Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip

In 2014, Disney produced an adaptation of the 1972 Judith Viorst book, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Brian Orndorf said in his review, “It wasn’t a slavish replication of the literary treasure, but the production found ways to maintain the idea of the writing while bringing it into a new age of family entertainment.” The picture was a big-time fascinator, but a sequel was never announced. A decade later, Disney tries again with “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip,” which is about a new family who must deal with all types of mishaps and torture while trying to get through a nice week of travel. While not as charming as the previous film, the 2025 film has its likability thanks to a brave cast and so much disasters, also looking at Mexican heritage to give the film its own personality.

Young Alexander (Thom Nemer) is fearful of his bad luck, believing he’s big trouble for everyone, including his older sister, Mia (Paulia Chavez). A road trip is planned for his family, as chef Frank (Jesse Garcia) attempts to hide his future unemployment, and mother Val (Eva Longoria), is in charge of the journey as a travel writer, getting access to the large Pathwinder XR RV for a drive to Mexico City, joined by her mom, Lidia (Rose Portillo). Her father, Gil (Cheech Marin, who doesn’t have enough screen time), stays behind to care for the family dog. Orndorf said, “Gearing up for a week of fun, Alexander struggles to find any enjoyment out of the journey after he unearths a cursed idol, believing his loved ones are doomed if they don’t return the “devil monkey” to the place where their ancestor initially stole it.” Instead of a safe drive south, the family faces accidents and misdirection, testing their time as they experience a Mexico they’ve never met before.

This sequel shows Alexander as a nervous kid aware that him being around causes problems all over. Orndorf said, “This includes his sibling, who backs the family car into a fire hydrant while interacting with her little brother, resulting in a smashed vehicle and phone privileges taken away from the teen, who’s eagerly waiting a “promposal” (awareness of this special time becomes a running gag). It’s enough to have the boy fear he’s filled with bad luck, but screenwriter Matt Lopez (2022’s “Father of the Bride” remake) goes full “Brady Bunch” with the situation, introducing a cursed idol that brings nothing but trouble for the family.” Some history of the statue is given, setting up personal connections and possible danger, and the object stays in play throughout the film, always finding ways to come into view, putting Alexander on edge as he tries to return it to its rightful owner.

The trip begins for the family, who drive in a luxury RV, ready to experience a Mexico they’ve never seen before, while driving to a luxury resort. Ideas on heritage are shown throughout the film, as Lidia has concerns the family isn’t connected with their people and past, even not speaking Spanish. Orndorf said, “However, this theme is periodically put on hold while director Marvin Lemus organizes slapstick sequences, as an innocent soda spill snowballs into an RV crash that destroys the massive vehicle. A beater replacement is inhabited by a skunk, forcing the clan to endure a gas station makeover. And a lack of phones inspires the use of a map, which tests Frank’s leadership skills as he decides to cross a river in the junker, and that doesn’t go well. Madcap antics are handled well in “Very Bad Road Trip,” presenting domino effect fun for viewers, capably performed by the excitable cast. “

Orndorf continued, ““Very Bad Road Trip” has a Disney to-do list to mind, and the writing gets a little bogged down while on the hunt for emotional substance, mostly found with family secrets that emerge during the disastrous journey, challenging trust.” Lopez gets a little distracted while trying to give the movie some weight. The picture is more focused as a comedy, managing nightmare scenes involving the idol’s influence, and there’s a trip to a local witch, played by Harvey Guillen, to help identify what type of evil the family is up against. “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip” loses a bit of momentum as it tries to find an ending, but there’s enough entertainment in the trip to a final destination, giving audiences a great time with discombobulated characters handling survival challenges.

This movie was released on Disney+ in March. When I saw it, I thought it was a funny movie and I enjoyed it a lot. If you saw the first one, you should see this and judge based on your own opinion if you like it or not. You might also get educated on Mexican heritage while you are watching it. Check it out and see for yourself.

Tomorrow I will be looking at another “Star Wars” show in “Disney Month 2025.”