Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Family faces peril, mishaps in book-based road trip comedy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip
What's the Story?
The Garcia family is about to set out on a road trip in ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD ROAD TRIP. Mom Val (Eva Longoria), a travel writer, is commissioned to drive the American Southwest in a souped-up RV. Dad Henry (Jesse Garcia) is a chef whose restaurant is closing, though he has yet to tell his family. Teenager Mia (Paulina Chavez) is none too happy to have to spend family time on the road, especially during "prom-posal" week. Youngest Alexander (Thom Nemer), who considers himself to have the worst luck in the world, has all kinds of concerns about the trip. It turns out he might have been right to worry.
Is It Any Good?
This family film has good vibes and likable characters, even if the comic timing isn't always perfect. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip feels like a flashback to family films from the past, with its National Lampoon's Vacation-like, mishap-filled road trip and its Brady Bunch-reminiscent evil idol cursing a goodhearted family. The centering on a Mexican American family offers depth in the multigenerational relationships and some good-natured ribbing about what makes a "real Mexican." Despite their misfortunes and squabbles, this is a loving family you won't mind being a part of for a while.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip compares with the book and an earlier film adaptation. What's new, and what's changed?
Why does the family believe they are cursed by the ancient idol? Do you believe in curses?
How do the different family members relate to their Mexican heritage? In what ways does this compare with your own experience among different generations of your family? Explain.
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : March 28, 2025
- Cast : Eva Longoria , Jesse Garcia , Cheech Marin
- Director : Marvin Lemus
- Inclusion Information : Latino Movie Director(s) , Mexican Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Disney+
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Transportation ( Cars & Trucks ) , Fantasy ( Magic ) , Book Characters , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Run time : 94 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some thematic elements and brief language.
- Last updated : March 3, 2026
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