See it at the Movies

ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY

Joyce and Don Fowler
Posted 10/16/14

* * *

(Silly family comedy)

This silly family comedy has its funny moments, with the humor and messages aimed squarely at the kids, but there are also some funny moments for their parents, if …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

E-mail
Password
Log in
See it at the Movies

ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY

Posted

* * *

(Silly family comedy)

This silly family comedy has its funny moments, with the humor and messages aimed squarely at the kids, but there are also some funny moments for their parents, if they can make it through the bathroom humor, teenage angst and a few really dumb scenes.

Alexander (Ed Oxenbould) is the 12-year-old kid in a sickeningly happy family. Dad (Steve Carell), Mom (Jennifer Garner) older brother and sister, and baby brother all lead a charming life, while poor Alexander always has that proverbial black cloud over his head.

Alexander wishes that his family members could “feel his pain” and understand how miserable his life is. The kid gets his wish. The following day, everything goes wrong for his parents and siblings.

Carell plays the perfect optimist and family cheerleader, always looking on the bright side of life, even when his son wrecks his car, daughter drinks a bottle of cough syrup and flies (literally) through the set of Peter Pan, baby covers his face with a permanent green felt marker...and that’s only the beginning.

Their misadventures all happen ad nauseum, as Alexander looks forward to his birthday party, Dad interviews for a new job, sister prepares for her Peter Pan role, brother gets ready for the prom, and Mom oversees Dick Van Dyke reading a book she is promoting to schoolchildren and their parents.

But this is a Disney movie, folks, and there has to be a happy message with positive messages about the importance of family and having a positive attitude.

Rated PG, with some bathroom humor and occasional bad behavior, but the family, and the parents who have to sit through this thing, survive. Note: The Saturday matinee was sold out, and the kids seemed to laugh a lot and enjoy the antics. Where are The Three Stooges when you need them?

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here