This film, based on the beloved children's book by Judith Viorst and starring Steve Carell, Jennifer Garner and Ed Oxenbould as Alexander, is a wonderful family movie that can be enjoyed with your school-aged kids without worrying about violence, profanity or other unsavory behavior. There is some rude humor and a bit of reckless behavior but, overall, it's pretty tame yet funny. Alexander's bad luck spreads to his family members and once they experience their own "bad" things, the end result brings everyone closer together. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Gerry O., age 12, comments, "This film has comedy that isn't just little jokes or things that are commonly seen in lots of normal comedies but, unique and creative comedy that is really funny." Kayla P, age 12, adds, "The message of this film is not to focus on the negative but the positive." See their full reviews below.
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
Reviewed by Gerry O, Age 12, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic
What a hilarious adventure! Something I like about this film is that although it's a comedy, at the same time, the directors have created a story so it doesn't feel as if it's just one big joke. In my estimation, it is just perfect.
This film has a bubble of unique comedy that sends the audience laughing out loud. And, it has a sprinkle of romance packaged with it which makes it a unique story.
The story starts out showing an eleven-(soon to be twelve)-year-old kid who always has bad days while everyone else in his entire family always has perfect days. On the very early morning of his 12th birthday he wishes that his family members would have a bad day. Well they do! And, phew, is it bad!
This film has comedy that isn't just little jokes or things that are commonly seen in lots of normal comedies but, unique and creative comedy that is really funny. The actors are all well suited to their roles and, something I love about this film is that the ending is not easily predictable. Also, the story is created in such a way that the comedy is just a part of the story. The creators managed to get a very important message through to the audience.
My favorite scene is when the sister is under the weather with a common cold but has a play that day. She decides to drink a whole bunch of cough medicine and gets drunk during the play. This part is absolutely hilarious. The entire audience, including me, could not stop laughing during this scene.
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day is a young kid film but not too young. I would recommend for ages 9 to 18 and I give it 5 out of 5 stars for a great story, fantastic acting and unbelievable comedy!
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible No Good Very Bad Day
By Kayla Powell, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 12
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible No Good Very Bad Day is a fantastic movie. It's about a boy named Alexander who has a bad day everyday so he makes a wish at midnight on his 12th birthday that his family would understand what it is like to have a horrible day. It turns out that Alexander curses the day for his family. The problem with this is that everyone has something major to do the day that Alexander curses his family. His sister Emily is supposed to be Peter Pan in a play. His brother Anthony is supposed to be attending his Junior Prom, his mom has to publish a book and, if it is successful, she will get a promotion and raise, while his father has an interview with a video gaming company. Everyone believes that their day will be perfect however, you will see that it may not be exactly what he or she thinks. The entire day is not a disaster, Alexander has a wonderful birthday party and amazing things happens to other the members of his family as well.
The message of this film is not to focus on the negative but the positive; throughout the film while Alexander's family has a bad day, his dad keeps telling Alexander to think positively. Although our day may not be perfect, thinking positively will help you have a good and healthy perspective.
My favorite character is the mom, Kelly Cooper. I like her because even though she is having a bad day she is determined to persevere and get everything done.
My favorite scene is when Alexander trips over the water sprinkler and falls face first. It is hilarious.
Alexander and the Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day is perfect for girls and boys ages 6-18. I give this film 5 out of 5 stars. This film opens in theaters nationwide on October 10, 2014.
Gerry Orz
Kayla Powell