Common Sense Media Review
By Yvonne Condes
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sweet book-based comedy has great family messages.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 44 parent reviews
Parents say this movie is a fun and funny family experience that delivers positive messages about family and handling difficult situations, though some feel it contains inappropriate language and themes for children. While many appreciate the humor and relatability, some parents express concern over specific scenes involving mature subjects, like drunken behavior and discussions about body parts, suggesting it may not be suitable for all viewers.
- funny family experience
- positive messages
- mature themes
- language concerns
- relatable humor
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 53 kid reviews
Kids say that while the movie offers great family messages and some genuine humor, it pushes the boundaries of what is appropriate for a children's film with frequent crude jokes and innuendos, including some references that might go over younger viewers' heads. Opinions are divided, with some praising it as a funny and uplifting experience, while others criticize it for being poorly acted and heavy on inappropriate content.
- funny moments
- family themes
- inappropriate content
- mixed reviews
- good messages
- kid-friendly humor
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
The day before his 12th birthday, Alexander (Ed Oxenbould) is having a very bad day while his family is on top of the world in ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY. His unemployed dad, Ben (Steve Carell), finally has a promising job interview, while his mom, Kelly (Jennifer Garner), is up for a big promotion. His 16-year-old brother, Anthony (Dylan Minnette), is poised to get his driver's license the day of his high school prom, and his 13-year-old sister, Emily (Kerris Dorsey), is starring as Peter Pan in her middle school play. Frustrated by their lack of empathy for his underdog status, Alexander makes a birthday wish that his family would get a taste of what it's like to have a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day....
Is It Any Good?
This is a cute family movie with great messages that tweens and parents will enjoy together. It's based on Judith Viorst's classic book of the same name, but it feels as much like that book as it does Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Alexander, charmingly played by Oxenbould, captures what it's like to be an awkward tween in love with a girl for the first time and stuck in the middle of a perfect family. And, the Coopers at first seem a little too perfect (talented sister, popular son, handsome dad, beautiful mom), but Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day really turns funny -- and relatable -- when the whole clan's day becomes terrible, horrible.
Carell is great at playing a man who initially appears to be the world's most patient, loving, and optimistic dad -- and he's even better when he's a mess. Garner's working mom expresses a realistic amount of guilt when she stares longingly at her baby, but she really shines when she gets to let loose. There are some funny jokes that will go over kids' head -- so parents won't be bored -- as well as enough action and laughs to keep kids entertained, too.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the fact that Alexander feels ignored by his family in Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day because of their busy lives. Have you ever felt that way? Do you think families today try to do too much? What are your family's priorities? What do the Coopers learn about each other over the course of their terrible day? How do their priorities change? What are the movie's messages about family?
A middle school student takes an inappropriate picture of Alexander and spreads it around school, embarrassing him. What steps would you take if that kind of cyberbullying happened to you?
How do the characters in Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day demonstrate perseverance and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
Anthony is treated badly by his girlfriend. What makes it clear that their relationship isn't ideal? Would you tell your boyfriend or girlfriend to stop if he/she weren't treating you with respect?
Fans of the book: How is the movie different than the book? Did you enjoy the added details about Alexander's siblings and parents? What are some of your favorite book adaptations?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 10, 2014
- On DVD or streaming : February 10, 2015
- Cast : Steve Carell , Jennifer Garner , Ed Oxenbould
- Director : Miguel Arteta
- Inclusion Information : Latino Movie Director(s) , Puerto Rican Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Book Characters , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Character Strengths : Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 81 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : rude humor including some reckless behavior and language
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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