If you recall, over the summer I attended an amazing press trip thanks to Walt Disney Pictures! During my time out in Los Angeles, I was able to screen a wonderful family comedy that comes out this Friday… ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY!
Now I remember reading the book as a kid, so when I found out we would get to screen the film, I was super excited! I remember the book being so funny. Like many children’s book film adaptions, the film doesn’t stick to the book’s exact plot. That can be expected. The plot that the filmmakers came up with was absolutely, adorable, actually relatable, and full of fun and laughs!
The film centers around 11-year-old Alexander (played by Ed Oxenbould) and his family. Alexander experiences what he believes to be the most terrible and horrible day of his young life! We are talking tripping in front of his crush, gum stuck in his hair, and setting his science work on fire!
When Alexander tries to “vent” to his upbeat happy family about his day, he gets little sympathy. He goes to bed that night wishing that his family would experience a horrible day just like him…
The following day, Alexander finds that he’s not alone! His mom (Jennifer Garner), dad (Steve Carell), brother (Dylan Minnette) and sister (Kerris Dorsey) all find themselves in their own terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day!
His mom ends up late for a major work event that involves a book reading by Dick Van Dyke, where it turns out there is a VERY UNFORTUNATE misspelling in the book! His unemployed engineer dad has to go to his big job interview with his mischievous baby son in tow. His older brother has not only a major zit on his head, but soon there are girlfriend troubles and a horrific drivers test too! Lastly, his sister wakes up with a serious sickness on the day of her school musical where she stars in the title tole of Peter Pan.
I found the family to be absolutely charming and as a busy working mom, I can totally relate to Garner’s character of trying to balance being a mom, and making it to all important work events on time!
I thought the cast had great chemistry together! They were absolutely believable as a family, and despite everything going on in the plot, they still pulled together to create an amazing birthday for Alexander.
I have to say though, one of the most hilarious moments in the film was during Alexander’s birthday. Let’s just say the wrong “entertainment” was booked for the event… Entertainment not exactly appropriate for a children’s birthday party! That scene had me laughing in stitches!
Overall I really enjoyed the film, especially since it is a family film, which I admit I don’t usually see in the theaters. My son is only 3 so the films we watch are geared more towards his age. I’m really glad Disney offered me the chance to screen this film! There are many laugh out loud moments, but I just love the message of the family coming together, despite their “bad days”, to give Alexander the best day!
Film Clips
To get you even more excited for the film, check out these fun clips from the movie!
“Stop, Drop & Roll”
“XOXO”
“Effort On The Potty”
“This Day Was Cursed”
Mattress Firm Sleepstakes Contest
Mattress Firm, Inc., the leading retailer of mattresses and bedding accessories in the United States, is collaborating with the film to present a “terrific, wonderful, awesome, very good night” Sleepstakes contest! Participants can enter for a chance to win the six-week Sleepstakes, which will run from now through October 28th, Oct. by visiting www.mattressfirm.com/alexander
To register for the Sleepstakes contest, entrants will provide a written submission along with a photograph or video of their “terrible, horrible, no good, very bad” mattress stories, explaining why they need a “terrific, wonderful, awesome, very good night.” Participants can enter for a chance to win $5,000, a Beautyrest queen-size mattress set and more. Upon entry, all participants will receive a special coupon for $100 off their mattress purchase of $598 or more, to ensure all entrants can enjoy a “terrific, wonderful, awesome, very good night.”
The Details
Don’t forget to connect with VERY BAD DAY on Facebook and Twitter!
ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY opens in theaters everywhere on Friday, October 10th! This family comedy is rated PG.
While I attended an expense paid trip by Disney to a screening of the film, all opinions are 100% my own. Images provided by Walt Disney Publications.
Looks like a fun movie! My kids would really enjoy the laughing involved!
I had the chance to see this movie last week and LOVED it!! It is perfect for kids of all ages and has a great family message. I can’t wait to take the kids!
We love the book and cannot wait to see the movie. It looks so funny and what a cast!
I totally want to see this movie since I’ve read the book a million times (former teacher) and I love the cast! Great sweepstakes too, who doesn’t need a brand new mattress!
I am so jealous of your press trip! Sounds amazing. I actually really want to see this movie. I know my almost 8 year old would love it, but what do you think about a 4 year old?
Definitely great for an 8 year old, but unsure about a 4 year old. My son is 3 going on 4 in a few months, and I think he is still too young for this movie to hold his attention.
Looks like a movie my son would love!