Road Trip Disaster: How a Family Unravels in ‘Alexander’s Hilariously Bad Journey’!

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On a humorous and culturally rich road trip, a Mexican-American family unearths their ancestry while tackling an old curse, filled with unforeseen mishaps. The remake of the 2014 film and Judith Viorst’s beloved children’s book brings Latino flavor to the story. Topics such as embracing your heritage and appreciating cultural diversity are highlighted, although humor attempts are forced and there seems to be a lack of chemistry among the cast. The humor might appeal to younger viewers, while parents may find the 90-minute runtime dragging on unnecessarily.

11-year-old Alexander Garcia (Thom Nemer) often feels anxious about the family’s imminent journey from Denver to Mexico City due to his belief in a string of bad luck. His mother, Val (Eva Longoria), who is known for her travel writing, has arranged a lavish motorhome for their comfortable and stylish travel. Alex’s sister, Mia (Paulina Chávez), also shares his worries and keeps a close eye on him because of his tendency to create chaos. She often checks her phone for a schoolboy crush’s “promposal”. Meanwhile, Frank (Jesse Garcia), their father, hasn’t disclosed that his restaurant is facing financial difficulties.

Garcia Family Values

On the much-anticipated day, it turns out that Alex, as expected, creates chaos. With Lidia (Rose Portillo), Val’s mother and the kids’ grandmother, along with everyone else, piling into the RV, there’s a palpable unease about the journey ahead. Frank’s dad, the tough-as-nails, motorcycle enthusiast Gilbert (Cheech Marin), shows up at the last minute to look after the house and dog while they’re away. Lidia dislikes Gilbert intensely, and Alex finds his macho behavior less than appealing.

In my latest review, I delved into a chilling tale where I, the protagonist, unearthed an ancient Mexican idol hidden in a dusty chest passed down through generations. My great-great-grandfather, Alejandro, was apparently cursed by three witches after he failed to return a charm said to bring good fortune. Skepticism filled me as I dismissed the curse as mere superstition and carelessly discarded it.

However, my apprehensions grew stronger when I finally identified the source of my persistent bad luck – the very idol I had so casually disposed of. The fear that had been simmering inside me began to escalate exponentially.

Artificial Bonds & Predictable Turns

The story of Alexander and a Troublesome, Awful, Terrible, Extremely Bad Journey sets out to introduce the characters and the relationships within the Garcia family. Initially, we witness Alex and Mia having disagreements, Val disciplining Mia for the first time with an effort that brings about laughter, and Frank attempting to conceal his restaurant’s struggles. These moments are designed to make us sympathize with the characters as they are introduced and prepare us for their forthcoming journey.

It appears their relationships seem more scripted than genuine. The Garcia family comes across as if they are merely acting out their roles instead of portraying a genuine family unit. There’s an undercurrent of discomfort that’s difficult to define yet noticeable on-screen. Longoria delivers a commendable performance, but she and the younger supporting cast lack chemistry. This is a significant hurdle that the movie fails to surmount.

In the sequel, events unfold as expected, with odd incidents cropping up every so often in the script. Unfortunately for Alex, his mishap results in damaging the luxurious RV, leaving the family cramped in an old, musty vehicle instead. Out of nowhere, the idol mysteriously emerges, sending Alex’s stress levels skyrocketing. A meeting with Mia and a comical fortune-teller eventually uncovers the steps needed for Alex to lift the idol’s curse. To keep their parents in the dark, they feign enthusiasm about completing the trip, which now compels them all to interact closely. This situation provides the Garcias an opportunity to grasp one another better and reaffirm family values, despite its somewhat corny nature. It’s a relatable scenario for many: getting stranded with relatives and discovering a newfound affection for them.

Embracing Mexican Heritage

The movie implies that the Garcia family strongly identifies with their Mexican heritage, even though they aren’t fluent in Spanish initially. It’s not clear why this is the case and it seems unrealistic, but you have to go along with it. As their situation worsens, they learn Spanish as Mexican heroes come to their aid. Additionally, there are subtle jabs at the Garcias being considered “undocumented” in Mexico, which can be seen as a satirical commentary on how illegal immigrants are often treated in the U.S. However, this could potentially be controversial for some viewers who view this subject matter with sensitivity. Regardless of personal opinions or political leanings, it’s important to remember that this is a children’s film and there’s no need to overreact or make political statements.

On their disappointing road trip, Alexander and his companions find themselves stranded when they run out of gas. This predictable climax is not terrible but utterly forgettable. The characters fail to leave a lasting impression, and the overly sweet ending provides only a hollow resolution.
The movie feels like settling for a burrito from Chipotle instead of finding that perfect food truck gem.
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip is a collaboration between Walt Disney Pictures, 21 Laps Entertainment, and The Jim Henson Company. It will be available exclusively on Disney+ from March 28th. Here’s the link to watch it: [Disney+ Link]

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2025-03-28 10:32