Review: Disney's 'Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day' Is Awkwardly Amusing, Great for Kids
OUT OF 5 STARS: 3
"Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day"
Rated PG for rude humor, some reckless behavior and language
Running Time: 81 minutes
Opens: Friday, October 10
Stars: Steve Carrell, Jennifer Garner
Directed by Miguel Arteta
Disney's "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day" is a quintessential and playful family film that tells a mirthful story about a dysfunctional family that manages to stick together through thick and thin.
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Miguel Arteta, best known for Directing "The Good Girl" (2002), applies silly humor to satirical themes in his slightly impossible yet strangely relatable film about 11-year-old Alexander Cooper (Ed Oxenbould) and his seemingly "cursed" family.
As per the annoyingly long title, the adorable Alexander has a dreadful day and unintentionally curses his family for 24 hours. He makes a birthday wish that they too will know exactly how it feels to have a bad day, and like clock work (the magic of Disney films), his wish is granted.
Like so many other Disney films, "Alexander" is set in peaceful suburban America, where white picket fences, neatly mowed lawns and a clear blue sky sets the scene every day. Terry Stacey (cinematogrophy) captures this beautifully throughout the film.
However, the Cooper family, almost like something out of Fox's 2000 sitcom "Malcolm In The Middle," is far from perfect--even more so after Cooper's wish comes true.
The film's narrative centers on the family's "horrible" day and each awkwardly funny character's unique problem.
Alexander's father Ben, played by "The Office" star Steve Carell, is a stay-at-home dad eager to get back into the workforce, however, his dreams are threatened when an exciting job interview takes place on the same day that his family is cursed.
Arteta was wise in casting the hilarious Carell, who adds star power and goofy humor to the otherwise safely amusing, ho-hum film.
"Alexander" opens with a glimpse of the ending, which is the first of many unrealistic scenes throughout the film ... a common flaw that tends to be overlooked when it comes to Disney films.
The Coopers look disheveled and out of place upon returning home to their bright, sunny neighborhood, a quick indicator that something isn't right. As they make their way out of their doorless minivan and unlock their front door, they begin screaming in fear at the four-legged surprise that greets them, but all is explained during the happy ending.
Real-life mother of three Jennifer Garner executes her role as Kelly Cooper, Alexander's Mom, nicely. Though not her most enthralling role, the "Alias" star's portrayal of a frumpy, working mother of four desperate for a promotion is effortless and at times relatably funny.
In addition to having to navigate their way through one of the worst days ever, Alexander's parents must prepare to throw him a birthday party, but they are pressed for time, so their task proves to be a challenge.
Arteta should be commended for casting the perfect selection of unusual characters that make up the Cooper family. They also include Dylan Minnette as Anthony, a self absorbed teenager obsessed with being crowned "Duke" at prom, and his drama queen sister Emily (Kerris Dorsey) whose entire existence revolves around theater and her role as "Peter Pan" in the school play.
After watching his unsuspecting family suffer through humiliating but hilarious ordeals, Alexander decides to accept responsibility so he apologizes for "cursing" them and is instantly forgiven. Through it all, the Coopers stand united and ultimately learn a valuable lesson about the importance of family and not taking life for granted, no matter how tough it gets.
The film, though perhaps a bit too inane to humor adults, is sure to make preteens giggle.
