Watch Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day is a 2014 family comedy film directed by Miguel Arteta and based on Judith Viorst's 1972 children's book of the same name. The movie follows the misfortunes of 11-year-old Alexander (Ed Oxenbould), who wakes up to find gum stuck in his hair, trips over his skateboard, and spills ink all over his white shirt before even leaving the house. As he goes through his day, everything seems to go wrong at every turn, from cafeteria mishaps to failed auditions. Feeling like the universe is conspiring against him, Alexander makes a wish that his family would experience one day like his, to show them what his daily life is really like.

Unfortunately for Alexander, his wish comes true, and the rest of his family- dad Ben (Steve Carell), mom Kelly (Jennifer Garner), big brother Anthony (Dylan Minnette), and sister Emily (Kerris Dorsey)- find themselves dealing with a series of calamities that test their patience and resilience. Ben struggles with a job interview that involves getting covered in green slime, Kelly battles a broken dishwasher and a celebrity event gone wrong, Anthony copes with a prom date from hell, and Emily faces stage fright in her Peter Pan school play.

The movie is a heartwarming and humorous look at the ups and downs of family life, and how even the most challenging of days can bring people together. The performances by the cast are excellent, with Steve Carell and Jennifer Garner bringing their signature blend of comedy and warmth to their roles as Alex's parents. Ed Oxenbould is also impressive as Alexander, capturing the frustration and humor of his character's predicament.

One of the strengths of the movie is how it balances the funny moments with the more emotional ones. While there are plenty of laugh-out-loud scenes, such as Ben's disastrous job interview or Kelly's run-in with a kangaroo, the film also delves into the anxieties and insecurities of its characters. Alexander feels like an outsider in his own family, constantly overshadowed by his siblings' achievements, and his wish is a way for him to finally be heard and seen. Similarly, Ben and Kelly struggle with the pressures of raising a family and pursuing their own dreams, and the movie highlights the importance of communication and support in overcoming these challenges.

Another notable aspect of the film is the attention to detail in its visuals and production design. From the vibrant colors of Alexander's room to the elaborate costumes in Emily's play, the movie creates a lively and whimsical world that reflects the imagination and creativity of its characters. The use of special effects to depict the various mishaps and disasters that befall the family is also impressive, with some scenes evoking the slapstick humor of classic comedies.

Overall, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day is a charming and enjoyable family film that offers both laughs and heart. It's a testament to the resilience of families and the power of positivity in the face of adversity. Whether you're a fan of the book or just looking for a feel-good movie to watch with your loved ones, this film is sure to put a smile on your face.

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day is a 2014 kids & family movie. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2 and a MetaScore of 54.