PG 2003 ‧ Family/Comedy ‧ 1h 38m

The 2003 movie “Cheaper by the Dozen” is a comedy film directed by Shawn Levy and starring Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt as parents of twelve children. The film is a loose adaptation of the autobiographical book of the same name by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey. While the basic premise of a large family is retained, the movie takes liberties with the original story for comedic effect.

In the film, Tom (Steve Martin) and Kate Baker (Bonnie Hunt) struggle to balance their demanding careers with raising their twelve children. Chaos ensues when Tom accepts a job offer coaching college football, forcing the family to relocate. The Bakers face various challenges, including sibling rivalries, teenage rebellion, and logistical hurdles related to managing such a large household.

Despite the chaos, the family ultimately learns valuable lessons about the importance of love, communication, and spending quality time together. The film combines heartwarming moments with slapstick comedy, making it an entertaining family movie.

“Cheaper by the Dozen” received mixed reviews from critics but was a commercial success, leading to a sequel, “Cheaper by the Dozen 2,” released in 2005. Both films are known for their lighthearted humor and ensemble cast, including Hilary Duff, Piper Perabo, Tom Welling, and Ashton Kutcher, among others.

Watch it on Disney+