Jennifer Garner & the Thrill of Saying “Yes” (and Tears)
Hollywood stars often swap their ordinary lives for the extraordinary— losing kilos for a weight‑cut role, snagging a new haircut, or even chasing a fresh mental buzz. One actress, however, decided to attach herself to the literal high‑speed thrill of a coaster and came crying like a child.
“Picture This: Twisted Colossus”
When the 48‑year‑old Jennifer Garner sat on the legendary Twisted Colossus, she described it as “one of the scariest roller coasters in the world.” Picture a drop so steep it sends you swirling “in” before you crest, only to catapult back up again. Two trains race side‑by‑side, turning a simple ride into a full‑blown stomach‑downer.
During her Zoom interview about the new Netflix comedy Yes Day, Garner giggled nervously, then kept going: “I was crying the whole time I was on it. I cried after the first loop, and then—when we had to hop on again—I cried again. I was such a baby.” Her authenticity, a bit of vulnerability, made every moment feel raw.
Why a Roller Coaster for an Actress?
Despite being deeply involved in the film’s creation, Jennifer knew the ride would challenge her, but she chose to embrace it. It rings true to the movie’s core: a day of spontaneous “yes‑s” requiring us to let go and roll (with, well, literally) with life’s unexpected twists.
Meet Allison— Mom in Need of a Reality Check
- Allison (played by Garner) is a mother of three who’s hardened by “no’s.”
- Her kids, sensing the stale routine, press her to act more dynamic.
- She vows to show they she’s still a fun, adventurous mum—by hosting a “Yes Day.”
For a full 24 hours, the family must say “yes” to every request, from bizarre snacks to outrageous games. Coffee? Yes. Skydiving? Yes (well, virtually). The film translates the charm and chaos of a children’s book into a relatable, laugh‑out‑loud experience.
The Takeaway
Whether it’s taking on a slope that could crush your stomach or admitting when you’re a baby, the world of showbiz keeps it real. Jennifer Garner’s roller‑coaster saga reminds us that genuine feelings can even make the heaviest rides more enjoyable, and that sometimes, the best way to give your life a new spin is simply to say “Yes,” even if it means tears.
Part of the itinerary was bringing their kids to the popular Six Flags amusement park where Jennifer had to ride the dreaded roller coaster.
Edgar, 43, who was also present during the virtual roundtable, added: “This movie has [fulfilled] a lot of my childhood dreams because I grew up in Venezuela knowing about a mystical place in the north of a continent called Six Flags.
“I was never able to go as a kid and I did it as an adult. At the end of the day, I got to ride all the roller coasters and I can say that the one Jennifer bravely rode was horrifying.”
Nine years of ‘Yes Days’
While the concept of a ‘Yes Day’ may seem daunting (especially to our stricter Asian households), Jennifer revealed that she’s had it for the past nine years with her kids and it’s been a lot of fun. Surprisingly, their requests are not as wild as what is in the movie.
The real-life mother of three said: “What my kids really wanted was to sit in the front seat of the car, they wanted to stand on the console of the car and put their head out of the sunroof — not while I was driving, they wanted to buy lottery tickets, they wanted to stay up really late and not make their beds.
“So those were the yeses, they were much more simple than the ones in the movie. And you know what? They were just as much fun.
“We’ve been doing it for nine years and now, the kids really do try to embarrass me. They do my makeup, they dress me up, they send me out in public, it’s just fun. I’m happy to do anything if they will all be together.”
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Jennifer also pointed out parents “say ‘no’ to their kids more times than they can even think about” and it’s so much that “they are not even aware”.
Edgar agreed and recounted how he was constantly told ‘no’ by his mum as a kid. He said: “I remember going to the supermarket with my mum and just grabbing cookies here and there, and my mum telling me ‘No, no, no’.
“So it’s just about feeling a certain sense of freedom and that is a beautiful thing — to see the kids and how they glow when you tell them that for one day, you’re going to tell them ‘yes’.”
Time is the most beautiful gift
When asked about the biggest lesson they’ve learnt in the making of the movie, Edgar described this movie-making process as a “transformative experience” because it is “a very personal movie for me”.
He explained: “It is a celebration of our love for families and the concept of family — both the family you’re born in and the family you choose to have. And when I read the script, I knew this was an amazing idea… I cannot believe I went back to my childhood… I wish there was a concept similar to this back in the 80s.
“And then the pandemic hit, and the movie, the story, and the experience just gained a whole different meaning. If there’s something that this pandemic has taught all of us, it’s that time and focus is the most beautiful gift you can give to anyone you love. We can’t take it for granted anymore.”
Edgar also revealed that he hasn’t seen his family in Venezuela since the pandemic hit.
“The only thing that I wish right now is just to be in the same physical space as them and hug them and kiss them and never let them go. And I know that is the reality for millions of people around the world right now.”
Yes Day will premiere on Netflix on March 12.
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