carell doing mommy/baby yoga - are you smiling yet?  Jennifer Garner as the mom was a hoot in this comedy role! But hats off to the entire cast of young actors lead by Ed Oxenbould who was a delight as Alexander.

This film is rated PG but is generally suitable for the entire family.  Although, my sons and I feel that the target audience is for families with children ranging from 7 to 13.  There were families in the theater that only had toddlers and preschool children with them.  There isn't necessarily anything inappropriate for this age group in my opinion (heard the word crap once), but they won't appreciate all the humor and the sentimental family moments.  Therefore, why bother paying the exorbitant prices?

I felt the movie started off really strong, then dragged in the middle a bit (probably because of its predictability) but finished strong, mainly thanks to Carell, a kangaroo, and some "PG-strippers." The theater was packed and filled with laughter. Overall, this is a fun, family movie that my sons and I would recommend.  Sure it was unrealistic and corny, but who cares!  My sons, along with the rest of the audience, loved it!  

The take-away from this movie?  "You just gotta have the bad days so you can love the good days even more." Thank you for that, Alexander. 

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