Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (2/10/2015)

Rated PG for rude humor including some reckless behavior and language.

Starring Steve Carell, Jennifer Garner, Dylan Minnette, Ed Oxenbould and Kerris Dorsey

Directed by Miguel Arteta (Cedar Rapids and Youth in Revolt)

Don’t let the words terrible, horrible, no good, and very bad scare you, the film is uplifting, hilarious, inspiring, and well made.

Disney’s Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day follows the exploits of 11-year-old Alexander as he experiences the most terrible and horrible day of his young life—a day that begins with gum stuck in his hair, followed by one calamity after another. But when Alexander tells his upbeat family about the misadventures of his disastrous day, he finds little sympathy and begins to wonder if bad things only happen to him. He soon learns that he’s not alone when his brother, sister, mom and dad all find themselves living through their own terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. Anyone who says there is no such thing as a bad day just hasn’t had one.

Jonathan’s Word: When I saw the previews for the film, I wondered what they would do with this theme. It looked funny, but what message would they choose to communicate?

Todd’s Word: Not a lot of inspiring films out these days.

Jonathan’s Word: Exactly. But this film chose to demonstrate how a family stuck together when times got tough, with plenty of laughs along the way.

Todd’s Word: This movie is loosely based on the 32-page children’s book of the same name written by Judith Viorst (it was first published in 1972). It was a staple for my generation and I’m glad they finally brought it to the big screen.

Jonathan’s Word: We used to read the book to my son when he was a kid. We actually referred to the book at times when we had conversations about attitude.

Todd’s Word: The film will rank with many of the good, old-fashioned family comedies. It reminded me of some “classic” movies like Home Alone, Cheaper By The Dozen and Jumanji. Kids of all ages will be able to follow the simple storyline and enjoy the slapstick silliness. Adults will be able to relate to the broad premise – let’s be honest, we’ve all had terrible, horrible, no good, very bad days at some point in our lives.

Jonathan’s Word: Not to mention, they brought in teen characters as well, so you had the teen element as well as the “elementary school” age. Truly a film the whole family can watch together.

Todd’s Word: And everyone will be able to enjoy the cast. This may be a high-profile Walt Disney Studios production but the film’s star is Ed Oxenbould. He plays the “real kid” perfectly. He is fun, believable and very likeable. Steve Carell and Jennifer Garner are both hilarious…but I’m not sure I buy them as a couple.

Jonathan’s Word: I bought it, probably because I’m as goofy as Carell and I have a hot wife. Plus, Garner really shined with some goofy moments of her own.

Todd’s Word: My family popped some popcorn, got comfortable and thoroughly enjoyed this one…and I bet your family will enjoy it too. It is “Theater Worthy.”

Jonathan’s Word: Agree. Enjoy it. I even think it’s “Worth Buying” and watching again and again.

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Yes, this one is fun for the whole family.

CONVERSATION STARTER:

1. When was the last time you had a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day?


2. What happened?


3. How do you respond when things don’t go according to plan?

Read Romans 5:3-5

More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.


4. What does this passage tell us about handling the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad days?


5. Who are some people you can depend on when things go bad?


6. What can you do this week to “rejoice” when things go wrong?