Flash Movie Review: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
Luck is such a fickle, fluidic vehicle of fate. You cannot depend on it because it is unreliable, at least for some folks. There are terms you may have heard such as, “Born with a lucky horseshoe up their bum” or “If they didn’t have bad luck, they would have no luck at all,” that describe people who seem to be visited frequently by “Lady Luck.” I have noticed that when luck chooses to visit me in a negative way it usually returns in rapid succession once or twice immediately afterwards. Just this past weekend when I was trying to fly back home I wound up being stuck at the airport due to my flight being delayed. Upon the first delay I remembered thinking just my luck, I will have to find something to eat for dinner at the airport. Now someone could say I was lucky to find something to eat; but in my brain, I was upset because a mixed green salad, fruit cup, snack sized bag of chips and a small bottle of water cost me $21.00. When the flight was delayed for the second time I realized I would miss the opportunity to catch a film on the way home after landing. By the 3rd delay I was getting anxious because I did not know if public transportation would still be running. Finally arriving late at night, I missed the train as it pulled out of the station and had to wait 15 minutes for the next one. Finally exiting at my stop it started raining as I walked 20 minutes to my car, parked at my office. I could certainly relate to the main character of this family comedy regarding having a bad day. ALEXANDER, played by Ed Oxenbould (Puberty Blues-TV), was used to having a bad day. However, when his family members all began to experience one of his typical bad days Alexander was not sure they would be able to handle it. Based on Judith Viorst’s book series, this comedic drama stayed at a steady pace thanks to the director. With Steve Carell (The Way Way Back, The Office-TV) and Jennifer Garner (Dallas Buyers Club, Valentine’s Day) as Alexander’s parents Ben and Kelly Cooper, the cast was well suited to handle both the comedic and dramatic sides of the story. The trailer was a good representation of the film; the unlucky events were consistent. There was nothing major in a negative way in this movie; I just found it a bit too fluffy for my tastes and a bit predictable. As for the rest of my day afterwards, this movie did not contribute either way in making it a good or bad day.
2 1/3 stars
Posted on October 15, 2014, in Comedy and tagged 2 1/3 stars, bad luck, comedy, dylan minnette, family, jennifer garner, judith viorst, Lady Luck, steve carell. Bookmark the permalink. 8 Comments.
I remember reading the book; it was great.
Thanks for letting me know. If you see the film I would like to hear how it compares to the book.
Glad to see you like it! I think we’re taking my son and daughter this weekend to see it so I’m hopeful they’ll like it as well.
Have a great time with the family; I look forward to hearing your take on the film. Thanks for the comments.
This sounds like a movie my kids would enjoy on a rainy afternoon on the couch munching popcorn.
Sounds like a plan to me; enjoy the fun.
Looks like a great kid’s movie. Thanks for the review!
My pleasure; I would like to hear what you and your family think of it. Thanks for the comments.