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Cheaper by the Dozen (2003)
Rated: PG
Runtime: 1 hr 46 mins
Theatrical Release: 13-02-2004
Synopsis: College sweethearts Tom (Steve Martin) and Kate (Bonnie Hunt) both dreamed of having both fulfilling careers and a huge family. But after they had a few kids, Kate gave up her career as a sportswriter, Tom abandoned his hope of becoming the coach of their alma mater's football team, and they... College sweethearts Tom (Steve Martin) and Kate (Bonnie Hunt) both dreamed of having both fulfilling careers and a huge family. But after they had a few kids, Kate gave up her career as a sportswriter, Tom abandoned his hope of becoming the coach of their alma mater's football team, and they moved their brood from the city to the country. Now, after 12 children and a happy life in rural Illinois, Tom has been offered the chance to live his dream and coach the Stallions. No sooner does the family pack up and move to Chicago to pursue Tom's dream job than Kate's ship comes in as well: a publisher has picked up her manuscript based on her experiences raising 12 children. Of course, there's a hitch. Kate has to go to New York for a few days, leaving Tom as the primary caregiver for his clan. Can Tom hold it together with his kids--who didn't want to move in the first place--pulling him one way and the university pulling him the other? Shawn Levy directs this likable update of the 1950 film of the same title, which was based on a true (and very different) story. [More]
Genre: Comedies
Starring: Bonnie Hunt, Steve Martin, Tom Welling, Piper Perabo, Hilary Duff
Screenwriter: Sam Harper, Joel Cohen, Alec Sokolow
Story: Craig Titley
Producer: Robert Simonds, Michael Barnathan, Ben Myron
Composer: Christophe Beck
Reviews
A rarely funny comedy that's unlikely to keep even the most undemanding ankle biters amused.
While the film does keep adults and kids relatively entertained, it also drifts into both lame slapstick and sappy sentimentality.
Good comedy is derived from the characters, but this film doesn't establish its characters well enough to be effective on that level.
It’s not that Cheaper by the Dozen is awful. Worse than that, it’s just plain dull.
Life in the Baker house is as chaotic as life in the original 1950 Cheaper Gilbreth house was well-ordered and organized. I think I like the in-name-only remake better.
Good-natured and nicely suited for family viewing, but too many of the gags and plot points are old and unfunny.
Sweet, syrupy and corny. But it made us laugh. DVD disc doesn't add much to what's on-screen.
...the film is about children who are so selfish they ensure their parents are as unhappy as the audience.
Hunt’s shunted aside in favor of the camera-hogging Martin, who grandfathers in his exasperated Parenthood act.
A combination of clever writing, top-notch comedic leads, winning performances from the youngest Bakers, and a genuine affection for old-fashioned (read: big and loud) families elevates Cheaper above the dreaded kid-movie dreck.
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Cheaper by the Dozen at IGN
Cheaper by the Dozen at AskMen

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