Cheaper by the Dozen

Cast: Steve Martin, Bonnie Hunt, Piper Perabo, Tom Welling, Hilary Duff, Alyson Stoner and Ashton Kutcher.

Director: Shawn Levy

Release Date: 2003

Running Time: 1hr 38 minutes

Genre: Family/Comedy

Rating: PG

Synopsis:

The Bakers are a family of 14, move from a small town in Chicago to the big city, after Tom (Steve Martin) gets his big break to coach a football team. His wife (Bonnie Hunt) also gets her dream job, getting her book published, however when she's away getting her book published, Tom has a hard time keeping things in order...with 12 children!

This is a remake of the classic film from 1950 which originally starred Clifton Webb and Myrna Loy! Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt star in this wonderful remake, directed by Shawn Levy who also brought us the hit movie "Night at the Museum" which starred Ben Stiller. It's become apparent that Levy likes to make feel good family films. Cheaper by the Dozen is made up of a wonderful cast, especially with big star Steve Martin who you might recognize from "Father of the Bride" or "The Pink Panther" he works beautifully alongside the beautiful Bonnie Hunt, their chemistry is perfect in this film. Ashton Kutcher has a very interesting role in this movie. One scene in particular is extremely funny!

The acting in this film isn't perfect, but it's still really good,  It's still really enjoyable. Although Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt steal most of the show, as the loving parents to twelve mischievous children. This movie reminds me a little bit of the remake "Yours mine and ours" which starred Dennis Quaid. I do feel like this is a slight rip off and visa versa. It is what it is though, don't expect too much from it. There's the odd moment where I think some of the acting is absolutely ridiculous particularly the line "Save my baby" it sounds awful. Not too sure what the screenwriters were thinking when they wrote that line.

On a lighter note, there is definitely a nice feel good family vibe to this movie. As a whole the storyline is really good and doesn't take long to get going. It gets straight to the point pretty fast. There is really good characterization between each child, each one in their own right does a pretty good job. There are some moments that might pull on your heart strings a little bit. Let's face it, it wouldn't be a family film if it didn't right? There are some truly hilarious moments, soaking underwear in meat is all I'm gonna say! Some moments will definitely make you laugh out loud!

"You soaked his underwear in meat...that is so wrong....funny...but wrong"

The cinematography really isn't too bad, Shawn Levy clearly likes his film to have a certain vibe to them. Lots of lighting, straightforward photography. Nothing spectacular, no special effects as such, plenty of comedy and fun! As a whole this is a really entertaining film with a wonderful cast. This is a perfect movie to watch on a Sunday afternoon with your kids! Don't expect too much and you'll love it.
The soundtrack really isn't too bad with hit songs from bands like Simple Plan and Sum 41, If your not too sure who they are, I guarantee you'll kids will know! Heartwarming and funny!

Cheaper by the Dozen was really good!

4/5 stars