The story follows Alexander Cooper (Ed Oxenbould), a young boy who is having a particularly bad day. He wakes up to find gum in his hair, faces embarrassing moments at school, and feels generally overlooked by his family.
Upon making a birthday wish the night before, Alexander’s family members each experience their own series of misfortunes the following day. His older brother Anthony (Dylan Minnette) faces a disastrous driving test, his sister Emily (Kerris Dorsey) deals with a breakup, his father Ben (Steve Carell) has a challenging job interview, and his mother Kelly (Jennifer Garner) is trying to organize an important book launch.
As each family member navigates their own calamities, Alexander begins to feel guilty for inadvertently causing their troubles. However, his family rallies together to support each other through the challenges.
The climax of the film occurs during Alexander’s school play, where everything seems to go wrong. However, the family comes together, and their day takes a turn for the better. They celebrate Emily’s birthday with a joyous family dinner.
In the end, Alexander learns that everyone has bad days, and it’s okay to have them. The film emphasizes the importance of family support and finding humor in challenging situations.
“Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” received mixed reviews from critics but was praised for its lighthearted and family-friendly approach. The film carries a positive message about the resilience of families in the face of adversity.