Ritesh Sharma
Directed by Marvin Lemus, Disney+’s ‘Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip’ serves as a spiritual sequel to the 2014 eponymous film, which itself was based on Judith Viorst’s beloved children’s book of the same name as the film. This new adventure reimagines the story with a fresh cast and a different kind of family chaos. The family comedy movie follows 11-year-old Alexander Garcia (Thom Nemer), who believes he is plagued by perpetual bad luck. His mother, Val Garcia (Eva Longoria), a travel writer, plans a family trip to Mexico City aboard a luxury RV as part of her work.
Despite Alexander’s apprehensions, the family—including father Frank (Jesse Garcia), sister Mia (Paulina Chávez), grandmother Lidia (Rose Portillo), and grandfather Gil (Cheech Marin)—embarks on the journey. Their adventure quickly spirals into chaos when they discover that an ancient, cursed idol may be the source of their misfortunes. In classic Alexander fashion, the family must come together to return the idol to its rightful place, navigating a series of comedic and heartfelt misadventures against the backdrop of diverse terrains.
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip Filming Locations
Staying true to its narrative, ‘Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip’ was primarily filmed in New Mexico. The production made full use of Albuquerque’s diverse locations to bring the family’s chaotic yet heartwarming road trip to life. In addition to New Mexico, select scenes were also shot in Los Angeles, California. Filming for the road trip movie began in March 2023 and was likely completed within the same year.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
As the largest city in New Mexico, Albuquerque served as a crucial production hub for the film, offering both logistical advantages and creative flexibility. The city’s well-developed infrastructure, including soundstages and controlled environments, allowed filmmakers to meticulously craft interior and action-heavy sequences. Many pivotal moments, such as the chaotic family interactions inside the RV and key comedic set pieces, were filmed in and around Albuquerque, ensuring a controlled yet authentic setting that enhanced the film’s visual and narrative coherence.
Having Albuquerque nearby gave the production the flexibility to transition seamlessly between expansive outdoor shoots and meticulously designed indoor scenes. The city’s well-established film industry provided access to skilled local crews and essential equipment, streamlining logistics and reducing costs. Additionally, Albuquerque’s diverse landscapes and urban settings allowed it to stand in for multiple locations along the film’s route, adding visual variety without requiring extensive travel. This versatility helped maintain the film’s momentum while preserving the authenticity of its road trip narrative.
Other Locations in New Mexico
In addition to the previously mentioned locations in New Mexico, ‘Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip’ was also filmed in Socorro, a town known for its expansive desert landscapes. Its remote, open terrain likely served as a striking visual contrast to the family’s chaotic journey, heightening the sense of both isolation and adventure. By placing the characters against such vast, unyielding surroundings, the film reinforces the unpredictability of their road trip, emphasizing the challenges—and unexpected beauty—they encounter along the way.
Santa Fe was likely chosen for its vibrant and culturally rich atmosphere, which enhances the film’s road trip setting with an element of spontaneity and visual allure. The city’s historic adobe architecture, bustling plazas, and lively streets created a striking backdrop that reflects both tradition and modernity. Its distinctive Southwestern charm, infused with art, music, and local flavors, added a layer of authenticity and unpredictability to the journey, making it feel immersive and dynamic.
Los Angeles, California
The Los Angeles area in California was seemingly used for the home scenes of ‘Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip,’ both before the family sets out on their journey and after they return. The opening sequences, which establish Alexander’s family dynamics, the setting of their daily lives, and the inciting incident for the road trip, were filmed entirely in Los Angeles neighborhoods and soundstages. This allowed the filmmakers to capture a warm, lived-in family environment that contrasts sharply with the wild and unpredictable road trip that follows. The production infrastructure of the City of Angels provided the team with access to familiar suburban locations, reliable studio space, and seasoned crews, all of which were essential in setting the emotional groundwork of the film.
