ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY (Miguel Arteta). 81 minutes. Opens Friday (October 10). For venues and times, see Movies. Rating: NN
Alexander And The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day sticks to the spirit in Judith Viorst’s children’s picture book while adding its own ingratiating material to fill a feature-length movie. The loose adaptation is by no means terrible, but, unlike the book, it’s not particularly memorable.
The original story follows the prepubescent Alexander on a single day that begins with gum in his hair and continues to go awry with a series of coincidental mishaps that remain very relatable for young audiences. The movie version of Alexander’s no good day is actually just an opening act the child, played by the mildly likeable Ed Oxenbould, goes on to wish misfortune on his family so they can understand his life.
That wish comes true when Mom (Jennifer Garner), Dad (Steve Carell) and siblings confront a stacked deck of disasters at work, the junior prom, driving tests and the school play, every turn more manic and derivative as the plot chugs along. The final straw involves an escaped kangaroo.
The actors have some charm and energy, keeping the movie jittering along on its monotonous ride.
